Could upcycled bunting lead to more parties?
- By Helen Craig -
- Jun 01, 2012
This long bank holiday weekend, it is hoped the UK will come alive with street parties. Although there are plenty of differing views about the monarchy, most people are excited about the four day weekend that the double bank holiday has brought.
I'm really looking forward to celebrating as not only do I love any excuse for a party but I've also recently developed an unhealthy love for bunting.
The shops are now totally saturated with red white and blue themed accessories and hundreds of images of the queens head - but will it all go to waste?
As soon as sustainability is mentioned in relation to parties and events, people usually roll their eyes and sigh. Next come questions about "who called the fun police?" and it can be a bit of a hard sell.
The reasons I want to try and celebrate sustainably, with minimal waste, isn't to dampen down the atmosphere but I think it's an opportunity to do things better and have more celebrations!
For example, using disposable cups might be convenient for that one event but for starters it doesn't look very regal (can you imagine the Queen sipping from a flimsy white plastic cup?) It also means that you'll have to spend money each time you want to hold a party again. They are cheap but it all adds up and I know I would prefer to spend that extra cash on what goes inside the cup!
Back onto bunting - not only does material bunting look better and you can use it again, it also gives you an opportunity to upcycle old material and clothes. Even if you aren't the crafty and creative type, cutting out triangles of material and folding the ends over a long piece of ribbon, isn't going challenge you too much. Making something yourself is very satisfying and if you're proud of your accomplishment, hopefully you'll want to show it off again.
By this logic, I hope that the decorations don't just get thrown away his weekend and people use them as an excuse to have another party and proudly display their creations. A Pimms themed party anyone? 'General summer bunting' party? 'Look at my beautiful bunting' party?
OK, I admit my love of bunting and parties is forming a large part of my argument but buying sustainably for a celebration is still a good idea in the long term for both your purse and the planet.
However you celebrate this weekend - have a brilliant jubilee (preferably with bunting) and don't forget to tweet your pictures.
By Helen Craig. Corporate Responsibility & Sustainability at Virgin. Tweets @helcraig
