Eco-Friendly Party Tips

These days, many people are eco-savvy! Parents are certainly no exception, and just as they are reusing, reducing, and recycling more than ever, they are also more interested in teaching their kids ways to embrace these principals.

If you are into the three Rs and are looking to make your kids parties more environmentally friendly, there are many ways you can help the Earth and throw a great party at the same time. Eco-friendly party planning is also a great way to introduce your kids to reducing, reusing, and recycling!

• Look around your home, and take an inventory of what you have on hand to make invitations, decorations, and party fun. As an example, do you have any old paper supplies that you could create your invitations with? It is Earth smart (and pocketbook friendly!) to reuse what you already have.
• You may find things around your home to wrap gifts with. You could also turn the search for gift-wrapping materials into a fun outdoor activity. If you are looking to add a gift tag or decorative piece to your party package, take a hike and pick up a pine cone or acorn to decorate with.
• The easiest thing to serve your party menu and cake on are paper goods that match your theme. When you pick up these items, try to purchase only what you need. If you have leftovers, you may be able to reuse them at a party for another kid in your family, or you could find a friend’s family who is having a birthday party with the same theme. Another trend these days is selling/swapping your stuff online. At Parents’ Connect Marketplace, you can make a little money by selling your leftover party goods and also help others who need just two or three plates or cups to round out their party table.
• After your party, make sure to recycle any soda cans, plastic juice bottles, or other recyclable items that you served or used.
• As far as eco-friendly presents go, there are many options out there. You can purchase stuffed animals for small kids that are made of organic material. If you are giving a child a gift that requires batteries, make sure to buy rechargeable ones. Older kids may appreciate a certificate stating that a tree has been planted in their name.
• FamilyFun.com has a great article titled “Going Back to Nature” that’s full of eco-friendly projects to do with your kids. It may give you ideas for both party and weekend activities!
• Check out ECHOage, a website chock-full of fabulous ways to have an eco-friendly party.
• Use eco-friendly fabric bags for your goody bags.
• Check out Happy Green Earth, which was set up specifically to provide eco-friendly alternatives for children’s party bags, gifts, and tableware. They provide good-quality, affordable, and unusual items that are made from eco-friendly materials that are kinder to our planet.

Reduce, reuse, recycle!! The mantra is here to stay … at parties and beyond!