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As the impacts of climate change become more evident, many of us are adapting our lifestyles and strengthening our focus on sustainable practices and eco-friendly products.

And in a lot of ways, sustainability has become completely intertwined with our daily lives. From electric vehicles to plant-based food alternatives, we're often choosing sustainable products and practicing these habits effortlessly. But what about when it comes to something like hosting a summer barbecue?

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You may not even think about it, but hosting a gathering like this can produce a lot of waste. Things like plastic water bottles, single-use cutlery, and canned beverages make it easy to host but add up to be major landfill contributors.

Luckily, we have solutions! It's possible (and easy) to host a sustainable barbecue that's fun, effective, and just as convenient. And soon enough, following these tips will become just as effortless as drinking from a reusable water bottle.

First step in hosting any successfully sustainable gathering? Make sure your guests are on board!

Most of the time, friends and family are already expecting to bring something to a gathering. Instead of an obligatory gift (or 12-pack of White Claw), encourage them to bring personal reusable items like tumblers or flatware. This kind of BYO approach can make a world of difference in cutting down on waste. (And it’s an especially helpful step if you're hosting a large group and are short on dinnerware.)

If they are planning to bring food, drinks, or desserts, remind them to bring any homemade goodies or cocktail mixes in reusable containers instead of single-use plastic or aluminum.

After meal time, you can toss everything in the same dishwasher load to either be returned to your guests before they leave or at the next gathering (a great excuse to make more summer plans!).

When providing guests with your own materials, aim for as many zero-waste items as possible.

Some of the most common waste culprits at barbecues are beverages: Plastic bottles and aluminum cans can clog up recycling bins extremely fast (and most of it doesn't even get recycled).

These adorable glass drink dispensers are a great alternative. They come in a set of two, can hold up to one gallon in each jar, and include chalkboard labels to easily distinguish between beverages. Fill them with flavored water, lemonade, or homemade cocktails to keep the drinks flowing without going through dozens of single-use containers.

As for cups? Ditch the plastic red Solos and save the fancy glassware for indoor occasions. These toxin-free stainless steel cups are ideal for backyard sipping. Not only are they reusable and dishwasher safe, they'll also keep your drinks colder for longer, thanks to the stainless steel makeup. Don't forget to offer some reusable straws, too, for anyone who prefers to sip slowly.

When it comes to food, your day-to-day utensils are obviously preferred over plastic cutlery (and they're much more efficient for cutting meat). You can even invest in a new set specifically for outdoor dining in order to keep things separate. These cloth napkins are another great addition to summer parties, and the multicolor set can help keep track of whose is whose. Just toss them in the washing machine at the end of the night.

You can also swap any single-use wooden skewers for reusable stainless steel ones, and use Bee's Wrap for leftovers in place of plastic wrap. The more long-lasting items you invest in now, the less waste you'll produce at each upcoming barbecue.

If you already have a compost bin, we probably don't have to tell you how much of a game changer it can be for turning waste into gardening gold. (If you don't have a bin yet or don't know where to start, let us introduce you to our beginner's composting guide.)

Putting all your food scraps into your compost bin during a barbecue is a no-brainer—just don't put leftover burgers or ribs in it! But what if you could compost other barbecue materials, too?

If reusable dishes, utensils, and napkins aren't feasible at your backyard party, compostable options are a great alternative. These wooden utensils are highly rated for being sturdy, splinter-resistant, and free from common chemicals you'll often find in plastic alternatives. They're also biodegradable and can be tossed in the compost bin after use.

You can also opt for single-use, compostable paper plates and napkins for an eco-friendly, no-clean-up option. You can even bring these along next time you're invited to a friend's barbecue, and spread sustainable habits beyond your home.

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