The day this post’s video comes out is my birthday! So, what better way to celebrate than to talk about how to throw an eco-friendly birthday party, complete with sustainable options like paper plates, that anyone of any age can use as a guide? From thoughtful birthday party supplies to creative decorations, this guide has it all. Now, I’m not much of a partier or party-thrower, so I never considered making this as a video, but the timing was too good to pass up!
A lot of this can even be used for any party, any potluck, or any celebration. You can even use them for the many upcoming holidays. So, leave your eco-party tips below!
Planning
Joint Parties
If your birthday or your kids’ birthdays are close to others’, consider hosting a joint celebration. This approach can cut waste nearly in half while also saving money on food and other party essentials. To make everyone feel special, ensure all birthday honorees are celebrated equally and have a say in the party plans.
Digital Invites
In today’s digital age, there’s no need for physical invitations that often go to waste. Instead, design digital invites using free apps like Canva and send them via email or text. This method is affordable, eco-friendly, and just as meaningful. Save one for yourself as a keepsake if you’d like!
Decorations
Invest in Reusable Decor
When buying decorations, choose quality items that can be reused for years. This is especially useful if you have multiple kids or host regular celebrations. Opt for versatile items like reusable tablecloths or sturdy chairs that can serve multiple purposes year-round.
Borrow or Rent Instead of Buying
For items you don’t have, such as extra chairs or specific decorations, ask friends or family to lend them to you. Alternatively, rent from local party stores to avoid clutter and waste. Renting reduces the need to buy new and store items long-term.
Avoid Single-Use Plastic Decor
Say no to disposable plastic decorations like balloons, streamers, and confetti. Instead, use recyclable paper streamers or eco-friendly alternatives like leaf confetti. Plastic decorations pollute the environment and cannot be recycled, so make the switch to sustainable options.
Reuse Decorations
Don’t toss out decorations after a single use! Reuse them until they wear out. If you no longer need them, donate so others can enjoy them too. For example, a well-loved birthday banner can become a cherished family tradition.
Shop Local
Support local small businesses like florists, bakers, and artists for your party needs. This reduces carbon emissions and helps the community. Small businesses are often naturally less wasteful, making them a more sustainable choice than big-box stores.
Thrift Your Decor
Thrift stores are treasure troves for affordable party supplies. Look for unique items, including props and party favors, to bring your celebration to life. Shopping second-hand reduces waste and adds character to your event.
Eco-Friendly Tips
Ditch Helium Balloons
Helium is a finite resource critical for medical equipment and other industries, so conserve it by avoiding helium balloons. For an eco-friendly alternative, secure balloons to dowels for a similar effect. Never release balloons into the environment, as they become hazardous litter.
Encourage Thrifting for Themes
Themed parties can still be sustainable! Encourage guests to use what they already own or thrift items to fit the theme. Creative ideas like dressing as the birthday person or using zodiac signs make for memorable celebrations.
Repurpose Home Decor
Save money and waste by using items you already have, like candles, tablecloths, or chairs. After the party, these items can easily return to their regular uses.
Sustainable Candle Choices
Opt for Natural Wax Candles
Avoid paraffin wax candles, which are derived from petroleum and release pollutants when burned. Choose alternatives made from beeswax or soy for a healthier, more eco-friendly option. These natural candles are better for both your health and the planet.
Activities/Venue
Rent Large Equipment
Instead of purchasing items like cotton candy machines or bounce houses, rent them for the event. Renting reduces waste as these items get reused multiple times, cutting down on the demand for new products. Local party supply or outdoor recreation stores often have a wide selection of rental options. This approach not only minimizes waste but also eliminates the need to store large items.
Choose Low-Waste Activities
Experience-based parties are a fantastic way to reduce waste. Hosting an event at a trampoline park, museum, city park, arcade, water park, or ice-skating rink keeps waste minimal while ensuring fun for everyone. Activities like these also simplify cleanup and offer unique experiences for guests.
Prioritize Cleanup and Prevent Litter
Whether indoors or outdoors, always clean up after the party. Secure items like napkins, plates, and trash bags to prevent accidental littering. Avoid confetti and balloons, as they can easily become litter and harm wildlife if left behind.
Food/Serving
Prepare Homemade Food
Whenever possible, make snacks and meals yourself. Items like veggie trays, fruit platters, cookies, or charcuterie boards are easy to prepare, customizable, and generate less packaging waste than prepackaged alternatives.
Host a Potluck
Reduce waste and effort by inviting guests to contribute to the meal. A potluck-style event creates a collaborative atmosphere and ensures everyone has something they enjoy. As a bonus, you can share recipes with one another!
Buy in Bulk or Use Bulk Bins
For snacks like trail mix or candies, shop at bulk food stores to avoid excess packaging. If bulk bins aren’t an option, choose larger packaged items instead of multiple small ones to minimize waste.
Use Reusable Utensils and Napkins
Swap disposable utensils and napkins for reusable ones. Thrift stores are great for finding affordable sets of plates, cups, and cutlery. If the event is too large for reusables, encourage guests to bring their own or borrow extra sets from neighbors.
Consider Bioplastics for Large Events
For larger gatherings, opt for biodegradable disposable products from brands like Repurpose. These items are made from plant-based materials and are less harmful to the environment. If your city has commercial composting, these products can be composted for true zero waste.
Use Drink Dispensers
Replace single-use juice boxes and pouches with drink dispensers. Borrow or thrift dispensers to serve drinks like lemonade or punch. This reduces waste and allows for easy refills using reusable or bioplastic cups.
Share Leftovers
To prevent food waste, send guests home with leftovers. Alternatively, share extra food with neighbors or friends. This ensures nothing goes to waste and spreads the joy beyond the party.
Choose Recyclable Drink Containers
Instead of non-recyclable juice pouches or single-use plastic cups, opt for drinks in containers made of glass, aluminum, or recyclable plastics (#1 or #2). Research local recycling rules to choose the most sustainable options for your area.
Provide Recycling and Compost Stations
Encourage guests to recycle and compost by setting up clearly labeled bins. Make sure to communicate the rules so materials are sorted correctly and don’t end up in the landfill.
Gifts
Thrift or Regift Thoughtfully
Although regifting or thrifting can feel unconventional, it’s a sustainable and thoughtful option. Search for secondhand versions of specific gifts your child or friend wants. These gifts are just as meaningful while reducing landfill waste, conserving resources, and saving money. Items like books, clothing, or unopened gifts from your collection can also be regifted with care.
Choose Low-Packaging New Gifts
If buying new, prioritize items with minimal or recyclable packaging. Look for gifts in cardboard or eco-friendly materials, avoiding excessive plastic, zip ties, and unnecessary components. A mindful approach to packaging reduces waste significantly.
Party Favors
Skip or Simplify Party Favors
Eliminate party favors or offer practical, low-waste options like snacks, books, or small plants instead of disposable trinkets. Let go of the societal expectation to provide favors; it’s your event, and you can focus on meaningful gestures rather than wasteful traditions.
Gift Wrapping
Use Eco-Friendly Wrapping
Consider sustainable wrapping options, such as 100% recyclable paper, reusable fabric like scarves or cloth bags, or no wrapping at all. You can also reuse wrapping paper or gift bags from previous occasions. Thoughtful wrapping reduces waste while adding a creative touch to your presentation.
Guiding Gift Choices
Communicate Gift Preferences
Help guests choose meaningful and useful gifts by sharing a wish list for you or your child. A curated list allows for surprises while ensuring gifts won’t go unused. Platforms like Amazon registries make this easy to organize. For unwanted gifts, consider regifting, selling, donating, or returning them to prevent waste.
Opt for Gift-Less or Experience-Based Giving
Request no gifts or suggest alternatives like cash, gift cards, or experiential presents such as lessons, memberships, or activity passes. These options reduce physical waste while offering lasting enjoyment and memories for the recipient.
