Birthdays come once a year and provide a perfect excuse to throw a party, celebrate with your friends and family, and let the birthday girl or boy know how much you care about them. If you have a birthday party or other gathering to plan, why not incorporate your sustainable lifestyle into the theme?
Here’s an idea: use recycled paper and print using soy ink to be ultra eco-friendly or for children’s parties, get your little ones involved with decorating the paper. Viola – personalized, sustainable invitations! Or why not send out e-mail invitations? They make it a snap to keep your RSVPs organized.
Decorations
Colorful streamers, fat bunches of balloons, and Happy Birthday banners don’t need to be cut from the fun in the name of reducing your impact. Purchase decorations that can be used again; disposable streamers and balloons lead to unnecessary waste. Invest in durable tablecloth that can be washed and stored rather than buying disposable plastic that will wind up in a landfill. Have your children help you create a Happy Birthday banner using recycled paper or fabric that you can store for future parties. They will be proud of their handiwork and you’ll save the memories for years to come. Green party goods has a wealth of ideas and products for your next decorating endeavor!
Food
Serving food on reusable platters or durable, low-impact bamboo is sure to bring a finished look to the table and will definitely reduce your after-party waste (and clean up!) Disposable paper plates, napkins, and flatware are a thing of the past; invest in durable supplies that will last for many birthdays to come. Try Green Planet Parties for loads of unique options.For your snack tables and buffets, use local and organic produce or show off herbs and veggies straight from your garden!
Gifts
Encourage guests to wrap gifts in recycled paper or in cloth bags. Place your gift in a personalized or colorful tote that can be used long after the party is over. For young children, consider buying a gently used toy from a consignment shop (think Mulberry district) rather than buying a brand new toy from a big box store; the child won’t know the difference, you’ll contribute to a local small business, and reduce your impact – everyone wins!
Children
Some fun, creative ideas for children’s birthday parties are detailed in this article from The Green Guide Children’s parties are a perfect opportunity to sneak in some learning with the fun. Take a trip to the Montgomery Zoo or a nature trail to teach your children and their friends why it’s important to take care of animals and their habitats.
If you have more ideas for a sustainable themed birthday party or have pictures from a recent gathering, let us know!
