Hen parties, like many types of events, can be hard to make into a truly sustainable affair.

From disposable decorations and packaging to party favours, the bridal celebrations can cause a lot of unnecessary waste.

Not to mention the carbon footprint of travelling, especially if going by plane or travelling by car.

Keep reading to discover 8 eco swaps for a sustainable hen party and more practical advice for planet conscious celebrations.

SUSTAINABLE Eating and drinking

When it comes to food and drink, single use plastics are pretty prevalent.

Throwing away used plates, cups and cutlery after meals reduces tidying time, but is a big problem for the planet.

Similarly, food and drinks packaging creates a lot of waste, from snack packets to plastic bottles.

Include colour coded recycling bags in your hen party prep and set up a recycling station in your base. Recycling plastics, tins, paper and glass properly will significantly reduce the black bin bag waste you create.
Ask your hens to purchase wisely when preparing the food for the party. If you’re cooking together opt for ingredients that have less packaging or have each person bring a dish of their choice for one night.
Say no to plastic straws! As a party favour, gift your hens a reusable straw to use throughout the celebration. Everyone could also bring their favourite glass to enjoy those tasty cocktails.hEN Party accessories and decorations
Ask friends if they have any old hen party decorations such as banners or spare balloons from previous do’s. If reusing someone else's stuff won’t sit well with your bride, plan an activity to make your own decorations and get creative.
Bridal party sashes are often made of scratchy plastic that will certainly break and be lost by the end of the night. If sashes are an absolute must, why not try attending a workshop as part of the celebration to make your own.
Hen parties are often colourful affairs with a lot of detail put into making them sparkle for the bride. But if you want to use sequins and glitter, choose environmentally friendly options.PRE-LOVED HEN PARTY OUTFITS
If you’re buying new outfits for the hen, why not look on a clothing resale site like Vinted, depop or Thrift? Not only can you get some fabulous deals there, you will be reusing a pre-loved item and increasing its lifespan.
If you simply have to have textiles printed for the hen party, consider making it a little more wearable in everyday life. Swap a t-shirt that will never be worn again for a tote bag, which can double up for the party favours.