Party Like There IS A Tomorrow: Eco-Party Packs
by Kristin Underwood, Sacramento, CA 
on 08.27.08
Image source: Eco My Party
We totally agree that carrying your own tupperware is better than those styrofoam clam shells, and that reusing is important. But what if you are holding a party and don't have 40 sets of tableware? The Eco-Party Pack, by Eco My Party, will come to your rescue. At the end of the party, everything can be thrown in the compost and is 100% biodegrade.
The packs come in sets prepared for 10, 25 or 50 guests. The supplies all come in a recycled cardboard tote and contain: Plates, bowls, cups and food pots sustainably-sourced from sugarcane fiber. "Silverware" is made from sustainably-sourced birch. Napkins are all unbleached, recycled UK waste paper. Packs even contain biodegradable balloons made from fairly traded and FSC-certified sourced rubber. Place-settings are wrapped in compostable bags, and sets are taped with biodegradable packing tape.
From the website you can even purchase the individual pieces, from more balloons, to more paper butterflies and bunting, drinking straws or colorful bamboo bowls. Eco My Party is based in the UK, but they will ship internationally. For orders placed in the England area, Eco My Party uses Green Parcel, a green courier service. These packs are so eco-friendly that just about all of the evironmental buzz-words apply: biodegradable, compostable, sustainably-sourced, recycled, UK-handmade, organic, fairly traded, and FSC certified. Packs range from £19.99 to £59.99 depending on the number of place-settings.
Though now that we think about it, it might be a nice inter-office challenge to have everyone bring their own supplies to the next office picnic. Just a thought...
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Update to article: There is also a US eco-party packaging company Wasteless Living. They sell the biodegradable party packages, but they will also pickup all of the food/biodegradable waste and compost it for you since it won't break down if you just throw it in your trash. For $30 USD, they will pick up one 45 gallon bag of compostables, which should cover a party of up to 75 people.
Prior to your party, you simply contact Wasteless Living telling them the types of food you will serve, the estimated number of guests and whether there will be any recyclables. They then give you an estimate for what they can provide for your party and how much it will cost for drop off and disposal. Just like you would order a catering service, you can also order a disposal service for your fiesta.
This is a woman-owned business, based in the Pasadena/Altadena (Los Angeles) area.
:Eco My Party::Waste Less Living
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I think this is great! I'm planning my wedding that will take place in less than 3 weeks and I feel that it is the perfect opportunity to expose non-tree-huggers to alternatives to their current choices.
We are having a 4-day retreat in the mountains and we are trying to buy used or borrow everything we can, including mis-matched plates, etc. We plan on giving most of these items to people in need at the end.
However, most people I know won't use borrowed stuff at their next party. Perhaps if I expose them to "disposable" items that are compostable, they might give it a try next time. So, for most meals we're washing and reusing our used items, but for one meal, we're all going to experience the ease of disposables and the strength of sugar-cane fiber.
I personally despise "disposables," but you've got to know your audience when trying to pitch an idea. I think this is a good first step for my friends and family, who often try to convince me that people should just use disposables every week day to save time.
Just check out the site, and I love it all! My only complaint is that it mentions nothing of shipping to the US. :-( I'll have to contact them myself to see if they are willing to ship it over my way before my birthday next month.
Good news is: it's out there!
Just check out the site, and I love it all! My only complaint is that it mentions nothing of shipping to the US. :-( I'll have to contact them myself to see if they are willing to ship it over my way before my birthday next month.
Good news is: it's out there!
This is a clever idea. I also agree this is a good "first step."
It's often not easy to plan for a large event and having more options available for someone in that position is always a plus. Reuse is always a more sustainable solution, of course, but composting is a start.
likely a good idea applicable to some. Of course shipping stuff from the UK to US may wipe our any goodness. We use a big wicker picnic basket filled with goodwill source settings which I think looks chic is is pretty much good in all ways.
I have worked for churches, megabusinesses, nonprofit organizations, etc. I am always amazed at how willing everyone is to use plastic utensils and paper goods which are then thrown away without a second thought for staff meetings, retreats, social engagements, etc...especially in the religious world.
I may have to buy a few of these as a way to evangelize the unrepentent!!!!
at least it might start a conversation about why compostable materials might not break down in regular trash disposal...
This is really cool and much less expensive than I would have expected.
Hi there! I just came across your site and am delighted that you have mentioned us! We love a good party and one that can ease the world’s hangover as well as ones own eco-guilt is just what we love! We are launching our new brand in the third week of November, so be sure to have a look at our new branding and products ready for the party season! We will be promoting our Totally Eco Disposable Festivity Party Packs complete with fabulous decorations and stylish partyware, as well as plantable wrapping paper and invitations, mini hot air balloons and our new hand-made, locally sourced willow hanging stars, christmas trees and eco party balls! We look forward to seeing you all at http://www.ecomyparty.co.uk!!
And by the way, yes we do ship abroad, just get in contact with us for a quote, and also we have some American companies interested in selling our products across the pond so you might well see our products in stores near you next year!