A guide to sustainable gatherings
Gatherings are a big part of Malaysian culture, but they often leave behind piles of waste. At Iftar with Impact, we wanted to show that celebrations and sustainability can go hand in hand. From reusable tableware to composting leftovers, waste can be minimised from every aspect—and guests embraced the effort! Hosting a zero-waste event isn’t about perfection but progress. With a few mindful choices, your next event can be both memorable and eco-friendly. Here’s how.
Open houses and makan-makan gatherings are a big part of Malaysian culture—we love bringing people together, especially during festive seasons!
But with all the joys of coming together, it comes at a price: throwaway paper cups, disposable plates, piles of food waste, and other types of waste left behind. The more the merrier may not be quite so in this age of climate crisis and waste pollution.
This got me thinking: What if our gatherings could be just as joyful, but without the waste?
That question shaped the zero-waste iftar event that Greenpeace Malaysia recently hosted. We set out to share the joys of celebrating and how it can go hand-in-hand with green living principles. From reusable tableware to composting leftovers, every detail was designed to minimise waste—and seeing guests embrace the effort was a powerful reminder that small changes can lead to a big impact.
Reflecting on that experience, here’s how you can host a sustainable event that’s both memorable and kind to the planet.
1. Start with a Sustainable Mindset
Before diving into logistics, set a clear intention: waste reduction at every stage. From invitations to decorations, food, and giveaways, think about reusability, compostability, and minimal waste production. Having an eco-conscious vision from the start makes it easier to integrate sustainable choices into every part of the event.
2. Send Digital Invitations
Go digital! For Iftar with Impact, we skipped the paper invitations and opted for digital ones instead. It was convenient, waste-free, and still felt personal. Use platforms like email, social media, or create an online event page to send out invitations. Not only does this save paper, but it also allows for seamless updates and RSVP tracking. If a printed invite is necessary, opt for recycled paper or seed paper that guests can plant afterward.
3. Ditch Single-Use Items
Say goodbye to disposable plates, cups, and cutlery. Instead, use reusable tableware. We used real tableware, and it made the dining experience feel even more special. If using reusables isn’t an option, compostable tableware is the next best choice. If a large guest list makes this challenging, consider renting tableware from local suppliers. Providing clearly labeled waste stations for compost and reusables ensures proper disposal of any unavoidable waste.
4. Plan a Zero-Waste Menu
Food waste is one of the biggest contributors to event-related environmental impact. Here’s how to minimise it:
✅ Source locally and use seasonal ingredients to reduce your carbon footprint.
✅ Serve buffet-style with portion control to prevent excess food waste.
✅ Compost food scraps instead of sending them to landfills.
✅ Encourage guests to bring reusable containers for leftovers.
For Iftar with Impact, we were intentional about our food strategy. We collaborated with vendors who embraced sustainability, carefully planned portions to avoid waste, and ensured that leftovers were either taken back by our guests or composted. Seeing guests bring their reusable containers to actively participate in mindful consumption was truly inspiring—it reminded me that sustainability is not just an idea but a collective effort.
5. Eco-Friendly Decorations & Gift Bags
Decor doesn’t have to be wasteful to be beautiful! Choose reusable or natural elements, such as fabric table runners, fresh flowers, or upcycled decor. Ditch plastic banners and balloons in favour of LED lights, dried flowers, or DIY signage that can be used again. For our event, we reuse the same decorations as previous year. Not only did this help reduce waste, but also our cost!
If you’re giving out favours, ensure they’re practical, sustainable, and waste-free. Consider items like seed packets, bamboo cutlery sets, or reusable tote bags. For Iftar with Impact, we carefully curated gifts that aligned with our sustainability goals. Seeing guests appreciate these thoughtful tokens reaffirmed that we don’t need excessive packaging or throwaway souvenirs to make an event special.
6. Encourage Sustainable Transport
Transportation is often overlooked but has a significant impact. Encourage guests to carpool, use public transport, or opt for cycling or walking in your invitation. Choosing a location with good public transit access can help reduce the event’s carbon footprint.
7. Educate & Inspire Your Guests
Make zero-waste part of the event experience! Share why sustainability matters and how guests can adopt similar habits. At Iftar with Impact, we made it a point to talk about our Eco-Ramadan guide and provide space for discussions, helping guests connect with the bigger picture of environmental responsibility. Watching people engage, ask questions, and take home real actionable insights made the event even more meaningful.
8. Compost & Reuse Responsibly
We made sure to have designated bins for composting, and we took the time to educate guests on proper disposal. Composting helps divert food waste from landfills, reducing methane emissions. If leftovers can’t be taken home, composting is the next best option. Partnering with a local composting service is also a good idea to close the loop on food waste.
9. Measure & Reflect on Your Impact
After the event, I took time to reflect on what worked well and what could be improved. Feedback from guests was invaluable, and I know that next time, we can make it even better. Each event is an opportunity to refine and reinforce sustainable habits. Celebrating your sustainability wins—big or small—helps normalise eco-friendly event planning.
Final Thoughts
Hosting a zero-waste event isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress. By making intentional choices, we can celebrate with purpose while protecting the planet. Iftar with Impact showed me firsthand that sustainability and meaningful gatherings can go hand in hand. And it wasn’t just about cutting down on waste; it was about shifting mindsets and inspiring change. The conversations, the shifts in perspective, and the actions taken by guests reminded me that small efforts add up.
So, are you ready to host your own zero-waste event? Let’s make every celebration #NgamDenganAlam! 🌿
