My nephew turned five this weekend, and while I was sitting at his pirate-themed party, I started to realize the amount of waste it produced.Between the gift-wrap, tissue paper, party favors and plates and napkins, it was far from a “green” event.
And as my faux pirate tattoo is still flaking away, I started researching alternatives to a wasteful and an eco-unfriendly birthday party.
Gift-wrap
While doing research, I found a lot of stories about parents who asked their children to choose to give gifts to the less fortunate or back to the Earth.
This would not fly with my nephew. He’s not a dumb 5-year-old and made the connection of “birthday means presents” a long time ago.
So I began to look at the gift-wrap.
Paporganics offers Hemp Wrap blends hemp with recycled fibers to create a thicker product than straight recycled material. There were only a handful of prints available with nothing that could appeal to children ($4.99 for two sheets).
The company also sells 100 percent biodegradable ribbon called Natural Ribbon.
Gift bags are easily recyclable. Instead of throwing them away after the tissue paper is strewn about, keep them and use them next year or for other people’s birthdays. The tissue paper can also be saved, granted the child does not rip the paper apart.
Party favors
It was very difficult to find aesthetically pleasing parting gifts.
“Green” toys would not appeal to children because they usually don’t feature the latest movie or toy craze. There are some choices on Green Living, but they are more expensive than toys that can be bought in bulk.
Some forums and blogs online suggest staying away from plastic gift bags and products made in China.
Also, having the children do take-home crafts while at the party is also a better alternative.
The cake
Ideal Bite suggests three different types of organic cakes from a pre-made mix.• Dr. Oetker Cake and Icing Mixes: approximately $5 at most health food stores, available in chocolate or vanilla
• Pamela’s Products Luscious Chocolate Cake Mix: approximately $5 for this gluten-free mix
• Goodbaker Chocolate Cake and Cupcake Mix: approximately $5 for this whole-wheat, vegan mix
1 comment:
WOW! What a cute nephew you have! You must be very proud... and you are right, he is definitely NOT a dumb five year old! :)
I appreciate your insight to throwing a green birthday party. I never thought about the waste that one party could produce. However, I would like to point out that the party WAS outside and I am pretty sure that the "coloring contest" ended up being a homemade craft.
Anyways, thanks for the inspiration. I will try to keep this all in mind as I drink my fair trade coffee while shopping with my canvas bag at the store that I rode my bike too. :)
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