Eco-Friendly Party Tips

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

In the area of your kids’ parties, there are several ways to embrace being environmentally friendly as well.

• First, look around your home and take an inventory of what you have on hand to make invitations, decorations, and party fun. It is smart to reuse what you already have in your home. First, it is easy on the pocketbook and makes sense! As an example, when you are creating your invitations, what paper and supplies do you have on hand?
• Look around your home and use what you already have. If you are looking to add a gift tag or a decorative piece to your party package, take a hike and pick up a pine cone or acorn to decorate.
• The easiest thing to serve your party menu and cake on are paper goods that often match your theme. Try to purchase only what you need. If you have leftovers, you may be able to reuse them in the future for another kid in your family, or you could find another family who may be doing such a theme. Another trend these days, is selling/swapping your stuff on-line.  Check out craigslist.org or freecycle.org for ideas for this.
• Make sure after the party if you have had cans of soda or plastic juice bottles, etc. that you recycle these.
• As far as eco-friendly presents go, you can purchase stuffed animal toys for small kids that are made of organic material, or if the gift you buy uses batteries, make sure to buy rechargeable batteries, older kids may appreciate a certificate stating that a tree has been planted in their name, etc.
• “Going Back to Nature” with your kids. These may give you ideas not only for party activities, but also for a fun time on the weekends with your kids.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle!! The mantra is here to stay…at parties and beyond!