healthy living
Make it an Earth-friendly birthday party Keep it green this year with these tips
LEA HANSON
K
ids’ birthday parties generate a lot of trash. Wrapping paper, disposable plates, birthday cards and balloons add up to several bags of garbage. Every parent wants to make their child’s special day memorable, but that doesn’t need to equate to producing obscene amounts of waste. Start by choosing an earth-friendly theme. Hosting a garden party, butterfly celebration, or a bug safari sets the tone for fewer—or different—decorations. INVITATIONS One of the easiest tips for a green party is to use online rather than paper invitations. You’ll save on paper and postage, and it’s an easy way to collect responses. Email families directly, create a Facebook Event, or use an online tool like Evite. DISHES AND TABLEWARE The biggest sources of waste at children’s parties are the plates, napkins, cutlery, etc. Sure it’s a pain to wash dishes (and many of us may not OWN the needed number of plates), but offering reusable, kid-friendly cups and plates significantly cuts back waste. Also, it can really jive with the theme: Using real teacups at a tea party adds that special touch of sophistication. If you want a festive tablecloth, decorate an old sheet to fit your theme. Try using recycled paper to create custom placemats. Use fabric pens to customize cloth napkins with the names of your guests for a unique (and reusable) party favor. NIX THE GOODIE BAGS Let’s face it, goodie bags are on the outs with most parents. Even though they may feel mandatory, you don’t have to succumb to the madness. The other parents will thank you! This is not to say you can’t send guests home with a small token. Consider having them make a craft like a popsicle stick picture frame or a tie-dyed pillow16
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case. Or, substitute a small paperback book or some art supplies for the goodie bag. DECORATIONS Forget the streamers and balloons that often pop before the party finishes or worse, fly off at least one child’s wrist and into the sky, therefore ruing that child’s day—or life. Instead, use materials you already have on hand to create longer lasting decorations. Use recycled paper to make banners and party hats, which guests can color themselves. Or better yet, don’t even decorate. FOOD & DRINKS Avoid juice boxes, bottled water, individually wrapped snacks, and other single-serving items that create unneeded waste. Fill a pitcher with water or milk and supply some sturdy plastic cups instead. Once again, creativity is key and think in line with the party theme: Labeling a big thermos with the words “Gas Tank” will keep the race car party goers returning to fill up their tanks. Letting guests sprinkle fairy dust (a pinch of colored sugar) on their lemonade is fun and magical. CARDS & WRAPPING PAPER Recycle the gift bags you’ve already received or use other paper you have around the house. If your child loves art,
allow them to create their own wrapping paper by decorating a brown paper bag with makers, stickers, etc. Regarding cards, what if you didn’t even send one? Let’s be honest, with kids, the cards matter the least. Make a simple “To/ From” tag to attach to the gift so the birthday girl/boy knows whom to thank. GAMES Some of the best-loved party games require little or no materials. Hopscotch, musical chairs, capture the flag and charades, for example, require minimal supplies and have engaged party goers for generations. TRASH Place a large, clearly labeled recycle bin where young guests can reach it and talk to them about the importance of limiting trash. Set a reasonable goal for yourself (such as producing only one bag of trash for the whole party) to help keep you and the guests focused on reusing and recycling. Even if you’re not able to make every aspect of the celebration earth-friendly, challenge yourself to at least one thing different and better at your child’s next party. Even small changes make the world a healthier place. Even better, such changes and gestures make an impact on your child—and their friends—in regard to sharing the value of environmentalism.