Sustainable Christmas Catering

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The holidays are a time for family, friends, and—let’s face it—lots of food. But how can we indulge without creating heaps of waste?

Fortunately, there are plenty of simple swaps you can make to ensure your catering is as sustainable as it is delicious.

Say Goodbye to Plastic Disposables

If you’ve ever hosted a holiday party, you know how tempting it is to reach for disposable plates and cutlery. But single-use plastic is one of the worst offenders when it comes to polluting our environment. Today, we produce about 400 million tonnes of plastic waste every year and if current trends continue, global production of plastic is forecasted to reach 1,100 million tonnes by 2050, with almost half of that ending up in landfills or the environment.

Instead, opt for reusable options or even compostable tableware made from materials like bagasse, which is made from sugarcane. These plates are sturdy, biodegradable, and perfect for everything from your Christmas ham to your vegan cauliflower roast. Not only will you reduce your waste, but you'll also impress your guests with your eco-savvy hosting skills.

BYO Crockery and Cutlery

Don't want to buy new crockery for your holiday feast? Ask your friends and family to bring extras from home. You can also borrow a set from the neighbours, or check out your local op shop for gently used plates and glasses. This saves you money while keeping unnecessary items out of the landfill. You might even find some treasures!

Alternatively, invest in a reusable bamboo tableware set that can be reused over the years, cutting down on waste and the need to buy new items every holiday season.

Ditch the Plastic Wrap

No one likes the sticky nightmare of traditional plastic wrap. This year, make a sustainable swap by using beeswax wraps or silicone lids for covering food. Beeswax wraps come in cute designs and are reusable for up to a year! Try a tea towel or food net.

If you must go disposable, look for compostable alternatives made from renewable resources and can be safely composted after use.

Compost, Recycle, and Organise

One of the easiest ways to make a difference is through your waste management. Make sure your party has clearly marked bins for compost, recyclables, and general waste. Check your local Council to see if their green waste bins take food (FOGO bins). For extra sustainability points, you could even educate your guests on what’s recyclable and compostable, so the effort is shared.

Avoid added food waste by sending guests home with doggy bags of leftovers+ and freeze what you can.

(+ I like to save any unavoidable takeaway containers for this purpose)

Waste-Free, Stress-Free
The holidays don’t have to be wasteful. By opting for reusable tableware, swapping out plastic cling wrap and composting for your event, you’ll reduce your environmental footprint and create a more sustainable holiday tradition. Plus, you’ll show your guests that sustainability can be chic and fun and easy! Now off to the op shop you go...

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All our blog articles written by Rachel or our Guest Bloggers are well researched and written by a real human person. We hope you have been informed, educated or entertained.

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