How to throw a Green(er) Birthday Party-

I was inspired to write this post by two things. First, I will be sharing a review of a great new book called Eco-Friendly families, by Helen Coronato soon, as well as an interview with her. She has a super helpful chapter on this very idea in her book. And since she is inherently more creative then I am (this isn't hard), it is truly helpful.

Then I came across this article in the San Fransisco Chronicle. It turns out I'm not the only one who doesn't want to gift wrap presents, give any cheap plastic toys to my dear friend's children, or have to take toxic laden toys from goodies bags from my girls after a party.

There seems to be a movement about lessening the impact (both green, commercial, and otherwise )of birthday parties for our kids. And this is a good thing. According to the article, we Americans spend gobs of money on birthdays a year:

"Americans reportedly spend more than $600 million a year on children's cards, wrapping paper and partyware."

And I bet much of it ends up in the trash, or somewhere not being used or recycled. So, in this spirit, I offer my attempt at some guidelines for how to throw a greener birthday party. Keep several things in mind, however. I am not talented in the areas of party throwing, designing or cooking. And I know there are many of you who have better and more creative ideas about this. SO PLEASE- post a comment!

1. Forgo the goody bags. Have the kids create some sort of art or craft at the party they can take home instead. They can make necklaces from painted pasta beads, or tie dye t-shirts, sock puppets, or paintings. Or have the kids search for something in nature to take home like a pine cone, rock or pressed flower or leaf.

2. Lay off the Disney themes that promote more commercialism, stereotypes and waste. Try simple nature themes like jungles, oceans, deserts, and decorate accordingly.

3. Speaking of decorations, have your kids create decorations the week before the party using newsprint, used computer paper, recyclables, and cardboard boxes. One of my friends even created (with her kids) a pirate ship from a cardboard box that everyone loved and the kids played with enthusiastically.

4. Use real plates and utensils (I know, more dishes, but less guilt), or greener, compostable plates.

5. Have a potluck, simple homemade pizza, or appetizer meal. It's a kid's birthday after all, and nothing fancy is needed or required. If you get a few frozen crusts (or better yet, make them yourselves-I'm still not so good at this), you can make some pizzas in advance to heat up.

6. Ask your guests to bring only a used present, something homemade, a book, or nothing at all. Or you can ask folks to donate to a particular environmental charity in an area your child is interested in. And if you can, ask folks to wrap presents only in newsprint, cloth bags, reusable gift bags, or nothing at all.

7. Love those party hats? Make 'em! You can either have your kids make and decorate party hats for each of the kids before the big day (with names, and designs each friend would like) or you can have the kids make them at the party as a fun activity.

8. Check out Birthdays Without Pressure for more ideas and information.

9. Where to have it? I know, the McDonald's is a fast and cheap way to go, but look at the costs beyond measure: supporting a huge company that markets unhealthy food to our children, buys meat from companies that exploit workers, and contributes exponentially to our world's solid waste and obesity problems, to name a few. Have it at home, or at a local gym or park.

10. Send out email invitations to save the paper waste and postage cost. Evites are a nice way to do this.

11. Plan seasonal outdoor activities. In summer, of course, this can involve playing in a kiddy pool, blowing bubbles, or playing games outside. In fall it could be raking and jumping into leave piles, or collecting colorful leaves. In winter, sledding, snowman making, and for older kids snowshoeing and skiing come to mind. Then, hot chocolate afterward inside!

That's all I can think of right now. But stay tuned. Helen Cornoto will share a few tips about this from her upcoming book in my interview with her.


photo on flikr by Johnny Blood