As final plans for festivities are made across the country to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee environmental groups are calling on organisers to opt for sustainable celebrations and plastic-free partying.

The four-day bank holiday weekend in honour of the Queen’s 70-year reign provides the perfect opportunity for communities to come together and celebrate.

And according to motoring organisation Green Flag, that is exactly what hundreds of thousands plan to do.

Its survey found eight per cent of people live on a road hosting a council-approved street party and a further seven per cent are planning an unofficial party between 2-5 June, with an estimated 133,000 roads expected to be closed over the break.

The Plastic Free Communities Campaign, run by Surfers Against Sewage (SAS), has welcomed platinum party plans but wants revellers to reduce, recycle, and reuse.

An SAS spokesperson said this is “a great opportunity to reconnect with mates and family and community after a couple of years of various restrictions and lockdowns” but added with that “come risks”.

The group suggests the best way to “combat plastic hell” at parties is to take reusable cups, cutlery and water bottles, bake rather than buy, recycle any waste.

The Reuse Network also has some top tips for greener get-togethers.

Hunting through local charity shops for tableware, crockery and fabrics will it claims not only save money but also the environment.

Ellis Roberts, from Reuse Network, said: “When you shop at your local reuse charity shop, you will be benefiting the charity by directly supporting the organisation in building a better and brighter future for people in your local community.

“As well as this, you’ll be creating CO2 savings by diverting these items from ending up in landfill.

“For an added bonus, if you no longer need your tables, chairs, crockery or decorations after your Jubilee party, you can donate them back to your local reuse charity shop to be reused again.”

While Chris Thorne, plastics campaigner at Greenpeace UK, recommends recycling old takeaway boxes by giving them to people with leftover food from the party.

Charlotte English, from Greener and Cleaner Bromley and Beyond, told i: “A lot of people have reconnected with their streets over lockdown and we can build on that with street parties.”

Residents in her street in Bromley, south London, are getting together the weekend before their party to make bunting and party decorations using old school uniform for the red, white and blue effect.

Partygoers are being asked to bring their own food, to cut back on food waste.

And there is a baking competition to encourage people not to buy pre-packaged items.

Greener and Cleaner Bromley and Beyond has plastic party sets of cups and plates for up to 30 which it can loan to those hosting parties.

“Don’t buy plastic plates”, she said, “A lot of people have these in their homes, bring them out for the street party and reuse them.”

Refillable water bottles, jugs of squash and soda stream drinks also remove the need to buy single-use plastic bottles, she added.

And for those hoping to hoist a Union Flag in honour of Her Majesty, she recommends an old bedsheet or curtain lining as the perfect canvas on which to paint the country’s colours.

Tips for hosting a sustainable celebration:

All rights reserved. © 2021 Associated Newspapers Limited.