Green Birthday Parties
ask an expert: green partiescanada
(Apr.20.10)
2010 is the year I am really going to start making eco-conscious choices. Next month I'm throwing a birthday party for my son, and want to try and avoid all the waste (without increasing the headache!). How do I do it?
Jory G. emailed us at expert@sweetspot.ca, and the Suzannes from Green Planet Parties, answered;
- Send online party invites. Either create your own using email or use Evite. Using Evite is great because you're able to track guest responses or replies and post pictures after the party - all in one central location. It makes planning goody bags and keeping track of the number of guests you're expecting much easier with RSVPs online. You can also send out thank you e-cards to party guests after the party.
- Host the birthday party at home. Waste that is associated with off-site birthday parties usually involves non earth-friendly disposables. If you are hosting a party at home, chances are you'll be able to reuse plates, cups and cutlery, and save money! Remove mass commercialism with party themes and decorations and opt for naturally beautiful decorations, tableware, and party supplies that are hand-crafted with cotton or felt materials.
- Host a donation party. This eliminates the clean-up at the end of the party because children bring cards and their donation, rather than giving presents that come boxed in plastic packaging. Your child chooses a social cause and a portion of party donations is sent to the organization after the celebration has ended. Lately, we've had many happy customers who are proud that their children can do something to help those less-fortunate by hosting this special kind of party. An online company called Echoage can assist with planning a donation party. At Echoage, experts look after guest invites, contributions, and routing the money to the selected charity and child for their special gift.
- Order earth-friendly goody bags. They can come pre-assembled and ready to distribute to guests from Green Planet Parties. The convenience is wonderful, the sustainable products are earth-friendly, and there are price points to fit different budgets.
- Start a birthday tradition. Children love traditions that are included with holidays. Hanging stockings at Christmas and dying eggs at Easter are some great examples; birthdays are no different. Start a birthday tradition. Hang a cloth banner every year to celebrate the special day or reuse the same cake topper. These beloved items will become a part of your child's history and they will continue with their children. Something special, made with quality, that will last a lifetime to celebrate many years of wonderful parties.
Green Planet Parties creates eco-friendly, locally produced and artisan handcrafted gifts, biodegradable tableware, reusable decorations and goody bags to help those interested, lead a more sustainable lifestyle. It was founded by two moms (both named Suzanne!) who have six children between them, and lots of experience planning birthday parties and events.
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