How to Throw an Eco Friendly Party

My little guy just turned a year old and because Binghamton weather is unpredictable, we didn't want to plan a party and then have to cancel it because of snow. So, we decided to hold off on throwing John a big party with family until the weather gets nicer and we can have everyone gather outside. Because 30 people wandering around inside my house is pretty much this mama's worst nightmare.

Whether you want to cut back on the amount of trash you produce or like me, you have to pay for city trash bags and are trying to go through less of them, it is possible to throw a birthday party for your child and cut down on unnecessary waste.

But please, don't go so extreme that your kid becomes the joke at school. There's a way to balance out being eco friendly and still have an incredible party that your child's friends will talk about all year.

1
Decorations
I'm all about reusing decorations. I actually have a bin and put all the banners and crepe paper and such in it and reuse it for all of our other parties. If you don't already have decorations, try making a handmade ‘Happy Birthday’ banner out of fabric or by using brown craft paper, and then roll it up after the party and save it for the next one. My mom used brown craft paper to put a big 'Happy Birthday' sign on our front porch for my birthday every year and it was one of the highlights of my day.
2
Balloons
Did you know that you can reuse Mylar balloons? Instead of popping the balloons after the party and tossing them, you can take the air out, tuck them away and have them refilled on the cheap at your local party store for the next party. Here's how to take the air out- insert a drinking straw into the opening of the Mylar balloon where you can see the colored plastic slip (it needs to go between the two slips of colored plastic) Slowly squeeze the balloon until you feel air come out of the straw. If air isn't coming out of the straw, you probably don't have the straw inserted far enough into the balloon. Fold the balloon until all the air is out and tuck it away until you're ready to use it again.
3
Food
I'm the worst when it comes to food. I'm always so worried that I won't have enough or enough options to satisfy everyone and I end up making so much that my family is still eating it a week later. The truth is that kids don't really eat much at parties because they're busy running around, being kids. So, don't go overboard.
4
Table
Washing dishes ranks right up there with toilet cleaning in my book, but it definitely cuts down on the amount of trash when you use reusable plates, real silverware, cups and cloth napkins. Instead of handing out juice boxes or cans of soda, make a glass pitcher of lemonade.
5
Invitations
Instead of sending out a paper invitation, send an email, make a phone call, or send a message on Facebook. There are even websites that will send party invites via email for you and for free. Do a search for 'Evite' to see what I mean.
6
Gifts
Sure, kids think it's fun to rip open presents, but if you're trying to cut back on garbage, maybe suggest that as a monetary gift would be a better idea. Make sure to tell them not to give too much (because you don't want people who don't have much money to feel bad) and think about setting a limit, such as $5 or $10. They can put the money in a card and afterward, you can use the birthday card to make gift tags, or frame them, or think of some other creative use.

Filed Under: DIY, Eco Friendly, Kid's Birthday Parties

Categories: Articles, Children, Family, Hawk Morning Show, How-to, Lifestyle