Beer pong is a very popular drinking game. While it’s often associated with fraternities and college, anyone that’s old enough to have a drink can enjoy it and have a good time
That said, most beer pong sets aren’t created with the environment in mind. But that doesn’t mean people aren’t. You may even have a passion for cleaning up our planet as much as you can.
It’s possible to make this game waste-free (except if you manage to spill your beer of course – we can’t help you with that).
Here are some tips on how to avoid waste when you play beer pong games without sacrificing any of the fun.
1. Avoid Disposable Cups
This is probably the most obvious topic to cover. Everyone is familiar with the classic red cups used for beer pong. However, they are made from plastic and contribute to the majority of the waste from the game. Plus, they require lots of energy to produce, keeping the carbon footprints high for anyone involved.
So, what you should do instead is find some reusable alternatives. You may have to spend a little bit more upfront but the more you play, the more money and resources you will save over the long run.
The next time you go to an event like a ball game or opening, check out their reusable cups and take them home. That way, you don’t even spend a penny and you prevent the hosts from throwing them away if they don’t get used.
2. Use A Keg
Beer bottles and cans add up. If you’re trying to host an eco-friendly party with a lot of people, the number of empty cans and bottles really stack up. On the other hand, you could buy a keg instead and prevent as much waste.
Another reason to get a keg is that they can be reused. The same cannot be said with bottles and cans. The best you can do with those is recycle them, but if you run out of room in the recycling bag or bin, you either just throw them in the trash or you wait for the next collection (which never happens).
Plus, drinking from a keg has an appeal to it that regular bottles and cans of beer don’t have. Sure, this doesn’t have a direct impact on the environment, but if it helps you to make the switch, it’s certainly worth considering.
3. Drink Local Beer
Microbrewed beer usually costs more compared to the beers sold more commonly across the country. That said, they do not have to travel as far to get to your cup. Large corporations likely do not brew the beer near you so they have to transport it on trucks, ships, even cargo planes so you can enjoy it.
If you’re any what concerned about reducing your carbon footprint, this factor should be more than enough to switch to local beers.
Another reason is that the local beer will taste a whole lot better. This goes without saying really, but again, it’s important to take into consideration. Your friends and family will appreciate great-tasting beer over the cheaper alternatives, even if they aren’t as bothered as you about protecting the environment.
Now, if you really want to go “local”, why not brew your own beer at home? After all, no beer will have to travel as short of a distance than the beer you make yourself in the kitchen.
Homebrew beer is actually on the rise too, with more homes investing in their own systems. You’ll be joining the trend and doing your part too.
Then, once it’s ready, instead of buying empty bottles and cans, keep the keg you purchased from the above point and fill it with your homebrew.
4. Get A Green Beer Pong Table
There’s no beer pong without the table. However, most manufacturers don’t pay attention to the materials they use to create their product.
Companies like Joola are aiming to buck this trend. They produce high-quality tables that also serve the environment. For example, their series only uses timber sourced from sustainable forests, their glue doesn’t use any harmful solvents and they try and use as little plastic as possible. Essentially, they try and avoid using anything artificial as much as possible.
If you need help deciding on a new beer pong table, make sure you check out this review.
On the back of the third tip, you can avoid spending your money altogether and opt to build your own custom beer pong table.
Start with getting a large piece of plywood, place it on top of your table and secure it with tape. Push down on the sides to test its stability.
From here, waterproof your beer pong table to prevent spilt beer and other liquids from damaging the plywood. Just make sure you do this part outside. Then, proceed to decorate it as much as you like and you’re good to go.
Because you’re avoiding paying for something new, the manufacturer saves valuable resources on making and shipping it.
5. Track Your Balls
Finally, make sure you know where your beer pong balls are. Don’t just go out and buy a new set after every party. Instead, once the game ends, place them in a jar, tub or draw. Make this the only place you keep the balls. Put a label on it if it helps.
This will also encourage everyone else to put the balls back when the game ends, reducing the chances they get lost or someone steps on them.
If you’re buying beer pong balls for the first time, get them in a color that makes them easy to keep an eye on. If you’re going to play outside, go for something a bit brighter as it will stand out a lot easier.
Follow these steps to keep the party going but helping to clean up the planet one step at a time. It may not seem like much but every little action helps.
Article Submitted By Community Writer