Children's birthday parties can become frenzies of plastic toys and wrapping paper, but with a little planning and communication with guests a child's birthday party can be a relatively environmentally friendly affair. Here are a few ways to reduce waste and excess when planning a child's birthday party.
Minimize Waste by Requesting Pre-Loved and Unwrapped Gifts
One of the best ways to keep a party green is to ask guests to choose gifts with the environment in mind. Choosing used toys instead of new, wooden instead of plastic and reusable gift bags instead of wrapping paper all help to reduce waste. Other earth-friendly gift ideas include consumable items, such as food or drink, or "experience" gifts, such as a trip to the movies, a ride on a roller coaster or a membership to the aquarium.
No GIfts Please
Also, consider having a "no gifts" party. This is the greenest option, and is great for parents who live in small spaces and just don't have room to store mountains of toys. This way lots of friends can come enjoy the party without worrying about bringing a gift. This option might not be acceptable for an older child who will be expecting gifts, but it's a great option for a very young child who really won't notice.
Avoid Disposable Plates and Cutlery
Birthday parties often generate a big garbage bag of disposable paper plates, plastic cups, forks and spoons. An easy way to make a party more environmentally friendly is to use the plates, cups and forks that are already in the cupboards. If there will be more guests than there are plates, ask a friend to bring a few extra. Designate a friend or family member to be on "dish patrol". This person can wash plates and forks between courses so the host doesn't have to worry about it.
Serve Local, Seasonal Food and Drink
Environmentally friendly food choices are becoming increasingly available as grocers and farmer's markets respond to consumer demand for local, seasonal and organic foods. The kids might not notice, but the adults who accompany them will appreciate seasonal fruits and vegetables or a tasty organic wine. Not only will the birthday party host save the energy involved in shipping out-of-season fruit across the globe, she'll also support local farmers and businesses.
Choose Practical Party Favors
Instead of sending each child home with a bag full of plastic dollar store toys, try to choose a party favor that will last. Plastic cookie cutters can be used with play dough and cookie dough long after the dust settles on the afternoon of the party. Superhero capes can be easily made by cutting out a simple fabric shape with scissors and decorating them with stick-on felt letters, and they can be used for creative dress-up play for years to come.
Green living doesn't have to stop when it comes the time to throw a child's birthday party. Ask guests to bring environmentally-friendly gifts or no gifts at all, avoid disposable dishes and cutlery, choose local, seasonal food and send the kids home with a useful party favor.
Michelle Carchrae - Michelle Carchrae has worked as a Volunteer Phone Counselor at Childline and as a Training Developer and Call Centre Trainer, but the job ...
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