For many parents, attending a child’s birthday party has become somewhat uneasy these days. With all the cake, candy and ice-cream that usually accompanies these events, we also end up with a bag full of plastic party favors that provide a few minutes of entertainment, but eventually end up polluting our homes for the weeks and months to come until we finally pitch them to the trash.
It’s time for parents to put their heads together and find ways to make this event more healthy and less wasteful. Below are a few ideas to make your next birthday bash a winner for parents, kids and the environment.
The Menu.
There are so many wonderful foods that we can offer our guests and we all know what those are so I will focus on what to avoid instead. Any pre-packaged snacks, like chips, gummies, juices, sodas and cookies should be eliminated. The wrappers from these items often end up blowing away at outdoor parties and they also take up a lot of space in the trash. Use large serving bowls and water cooler jugs instead. Supply small cups that can be reused at your next party or if you don’t want to keep them, send them home with your guests as a party favor.
Finger foods, like chips, cheese, veggies and fruits are great. Kids love them and you won’t have to spend hours washing dishes after your guests have gone. If you do decide to prepare a full spread that requires plates and utensils, stock up on festive plates, bowls and cups from your local thrift shop in your down time. Mix and match so your guests will have their own unique set, which will especially make it easier for young ones who often get distracted and forget where they leave their plate or cup. Cloth napkins are also nice to have if you’re hoping to minimize waste.
For dessert try homemade popsicles, fondue or popcorn. And when it comes time for serving cake and ice cream avoid using disposable plates and utensils.
Party Favors.
Lately it has become the norm to stock up on plastic trinkets to pass out as party favors and if we can put an end to this we’ll all be better off. Think of things that a child will use, that will last and that the parent will appreciate. Some ideas are pencils or other needed school supplies, a decorated reusable container with a homemade snack inside, a new toothbrush, books, cardboard puzzles, an art project, a ticket to the movies, a personalized water bottle.
Send your invite via email to save paper and mention that gifts are not necessary, but if they insist, something handmade or a book or toy that their child no longer wants is welcome. This may seem strange, but my daughter is always trying to wrap up her old books to give to her friends and I think it’s a very unique and meaningful gesture on her part.
Skip the Balloons.
As far as decorations go, it’s important to remember to avoid using anything that can only be used once. There are plenty of ways to make your party look and feel spectacular without having to go out and buy something new each time you have one. All you need is a suitable cloth for the table, some hanging ornaments or beads, candles, tiki or paper lanterns and you’ve created an ambience. The great thing is that all of these things can be stored away for the next party.
Remember that kids will always find ways to have fun no matter what. So keep things simple and take a load off your shoulders for once and join in on the fun too.
If you’ve hosted or attended any successful parties where minimizing waste was a goal, please feel free to share your experience. The more ideas out there, the better.