VSummer’s here, and there’s no better time to gather your crew, pour a glass of something delicious, and throw a proper garden party. But this year, let’s make it a celebration the planet can enjoy, too.
So, to give you a helping hand, we’ve rounded up some of our favourite products for you to throw a cracking eco-friendly garden bash. With simple swaps and sustainable ideas that tread lightly on the Earth (and look pretty lovely, too).
We’ve tried to highlight Bristol-based companies only (with a couple of exceptions). So you can keep your carbon footprint low while supporting local businesses.
Smart swaps for serving and sipping
1. Use seashell straws for large parties
Made from natural seashell byproducts, these straws are sturdy, compostable, and 100% ocean-friendly. Unlike paper, they won’t go soggy halfway through your Tinto Verano.
These are great for when you’re hosting large parties. You can easily order over 200 of these, without breaking the bank (or the planet).
1.2 Or get glass straws to make a statement
Or, if you fancy something a bit more permanent, consider glass straws. Our neighbour, Fig1, has a colourful set in stock to brighten up your cocktails.
These are perfect for hosting more intimate garden parties, where cleaning up afterwards will be a breeze.
2. Try out bamboo tableware
Single-use plastic? Send them to the plank. Bamboo plates, bowls, and cutlery are compostable, lightweight, and stylish enough to impress all of your guests.
Eco Leaf Products has a fabulous range of bamboo goodies. Plastic free, biodegradable, and all biobased.
3. Switch to SodaStream or use a sparkling water maker
Hosting a crew that loves fizz? A SodaStream helps you make your own sparkling drinks at home, cutting down on plastic bottles and saving you trips to the shop. In fact, one SodaStream can save up to thousands of single-use plastic bottles.
You can find a SodaStream in most major retail stores or directly from their website.
4. Invest in some ice cube trays
It’s a bit of extra effort, but reusable ice cube trays are far better for the planet and a perfect way to mix things up.
Stainless steel is the healthier option when picking your tray, as it’s safer than plastic and more durable than silicone. The Danes, a shop that focuses on sustainable living, has a great option for you. And they use zero plastic in their packaging, which is a lovely added bonus.
5. Use beeswax wraps and stainless steel tiffins
Got leftovers? Skip clingfilm. Use beeswax wraps to cover cheese, bread, or bowls. Or go full pirate-picnic with stainless steel tiffin tins for packing up extra snacks.
You can find Besswax Wraps at We The Curious, Bristol’s science centre and educational charity.
Power up, naturally
6. Get a portable solar speaker
Keep the good tunes rolling without plugging in. A solar-powered Bluetooth speaker charges while the sun shines, and some even store enough power to play long after sundown.
6.1 Or a Minirig portable speaker
Or, if you need something with a bit of extra oomph to keep going throughout the night, consider Minirig’s portable speakers.
What’s better is that these speakers are both designed and built in Bristol, so your carbon footprint remains clean. Their packaging is made from recycled materials. And they only use biodegradable plastics (this is where they add special additives to their plastics, which let microbes break them down in a landfill).
7. Look for solar lights
Ambience is key to a good garden party. So, seek out solar-powered lighting: fairy lights, lanterns, or stakes. Let them charge during the day and glow beautifully into the night, no electricity required.
Almondsbury Garden Centre has a great range of solar-powered lights for you to nose through.
Shop local, eat thoughtfully
8. Get your produce from local sustainable food heroes
Treat your guests (and the planet) by sourcing your feast from Bristol’s local legends:
- Clifton Seafood Company (Clifton): Fresh, sustainably sourced fish and seafood caught with care.
- The Bristol Cheesemonger (Wapping Wharf): Small-batch cheeses from local dairies with character to spare.
- MeatBox (Wapping Wharf): Meat that’s pasture-raised, traceable, and ethically farmed.
- East Bristol Bakery (Wapping Wharf): Handmade organic loaves, pastries, and sweet treats. Perfect for your party table.
- Ahh Toots (Christmas Steps): Bristol’s most whimsical (and delicious) cakes, tarts, and sweet bakes, made with seasonal ingredients and a whole lot of flair. You’ll find cakes and goodies for almost any dietary requirement.
9. Sail-powered wine from Porto to Bristol
Last but never least, fill your glasses with wine that’s been delivered by sail, not by truck. Portuguese bottles, shipped by wind alone, with nearly zero carbon emissions. That’s what we call a proper toast to the future. Browse our online shop or come visit us at Whapping Wharf.
Think we’ve missed something from our list?
Send us an email, and if they meet our sustainable criteria, we’ll promptly add them to the list.