Mum helps save the planet hiring reusable partyware

Susan Hancock hires out brightly coloured reusable tableware and decorations.

Her business, Holmes Chapel Waste-Free Party Hire, is set to soar as Environment Secretary Therese Coffey has vowed to ban single-use plastic plates, trays, bowls, cutlery and polystyrene cups from October this year.

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Susan, of Holmes Chapel, who has two sons Teddy, eight, and Archie, five, said: “I lend out party kits of reusable tableware and decorations to help people avoid unnecessary waste from single-use items such as paper plates and plastic cups.

Susan offers a colourful selection of reusable plastic plates, bowls and cups (Image: Susan Hancock)

“In 2022, I lent out kits for 39 parties helping to avoid 7,020 single-use items.”

Susan came up with the idea when she couldn’t find suitable reusable plates and bowls for her own son’s birthday party.

“We set up our business in 2019,” said Susan, who works as a nurse at a GP surgery.

“We didn’t do any parties in 2020 when the pandemic hit but it has taken off now.

“We do it because we care about the environment.”

Susan offers eco-friendly plastic and vintage china party tableware as well as themed decorations and games.

Delivery is free within 10 miles.

“Everyone is in a lovely mood when we drop off and pick up the packs as families are preparing celebrations,” she said.

“It is fun.”

Colourful decorations are available as well as a range of tableware (Image: Susan Hancock)

People who hire the tableware can just place everything back into a box after their party.

“We do the washing up,” said Susan. “We have a dishwasher with solar panes so it is very eco-friendly.

“All our partyware is robust and made from recyclable plastic. We also have adult sets made from melamine.

“It is microwave safe and OK for warm buffets.

“We offer large serving bowls.

“We re-invest any money we make back into the business.”

Figures suggest that every year England uses around 1.1 billion single-use plates and 4.25 billion pieces of cutlery.

Plastic items relating to takeaway food and drink make up the largest share of litter in the world’s oceans, according to research.

Environment Secretary Therese Coffey said: “This new ban will have a huge impact to stop the pollution of billions of pieces of plastic and help to protect the natural environment for future generations.”

“A plastic fork can take 200 years to decompose.”

For more details about Susan’s business visit hcwastefree.co.uk