Eco-Friendly Party Tips
by Lisa Kothari, founder and president of Peppers and Pollywogs
These days, many people are eco-savvy!
Parents are certainly no exception, and just as they are reusing, reducing, and recycling more than ever, they are also more interested in teaching their kids ways to embrace these principals, and kids’ parties are a wonderful place to start.
If you are into the Three Rs and are looking to make your kids parties more environmentally friendly, there are many ways you can help the Earth and throw a great party at the same time. Eco-friendly party planning is also a great way to introduce your kids to reducing, reusing, and recycling!
Image courtsey: Morguefile.com
1. Look around your home, and take an inventory of what you have on hand to make invitations, decorations, and party fun. As an example, do you have any old paper supplies that you could create your invitations with? It is Earth
2. You may find things around your home to wrap gifts with. You could also turn the search for gift-wrapping materials into a fun outdoor activity. If you are looking to add a gift
3. Often the most convenient option is to serve your party menu and cake on are paper goods that match your theme. However this is not always the most environmentally friendly option. Therefore if you really feel insistent about using this option then when you pick up these items, try to purchase only what you need. If you have leftovers, you may be able to reuse them at a party for another child in your family, or you could find a friend’s family who is having a birthday party with the same theme. Another trend these days is selling/swapping your stuff online or with friends.
4. After your party, make sure to recycle any cans, plastic juice bottles, or other recyclable items that you served or used. Better still skip the plastic bottles and stick to home made lemonade or cordial served in a cute mix and match of crockery purchased from the local Opportunity-Shop. This way you can also support the charity that the Shop supports.
5. As far as eco-friendly presents go, there are many options out there. Books are a great option for all ages and will bring years of wonder and delight to a child. Tweens may appreciate a certificate stating that a tree has been planted in their name. Younger children may even appreciate a plant or flower. Better still look at GenerousParty.com a website helping you plan a caring and charitable birthday party.
6. Use eco-friendly fabric bags for your goody bags. Alternatively make your own paper cones filled with treats using old drawings from your child. Check out some craft websites like Make And Takes for inspiration.
Reduce, reuse, recycle!! The mantra is here to stay … at parties and beyond!
Lisa Kothari is the founder and president of Peppers and Pollywogs, a kids' party planning company that provides parents with ideas to make kids' party planning easy. She has written and published Dear Peppers and Pollywogs…What Parents Want To Know About Planning Their Kids' Parties, which is available at
