More Green, Eco-Friendly Birthday Party Ideas

There are so many simple ways to green your birthday party.  This article offers some great, practical eco-friendly advice and insights.   It suggests that smaller birthday gatherings are better, (agreed!) and it may even be easier to host two smaller gatherings (say, one for friends, and one for family) than to host one gigantic birthday party.

Here’s an excerpt with a few more ideas:

“Bid adieu to balloons
Balloons are treated with ammonia, tetramethyl thiuram disulfide, zinc oxide and added plasticizers – and frankly, they aren’t very green. If they aren’t there, they won’t miss ‘em.

Goody bags
Goody bags are exciting for any kid, but pumping them full of candy and useless items is just a waste. Before the event, get crafty with your child with homemade gifts. Try hemp or beaded bracelets, each with a personalized touch to fit their friend’s personality. Alternately, bake a few batches of different cookies with your child, then get paper Chinese take-out containers from your local craft store, and fill them with the treats. Add the recipes for the parents.

Want to add a little more? Have a take-home craft project with instructions provided.”

Greening your child’s birthday party | Ecoki.

Green Birthday Party Decorations: 10 Tips For An Eco-Friendly Bday Party

Sustainlane provides us with ten great tips to make your birthday party more eco-friendly.   This includes reusable decorations, utensils, and using cloth instead of paper wherever possible.  It’s a great way to teach kids about recycling. You may even give out eco-friendly birthday party favors!

Written by Planetpals:

1. Have a recycle and trash plan such as pre-designated bins. Mark BINS clearly for easy use by using Planetpals FREE Recycle Sign
2. Use reusable party items instead of disposable paper or plastic dishware and utensils
3. If you are using plastic disposables, encourage people to reuse their cups and plates instead of getting new ones. (As a new idea, why not give everyone a cup with a unique image or their name on it, and encourage them to re-use it all day and take it home as a souvenir !)
4. Use paper items instead of plastics and styrofoam which are not biodegradable.
5. Consider cloth napkins or colorful bandanas instead of paper napkins!
6. Give reusable water bottles as a favor and encourage people to fill them
7. Buy large quantity containers instead of distributing drinks in small bottles and cans…
8. Have an end of party clean up plan in place and encourage the kids to take part in clean up so they can learn for the future
9. Recycle your party decorations by using them for your next party or trade with a friend
10. Give away eco friendly favors and gifts!

Ten Tips To A Greener Birthday Party! – Go Green – SustainLane.