Drink Responsibly: The Sustainability Promise Behind Our Bar

Living in the Pacific Northwest, it’s easy to understand the importance of preserving the natural beauty around us. When it comes to weddings and events, celebrations often leave behind more than just great memories—they also generate a surprising amount of waste. From single-use cups and straws to excessive packaging and leftover garnishes, the impact of a mobile bar can add up quickly. At Kitsap Bartending Services, we believe in drinking responsibly—not just in moderation, but in the way we serve and source our supplies, ingredients, and sustainability.

Amanda K White Photography | Kingston House

On a micro level, we take steps to reduce litter and minimize waste in our local community, ensuring that every event leaves a smaller footprint. On a macro level, we’re committed to sustainable practices that lower our carbon footprint, from using locally-sourced ingredients to offering in-house glassware to reduce the use of unnecessary plastics. The wedding and events industry may be known for excess, but we’re here to prove that an unforgettable bar experience can also be an eco-friendly one.

Although there is no way to create a zero-waste bar, we can follow a few practices and offer additional services to reduce waste as much as possible. We’ve listed a few of our practics to help reduce waste, and also a few easy bar-related tips:

Glassware: We offer in-house glassware rental and delivery to reduce single-use plastic and minimizes an additional delivery truck, for up to 300 guests, which includes glassware for wine, beer, cocktails, water, and also champagne flutes.
Tossware: When glassware is not available or selected, we use thin wall and crack-resistant biodegradable/compostable tossware which will breakdown when composted properly, reduce the quantity of “plastic” used, and won’t break before or during use.
Re-Use: Whether using tossware or true glassware, we encourage guests to re-use their glass when possible to hopefully reduce using multiple single-use cups, eliminate the need to switch to single-use if glassware is limited, or reduce the need to commercially wash more glassware. *see photo below*
Dehydrated Garnishes: Offering dehydrated citrus and fruit as a garnish, not only is a great way to elevate the appearance of a cocktail, but it prolongs the life of garnishes and can be prepped ahead of time when more locally in-season, and any unopened leftovers can be re-used instead of tossed like traditional garnishes. *see photo below*
Sourcing Local: Luckily, sourcing local is easy in the PNW. We are surrounded by great wineries, breweries, and distilleries – so no matter what you are choosing to drink, we can always suggest something local to our region when putting together a shopping list, whether that is within our county, state, or corner of the country. Not only is shopping local most-likely better for the environment, but it can also be cheaper and/or keep money in our local economy.
Recycling + Composting: Our team is mindful that all bottles, cans, boxes, and disposable supplies are properly placed in recycling or compost bins.
Straws: We agree, paper straws often suck (or don’t suck, and crumble). However, after countless trials of many brands and material, we found some that don’t disintegrate in any temperature, and can often be used for multiple drinks. We have them readily available on the bar for guests to use, but we don’t default to using them unless a guest prefers to use one. *see photo below*
Bar Supplies + Equipment: By default, we provide all the supplies your bar will need – tables, linens, bar tools, ice buckets, coolers, recyclable menu, straws, cups, bar tables and linens, ice, etc. that will not only keep your cost down because you don’t have to purchase them yourself, but will also cut down on your to-do list, and we can save and re-use most supplies, order in bulk, and prioritize sustainable products. In addition to the glassware offered as an add-on, we also offer bar rentals, jockey boxes for kegs (which will reduce the amount of cans/bottles used), and more! Again, things to reduce the need for additional delivery.
Washing Glassware + Supplies: We’ve chosen to work with a local commercial kitchen to clean all glassware and supplies in their commercial dishwasher, and although cleaning and sanitizing is a set routine, we have chosen to partner with Farm Kitchen, a community-centered organic flowers and produce farm and wedding venue that also offers sustainability education and events. Although our rental fees are minimal, we know it is going towards like-minded businesses to continue their work.
Digital Contracts + Contact: This one is pretty straight-forward. We only use digital contracts, invoicing, and online payments, and opt for video calls instead of meeting in-person when possible.
Client Portal: Our couples or event hosts get access to our Client Portal, that not only offers a extensive list of bar planning tips, cost-saving tips, cocktail ideas, an alcohol calculator to produce a detailed shopping list for the menu so there is less over-spending and waste, but also has a whole section on ways to create a more sustainable bar for your wedding and event.
Emerald Hour: Kitsap Bartending Services is a proud member of Emerald Hour, a group that shares resources and tips for wedding vendors to work together to build a more earth-friendly and sustainable industry. If you are a couple getting married, hosting an event, or even a fellow vendor who wants to learn how to create a mindful event, check out their Green Swaps Guide for Couples or Vendors.

Whether you’re interested in a sustainable event because you want to reduce the carbon footprint, you’re tired of seeing so much garbage on the side of the road, want to find ways to cut some costs, or all of the above, we know we can’t be perfect, but we pledge to do our best to make less of an impact on the sweeping beauty of the Pacific Northwest and beyond.