Tips for Hosting a Zero-Waste Baby Shower

You’ve likely seen the cleanup process after a baby shower. Hosts stuff several trash bags full of wrapping paper, paper plates, plastic cutlery, paper napkins, and disposable tablecloths. Those bags are later added to the piles of trash in the local landfill.

But what if you could cut back on all of that waste in favor of a more planet-friendly event?

If you’ve considered hosting a zero-waste baby shower, we have several tips to help you do just that. We spoke with Amity Hook-Sopko, executive editor at Green Child Magazine, for ideas on how to cut down on unnecessary trash at your baby shower.

zero waste baby shower

Amity Hook-Sopko

Editor of Green Child Magazine

How Does a Zero-Waste Shower Help the Planet?

Cutting down on disposable items at a baby shower helps keep waste out of landfills. According to the most recent data from the EPA, about 146 million tons of trash ended up in landfills in 2018. While it may not seem like a large impact to host a zero-waste baby shower, little steps add up quickly when it comes to lowering the amount of unnecessary trash.

Hook-Sopko said trash after a baby shower adds up to more than you’d think.

“Baby showers often produce more waste than other parties due to a few larger gift items like strollers, bassinets, or car seats that leave behind big boxes and piles of wrapping paper,” she said. “The games, food, and decorations can also add up to a lot of garbage bags after the party ends.”

Zero Waste vs Eco-Friendly

You’ve probably heard the terms zero waste and eco-friendly when it comes to baby showers. So what’s the difference?

An eco-friendly baby shower means reducing after-party trash and choosing greener options wherever you can. That could look like using real tablecloths or cutting back on disposable decorations.

A zero-waste baby shower produces no waste at all. Every item is reusable, and there is little to no trash collected at the end of the event.

Low Waste Baby Shower Reality

If hosting a completely zero-waste event feels overwhelming, Hook-Sopko said Anne-Marie Bonneau, author of “The Zero Waste Chef,” has some great insight.

“She said, ‘We don’t need a handful of people doing zero waste perfectly. We need millions of people doing it imperfectly.’”

“Her quote helps you realize that what you’re doing makes a difference, and there’s no need to stress yourself out trying to go 100% zero waste.”

Are Zero-Waste Showers the New Normal?

Hook-Sopko said social media has definitely made zero waste and eco-friendly baby showers more visible. Instagram and Pinterest are full of baby shower inspiration photos showing real tablecloths, dishes, silverware, and cloth napkins. This is also because these items look nicer than disposable ones.

However, balloons and single-use favors are still popular sights on social media. While colorful balloons may add to your theme, Hook-Sopko suggests finding alternative decor.

“Many balloons are marketed as biodegradable but if you’ve ever seen an animal strangled, tangled, or choked by balloon ribbon, or bits of balloon, you probably won’t find them quite so festive,” she said.

Zero or low-waste showers are also a great option to honor the mom-to-be and her new arrival.

“An eco-friendly baby shower is a wonderful way to honor a new life coming into the world,” Hook-Sopko said. “It’s a smart approach to take with any gathering, but it is especially thoughtful if the mom-to-be is eco-conscious or a nature lover.”

zero waste baby shower
Image from: ecopartytime.com

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How to Host a Zero Waste Baby Shower

Whether you want to host an eco-friendly baby shower or go all out with a zero-waste event, there are several ways to keep waste to a minimum. Keep reading for a few ideas to host this type of shower.

Eco-friendly Invitations

Since the pandemic, people are more accustomed to receiving electronic invitations. To reduce the paper trash that comes from sending physical invitations, opt for a zero-waste e-vite for your baby shower.

E-vites are customizable for any theme you can imagine and are a cinch to send. Browse through the invitation options available through WebBabyShower. These e-vites also come with the convenience of RSVP tracking.

If you prefer the look and feel of physical invitations, there are eco-friendly options as well.

“If you’re set on real invitations, look for FSC-certified paper and recycled content paper with a high post-consumer recycled content,” Hook-Sopko said.

Eco-friendly Party Food

Look for foods made with organic and fair trade ingredients for your baby shower. Don’t forget to shop at your local farmers market for foods that were grown right in your community. Drinks made with organic ingredients, and natural sweeteners are also a plus.

Avoid using disposable plates and cups when serving your refreshments. Not only are these expensive, they’re incredibly wasteful.

Hook-Sopko said. “Real dishes make a lovely table, and generally only amount to one load in the dishwasher.”

She also suggests composting any leftover food or paper waste from the party to close the loop on the green menu.

Decorations

Along with disposable service ware, one-use decorations produce a lot of trash. Consider using elements from nature in your decor.

“Potted plants make great centerpieces, and small trees make a great backdrop for photos,” Hook-Sopko said.

Print this adorable keepsake eco-friendly baby shower garland on recycled paper so each guest can make a wish for the new baby.

Instead of disposable tablecloths and napkins, use real linens instead. Not only will it elevate the look of your baby shower, but it’s also healthier for the environment. Fold your cloth napkins in fun shapes that match the theme of your baby shower.

Zero-waste Gifts

To avoid stuffing trash bags full of wrapping paper, ask guests to find more sustainable ways to wrap their gifts. One way to do this is by wrapping gifts inside other gifts. Hook-Sopko said that could look like:

  • Wrapping small gifts furoshiki-style inside baby blankets.
  • Giving gifts inside a diaper bag, wet bag, or other useful carry-all.
  • Placing gifts inside a basket the new parents can later use as storage.

You can also skip the wrapping paper altogether and opt for a fun bow on larger gifts.

If guests want to use a gift bag, ask that they use the ones they already have on hand at home. Many households have a collection of gift bags and tissue paper acquired throughout various birthdays and holidays. Hook-Sopko said the greenest option is to use what you have.

Hybrid or Online Baby Showers

Hosting a hybrid or completely online baby shower is another zero-waste or eco-friendly idea. A hybrid event includes loved ones who live far away, without the impact that long-distance travel and carbon emissions have on the environment.

If you choose to host an online baby shower you’re able to cut way back on the amount of decor you include. Instead of balloons and paper decorations as your online party backdrop, select vibrant plants and flowers.

Host your hybrid or online baby shower with WebBabyShower. From invitations to after-party updates, your guests will stay up to date on baby’s arrival, all while staying eco-conscious.

Plan Your Zero-Waste Shower with WebBabyShower

With a few small changes, you can host a zero-waste baby shower that is friendly to our planet. Your efforts don’t have to be perfect. Simply opting for real plates and silverware, or potted plants as decorations makes a difference.

Whether you are hosting a zero-waste baby shower in-person, as a hybrid event with long-distance relatives, or completely online, WebBabyShower has you covered. Send invitations, collect RSVPs, and keep guests updated before and after your event.

webbabyshower team jacqueline mann

Jacqueline Mann is a freelance content writer with more than 10 years of experience in the communications field. In her free time, she enjoys trips to the library with her son, watching anime with her husband, and relaxing with a weekly yoga practice.

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