Here are 6 ways to keep it green at your little one’s birthday party
It may sound boring to green-proof your baby’s bash, but your little one will definitely thank you for playing your part in the preservation of mother earth in the years to come. Here are a six simple tips to make your child's party that little bit more eco-friendly.
Ditch the disposable
It may be a pain to wash dishes after a party, but the time you take rinsing to then recycle is essentially the same as loading the dishwasher. You could also go for reusable favours like cloth bunting, banners and table cloths. The aim here is to have as little as possible in the black bin, post-party.
Replace balloons
How can something so fun be so damaging? It’s a sad fact, but balloons take years to break down, doing mama earth and her animal inhabitants no favours. Remember, even latex balloons are not as eco-friendly as the claim to be. Consider using cloth banners in their place or decorate the rooms with bunches of flowers.
Brown Paper Packaging
NOT tied up with strings. Consider using brown paper to wrap gifts for pass the parcel and your little one’s present. Despite being called wrapping paper, there is nothing recyclable about it. Going for plain brown paper at least assures that you are not sending something directly to landfill.
Rethink party bags
Plastic party bags must be ditched and even papers ones will end up in the bin. Their contents is also likely to be plastic, and who actually needs a brand new set of stickers and bubbles every other week? Instead, buy little cloth bags or purses and they can be the gift you give leaving. Any gift that isn’t single use could also be given at the door on the way out!
Try to make the food
Ugh, I know this one sounds like a massive hassle, but just THINK of the amount of packaging in all of those tiny party treats like bags of jellies and crisps. Instead, do some simple food prep like chocolate covered strawberries and fruit kebabs. Make your own chips by throwing a tray of sliced spuds into the oven with some oil. Kids will want to eat anything that looks pretty so be creative if you have the time.
Ask for money instead of gifts
It sounds cheeky, but most parents will be delighted to be told to throw a fiver into a home-made card, rather than spend €20 on a gift that is more plastic packaging than toy. Alternatively ask for books or jigsaws. Think about it, wouldn’t you like to be told what to buy instead of quizzing your six-year-old whether Sarah from school likes PJ Masks or My Little Pony?
