Party Plates
Don’t assume that the paper plates and cups you’ve bought will be recyclable. Are they coated with plastic or covered in gold and silver? Papers coated with plastic or aluminium foil are usually not recycled because the process is too expensive so why not source some bamboo or palm leaf alternatives (we love the range from www.theprettylittepartyshop.co.uk), or better still – use plates and cups that can be washed and used over and over again!
Balloons
Sadly, foil balloons are not recyclable. A great suggestion from Sum of All Parties ‘Foil balloons can be deflated and re-used. If you opt for the first letter for your child’s name or (rather than a number one) it can be stored and reused year after year. If you opt for a plain or simple happy birthday one it can be used for every birthday in your house and even passed between friends for their children’s birthdays.’ (www.instagram.com/sumofallparties / sumofallparties.wordpress.com )
Party Bags
Give yourself time to plan these so you don’t have to panic buy the plastic, one-use toys that break so easily and which kids lose interest in after 2 minutes! If you have lots of time you could make felt masks in a superhero/woodland/other theme, with the aid of pinterest & a sewing machine or fabric glue – get creative! If you have less time you could pick up a pack of seeds from the local garden centre, or a book. And if you have even less time or don’t want the faff, come and visit us – your online, eco-friendly party bag Super Heroes.
Activities
Now, I’m not going to suggest donning the rubber gloves and a litter picker – perhaps not the best fun for a kids party, I’m sure almost all activities are safe from hurting the planet! But a green fingered activity could also double up as a party bag – little ones could plant a seed into a biodegradable pot with some soil and then take it home. Or perhaps you could create a scavenger hunt in a garden using the natural habitat, or a game of bird bingo’ which could teach the little ones some bird names too.
Decor
There are a great range of paper garlands and bunting as opposed to the plastic ones. Paper pompoms are simple to make and you can adapt the sizes to suit, or the colours to match your colour schemes. Pompoms are also fun to use as cake toppers – just keep the candles at a very safe distance away from them!
Enter here:
Win eco-friendly party bags for your child’s party from ‘The Paper Party Bag Shop’!
Find out more |