New Year, New Habits: Entertaining With a Lower Carbon Footprint

It’s a new year! If you’re thinking in 2026 you’d like to reduce your impact on the environment, you can start the year by reducing waste and energy use without sacrificing joy, convenience, and hospitality. Here’s how to put on a fun event while being sustainable:

1. Plan an event ahead of time to reduce stress and waste less food.

If you plan your menu and your guest list ahead of time, you can more accurately estimate portions for the amount of people you’re expecting. Take a little time to figure out who’s coming and what their needs are. Consider how all your dishes work together. Determine a theme, if you like, and let that guide your list of things to do or get.

2. Start by shopping your pantry.

Take inventory of your kitchen first and figure out what you have. Let this guide your planning so you use up items you already have on hand instead of buying more food at the grocery store that you won’t use later. This helps you reduce food waste, make the most of the resources you have, avoid overbuying, and save money along the way.

As you’re planning your next event, consider using products with no palm oil or sustainable palm oil, and you can help save great apes. Featured image of a polar bear is courtesy of Carnivore Keeper Julia Partenope.

4. Befriend your freezer both before and after the event.

You can freeze single ingredients like herbs or create full dishes ahead of time as you prepare for your party. Buy or cook items like pastries, dumplings, cookies, meatballs, and more in the weeks before the event, then store them so all they require is a quick thaw and perhaps a few minutes in the oven. This shortcut will save you time as you’re taking care of the 101 things you need to do to prepare for the party. Afterward, you can freeze any leftovers for easy meals you can eat the next week.

4. Cook once, celebrate more. Make the most of your oven!

If you can and if the recommended temperatures are in sync, cook multiple dishes in the oven at the same time. You’ll be saving energy while using your time in the most efficient way possible. Tip: Some dishes, including casseroles, potato dishes, baked beans, mac and cheese, and roasted vegetables, can benefit from the residual heat of a cooling oven. They’ll stay warm for a long time and can then be reheated quickly just before the meal is served.

5. Adopt reusables and be the trendsetter of your social group.

These days, reusable dishes and silverware can be found in the most stylish and interesting forms, from unbreakable, temperature-retaining disposable aluminum cups to biodegradable bamboo cutlery. It’s a good bet that some of your friends haven’t experienced these innovative products, since most party people stick with the regular paper plates that aren’t recyclable because of their wax coating. Show them the way—and perhaps, they’ll follow your lead the next time they host a party of their own!

Decreasing your consumption of single-use plastics helps reduce ocean pollution, protecting the habitats of animals such as African penguins. Image courtesy of Guest Engagement Facilitator Amy-Mei Lynch.

6. Share the abundance.

If you know there will be leftovers—and let’s face it, there usually are with so many kinds of gatherings—make sure to provide reusable containers or ask people to bring their own so they can take their favorite extras home. Or, donate leftover food to local food banks. And don’t forget about the soil—compost those food scraps that can’t be donated and enrich your garden!

6. Fashion a plant-forward menu.

Research shows that plant-based diets are better for the environment, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and land and water use—but that doesn’t mean your party has to be fully vegetarian. Even a few small swaps can make a difference. So, as you’re planning your party, figure out how you can feature some plant-forward dishes and highlight seasonal, locally grown foods. Buy items from small businesses near you and wow guests with your easy, delicious Brussels sprouts recipe!

7. Create homemade décor that gives second-hand items a second life.

You don’t need store-bought designs to decorate. Make a centerpiece and other decorations using recycled, natural, or repurposed materials. You can check your local freecycle group for items that just need a little inspiration to come to life for a second time. Paint old jars and put fairy lights in them, create paper scrolls and flowers from old magazines and books, use wine bottles as candle holders, or incorporate household items or ornaments into your table décor in a way that’s warm, inviting, unique, and inexpensive. As a bonus, you’ll be starting a new tradition for all your events!

8. Be smart with your lighting.

Opt for solar-powered or LED string lights. These are safer and will help you save money, as LED lights are much cheaper and energy efficient than traditional bulbs. Pay attention to color when it comes to creating the perfect ambiance for your party and consider color-changing LED bulbs, which can provide a festive air without using a lot of power! Solar lanterns can be great for outdoor trees and patios, setting the mood even if your party takes place wholly indoors. And set out some soy or beeswax candles instead of paraffin candles made with petroleum.

Make sure to turn lights off when they’re not in use, and set lights on timers or motion sensors for a “set it and forget it” option that makes hosting easy. This will help lower your power consumption and your energy bill.

Eastern black rhinos eat a plant-friendly diet and so can you! Image courtesy of Curator Cassy Kutilek

As the new year begins, remember that entertaining sustainably isn’t about being perfect. It’s about making intentional shifts. Small choices can turn everyday gatherings into shared moments of meaningful impact.