From Swaps to Party Kits: How Dayna is Inspiring Sustainable Celebrations in California

From thrift shop treasure hunts to community swap events, sustainability has always been at the heart of Dayna’s story. As the founder of Sustainable Parties and Orange County Party Kit, Dayna is helping her local community in California celebrate more consciously through reducing waste and encouraging reuse through thought-out events.

Dayna’s sustainability journey started at home, inspired by her mother’s mindful habits. “I first discovered my passion for sustainability thanks to my mother, who instilled in me the value of reducing waste,” she shares. “Growing up in a Latino home, I recall my mother sending our outgrown clothes to our cousins in Mexico and shopping at local thrift shops. My fondest sustainable childhood memory is my mom driving to garage sales with my family and friends in Coto de Casa.”

Those early experiences shaped Dayna’s values and, eventually, her business. She first came across the party kit concept by chance: “I stumbled upon the Party Kit concept through a Facebook post,” she says. “It sparked my interest in innovative ways to promote sustainability.” What began as curiosity soon turned into action.

Now, through her Orange County Party Kit, Dayna not only provides reusable tableware for local celebrations but also champions a broader sustainable lifestyle. She regularly hosts clothing, book and toy swaps - each event an opportunity to build community and reduce waste. “Running a party kit has been an incredible journey,” she says. “It’s allowed me to connect with my community and spread awareness about sustainability.”

Dayna’s impact hasn’t gone unnoticed. She’s been featured in the Los Angeles Times for her work promoting sustainable shopping and joined the Queen Bee Networks, a women’s networking group who have supported her mission to make celebrations more sustainable. 

Like many, Dayna has faced challenges along the way, particularly around funding: “I’ve hosted fundraisers and collaborated with community partners and small businesses to host monthly sustainable events in my community.”

Dayna joined the Party Kit Network in July 2021 when membership was opened up to all countries. It’s given her the opportunity to connect with a global community of like-minded people. “I love being part of the Party Kit Network,” she says. “It allows me to work with individuals around the world who are dedicated to reducing waste in our communities, one party kit at a time.”

Her commitment has also been recognised within the network. Dayna received the Party Kit Network Shining Star Award in both 2024 and 2025, celebrating members who have successfully increased the impact of their party kits by helping to reduce more single-use items compared to the previous year.

From local swaps to international collaboration, Dayna’s work embodies the spirit of community reuse. Her story shows how small actions, like sharing tableware or hosting a clothing swap, can inspire a ripple effect of change.

Follow Dayna’s journey and see her events in action on Instagram: @sustainable_parties_ocpartykit