How to Throw an Earth Day Celebration Indoors or Out
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The birds are chirping, flowers are starting to bloom, and we’re finally climbing out of winter’s chill. You know what that means—Earth Day is right around the corner. It’s time to celebrate Mother Nature, and we’ve gathered everything you’ll need to craft the coolest Earth Day party yet. (Oh, and did you know Drew’s wife, Linda, was born on Earth Day? So they’re all about a sustainable celebration!)
It’s no secret that Drew and Jonathan love caring for the planet. They volunteer with Habitat for Humanity, eat a plant-based diet, and are big supporters of eco-friendly home swaps, especially when it comes to home renos. But they also know how to make a pretty incredible sustainable spread for the best Earth Day party. So we’ve compiled their best recipes, eco-friendly tips, and sustainable ideas for the perfect backyard dinner with friends.
“We often overlook just how much the Earth gives us. We should celebrate and give back to this wonderful planet any chance we get. More parties like this one? Yes, please!”
—Linda
5 Easy Ways to Throw an Earth Day Party
1. Veg Out!
It takes many more resources to raise animals than to grow plants, so cutting back on meat is a great way to go greener. Drew and Jonathan (as well as Zooey and Linda) eat a plant-based diet. Over the years, they’ve come up with tons of delicious veg recipes to share. And as this vibrant menu proves, there’s nothing boring about a meatless party! In fact, you might be surprised to know how much you enjoy this spread.
2. Shop Your Cupboard
Instead of buying single-use plastic or paper party supplies that you’ll just end up tossing at the end of the night, take a look through your existing plates and linens. And don’t be afraid to mix and match—it’ll actually provide a cool, curated look! If you need more supplies to accommodate for the amount of guests you have, seek out a vintage or thrift store near you, or invest in some ceramic dinnerware that you love the look of.
3. Encourage Leftover Takeaways
At the end of the night, set out the leftovers alongside some reusable containers or compostable takeout boxes. Then, let guests divvy up their own takeaway. That way, no food is wasted and everyone leaves happy to be able to snack on the yummy leftovers the next day. It’s the party gift that keeps on giving!
4. Go Solar
Having an outdoor party? Consider investing in solar-powered party lights. You’ll save energy and your backyard will be glowing with the perfect twinkling lights—no extension cord needed.
5. Add Seasonal Blooms
Shop for flowers as you would food: Aim for local and seasonal options. If you can pluck something from your garden, even better! But if you’re buying an arrangement from the store, ask the florist to skip on the floral foam. (The green cubes break down in water and harm marine animals.) Some flowers that are in-season right now are tulips, hyacinth, bluebells, sweet pea, peonies, and roses.
“Some of my fave ways to show our planet some love? Volunteer for a beach cleanup, or enjoy an evening in with all the lights out.”
—Drew
Earth Day Party Menu Ideas
Interested in crafting the perfect sustainable dinner party menu? Check out our fresh and delicious recipes below by clicking on the images. We have everything from citrus cocktails and vegetable dips to colorful grain salads, juicy falafel sliders, and ice cream cake with the perfect crumbly gingersnap crust.
Make Fun Drinks More Sustainable
A more eco-friendly way to play bartender? Ditch the plastic straws for reusable glass ones. They’re far more chic looking than their single-use counterparts, and better for the environment, too. Display them in a cute glass jar alongside some cocktail glasses and a punch bowl with a pre-made cocktail or mocktail for all to enjoy.
Take Advantage of Local Options
Build your menu around what you can find at your farmers’ market, like crudités and dips that use fresh vegetables. Buying local means a smaller carbon footprint for your food and fresher produce, too. If you can, walk or take public transportation to the market. And always BYOB (bring your own bag!)
Get Creative to Cut Down On Food Waste
To cut down on food waste, use one ingredient in multiple recipes. In this menu, for example, there’s cilantro mixed into the falafel patties, pureed into the sauce for the skewers, and used as a slider garnish. But you can find sneaky ways to use multiple ingredients in a plethora of dishes. The options are endless!
Just a Little Something Sweet
This stunning ice cream cake is made in a loaf pan. Sure, it’s on the smaller side for a birthday cake, but how many times have you left a birthday party and seen more than half a cake left behind on the cake stand? Making something that’s just the right size means less waste later on. And less food waste = a happier planet.
Shop Sustainable Party Supplies
By Hannah Baker & Nina Elder | Portrait by Meredith Jenks | Food photographs by Caitlin Bensel | Recipes by Sarah Karnasiewicz | Food styling by Rishon Hanners | Prop styling by Audrey Davis
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