Do’s and Don’ts
Now that people are more conscious about the impact on the environment of plastic and other non-biodegradable items, they are becoming more alert as to what they can do to help the environment. Parties can be a time of over-consumption and great waste. Reusing, recycling and repurposing can all help cut down on the carbon footprint of each child’s party you host.
* Think paper, not plastic straws – Tens of thousands of plastic straws are used every day and litter the environment. Use paper instead. Other options include bamboo or stainless steel.
* Think biodegradable balloons – Most balloons are made of rubber, which does not break down even after years in a landfill. Make mock balloons out of construction paper, or use biodegradable ones.
* Think children’s china sets, not disposable – Buy cheap but durable china and glasses instead of spending a fortune on disposable. You may have to wash between courses but that is a small price to pay for avoiding a mountain of waste. Corelleware is a good option for shatterproof, lightweight plates in pretty designs.
* Use stainless steel cutlery, not plastic – Stainless steel is durable and will hold up to the dishwasher as well as handwashing.
* Use shatter-proof glasses or mugs, not plastic cups or Styrofoam – Arcoroc makes an affordable line of break-resistant glasses. Corelleware usually comes with cups or mugs. You can also reuse jam jars or Mason jars.
* Use cloth napkins, not paper – Just throw in the wash when you are done. Try a dark color so it will show fewer stains.
* Use dishcloths, not paper towels – There is always plenty to mop up at a party. Use the cloths for your cleaning needs and throw in the wash.
* Skip the soda bottles – Serve juice that has been reconstituted from frozen. If you can’t live without soda, invest in a SodaStream to cut down on bottles used.
* Skip the plastic favor bags – Use brown paper sandwich bags, or waxed ones if you want a favor bag that is greaseproof.
* Skip the useless favors, think useful – Buy items to place in a brown paper party favor bag your kids can decorate. Think of the kinds of things kids love, like stickers, pencils, puzzle or coloring books, and so on.
* Buy large bags of snacks, not individual ones – Use clear, waxed paper sandwich bags so kids can enjoy a treat without you having to worry about dirty hands in a communal bowl. Also make your own popcorn at home in an air popper. Snack-pack wrappers are not biodegradable, whereas waxed paper is.
Eco-Friendly Party Tips
It all comes back to keeping it simple. These tips might turn the conventional birthday party upside down, but they’ll set you free along the way. Here’s how to host an eco-friendly birthday party everyone will enjoy.
* Rent party items, don’t by disposable – Eco-friendly party supply stores will actually rent you all you need for your party, including cloth banners, tablecloths and more.
* Plan green activities – This could be a trip to the local park or a nature walk. If the children are old enough, bring rubber gloves and recycling bags and get them to pick up plastic bottles and cans. Give them the money for the return and make a contest out of it, such as the top three who collected the most, those who found a green can, and so on. Prizes can be gently used items you found at a thrift store. You can also make it into an “Easter egg” type of hunt, with wrapped gifts amid the garbage that will get even the most hesitant child going for gold!
* Skip the wrapping paper – Use brown paper the kids have colored, magazine pages, or reuseable gift bags and gift boxes instead.
