City Shares Guide to Help Make Your Events Zero Waste

Learn how to make it zero waste!

The holiday season is here—a time for family, friends, and cherished traditions. Whether you're hosting a cozy dinner, a festive cocktail party, or a larger celebration, the season of giving doesn’t have to be the season of excess waste. By planning a zero-waste holiday gathering, you can enjoy the festivities while also giving back to the planet.

No matter the size of your celebration, you can make small changes that have a big impact. Hosting a cookie exchange? Opt for reusable containers instead of disposable tins. Planning a holiday brunch? Trade single-use napkins for cloth ones to add an elegant touch. Even simple swaps, like using refillable beverage pitchers instead of bottled drinks, can make a meaningful difference.

By prioritizing zero-waste practices, you'll not only save money and natural resources but also help keep single-use plastics out of landfills during a season that traditionally sees an increase in waste. Plus, it’s a great way to inspire your guests to carry sustainable habits into the new year!

Everything we buy contains embodied emissions, the greenhouse gas emissions that are produced by the creation and shipment of goods. The city’s Circular Economy Report PDF shows that embodied emissions in Boulder are greater than all of our other local emissions put together (electricity, transportation and natural gas).

You can help reduce our community’s greenhouse gas emissions and contribution to the landfill by choosing to reuse instead of buying new.

Learn more about reuse in Boulder by exploring our Circular Boulder guide. Also check out our Give Your Belongings a Second Life and How to Live a More Circular Lifestyle for reuse ideas and tips.

For information on zero waste requirements for permitted events, check out the City of Boulder Special Events Application.