Christmas is coming, and the proverbial goose (or, if you’re veggie/vegan, nut roast) is getting fat, so you might be turning your attention to the office Christmas party.
Bearing in mind we’ve had more than two years of COVID-19, this might be the first time since 2019 that you’ve decided to have any kind of office party.
But while Covid may be largely behind us, climate change is very much at the front of everyone’s minds. We all need to be a bit ‘greener’ and doing things in a more sustainable way can be applied as much to the office Christmas party as anything else.
So, here are the Rombourne team’s top ten tips for a sustainable Christmas party, that won’t break the bank.
1. Invest in Eco-Friendly Decorations
You might be too young to remember the days when people made their own streamers, but this a very sustainable option. Cut up stripes of coloured paper, and stick them together to create a chain effect, to decorate the office.
Try to invest in reusable materials for decorations, such as fabric banners, potted plants, or LED lights, that you can use year after year. You could even make it a fun activity for the team and ask them to have a go at arts and crafts to see what they can come up with.
2. Don’t Splash Out On Outfits
We know people like a different outfit at Christmas, but here are a couple of ideas for getting a new look in a sustainable way.
One option is to try a clothes swap. Ask your team to bring in two or three Christmassy outfits they like, and others can borrow them for the party season.
Alternatively, encourage your team to browse the charity shops. There are bound to be some great dresses, suits or casual wear out there and this is a great way of giving old clothes a new lease of life and giving the wearer a new look.
3. Zero-Waste Food Contributions
One fun way of providing the food for your office party is to encourage everyone to bring a dish, but ask them to limit the packaging they use, and to bring the dish in washable containers. You could have a competition for the most creative dish using locally sourced ingredients, which will cut down the carbon footprint of the overall meal.
4. Give Gifts With A Twist
Instead of traditional gifts, organise a gift exchange where your team bring in either something from home that they no longer use, or regift a product they have no need for. It’s a great way to promote recycling and reduce consumption.
Why not run a Secret Santa? This way, everyone gets just one gift, which cuts down on consumption.
5. Consider A Community or Volunteering Activity
If you are looking for something a bit different, why not plan a group activity that gives something back to the community? You might consider a litter pick, beach, or park cleanup, or helping out the local food bank.
6. Go Green To The Party
Encourage your team to ‘think green’ when they travel to your office Christmas party. They could car share, take the bus, cycle, or even walk (as long as it is safe to do so). This reduces the carbon footprint of travel to and from the event.
7. Cut Down On Paper
If you are inviting people along, go digital. You could send a simple email or create a fancier invitation with an online design tool. Also, ensure your team RSPV electronically too.
8. Use Reusable Tableware & Utensils
Avoid single-use plastics and paper products at your Christmas party by providing only reusable or compostable tableware and utensils. If need be, you could hire crockery, cutlery, and glasses.
9. Green Games & Entertainment
Organise eco-themed games or competitions, like a recycling trivia quiz, a best-upcycled-outfit contest, or a sustainability-themed scavenger hunt. That old favourite pass-the-parcel, with a regifted prize in the middle, is an easy ‘green’ win, as you can wrap it in layers of old newspaper and wrapping paper.
10. Support Good Causes
Set up a collection point and ask everyone to bring a donation of clothing, toys, or non-perishable food items to the party to donate to local charities or shelters. This will foster a sense of giving and helps those in need during the holiday season.
Enjoy The Festive Office Parties!
These are just some ideas for a sustainable Christmas party, and – luckily – you can recycle these ideas year after year!
We hope you have a fantastic Christmas, whatever you are doing. If, in the New Year, you are thinking about relocation to serviced offices, then please call the team at Rombourne. We provide fantastic, sought-after serviced offices to businesses in Bristol, Newport, Swindon, and Cardiff. Why not get in touch to find out how we can accommodate your business?
