TIPS FOR HOSTING
AN ECO-FRIENDLY BIRTHDAY PARTY

Think reusable, not disposable

Here are some handy ideas to get you started:

- Consider using recycled paper and fabric strips to make things like bunting and other decorations. 

- Skip the paper invites and email guests. Or, if you do need printed invites, invest in recycled paper. 

- Get your guests involved by asking them to wrap a gift in recycled paper, make the gift a preloved book or toy or have a no plastic gift policy. 

- Another idea is giving guests the option to donate to their chosen charity rather than buying a gift. 

- Set up bins clearly labelled to make recycling easy during the cleanup stage at the end of the party. 

- Skip the wrapping paper. What's the point of buying new wrapping paper that will only get torn and tossed away? Instead, consider wrapping gifts with things like old travel maps, newspapers, your kid's art, comics, or any box you have handy.  

- Another alternative to wrapping paper is using reusable fabric that can be tied in lots of pretty ways. Check out the Japanese art of Furoshiki for some inspiration! 

- Avoid cling wrap and go for food covers like beeswax wraps. 

- Rather than a take-home party bag that is full of sugar and plastic toys, get creative with some other ideas. Try a pack of seeds that the kids can take home and add to their garden. This will encourage time in the outdoors and spark a passion for growing food. 

- Straws are unnecessary and an easy item to skip. 

- If you are going disposable, choose bamboo or compostable plant-based plates and cutlery. Check out Eco Cubs for 100% plant-based children's dinnerware sets.

- Try and avoid traditional party games that create unnecessary waste and focus more on experiences like face painting. (using natural face paint).

- Check out your local op shop for colourful platters, plates and cups. They can then be stored away, ready for the next party!

Party kit hire

There are plenty of great companies offering party kits that can be rented out for the special day and returned to be used again.  

 Here are just a few: 

Eco Party Hire

Party Kit Network

Embrace nature

- Have a hunt around the yard and create decorations for the party. Things like seed pods, shells, gum nuts and banksia cobs can all be painted up and decorated with a little imagination.  

- Create nature art and craft activities that will require fewer decorations.

- If you have fresh flowers about, scatter them across the tables, place in vases and hang them around the party. 

Choose healthier food options but enjoy the cake!