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Green Party Ideas

Tableware for a Green Party

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Tableware for a Green Party

Tableware for a Green Party

One of the best areas where you can go green at your next party is with the tableware. Using disposable will leave a huge mound of trash that will end up in a landfill and spend years, if not decades, decomposing. Here are some of the ways you can make your tableware eco-friendly.

Think Durable versus Disposable

While it is true that you don’t have to wash disposable items, over the course of several parties you will pay just as much, if not more, for the disposable tableware versus more enduring straws, cups, glassware, plates, bowls and cutlery.

Straws

Plastic straws are out due to their damage to the environment. Try paper instead. For more durable ones, try bamboo, stainless steel, or glass.

Cups

Young children can drop and spill things easily if the cup is too large. Small enameled tin cups might work well for parties.

Glassware

Arcoroc makes a line of durable glasses in all shapes and sizes. You can also use jam jars or Mason jars for sturdy glassware at parties. This is the perfect way to make the most of them if the airtight gaskets start to age and get stiff.

Plates and Bowls

This will depend on your budget. You can find pretty sets of lightweight, break-proof Corelleware in a range of designs. They are perfect for everyday use no matter what the ages in the family. If you want a party set, choose something festive looking in a color scheme that will work well for a range of occasions, not just a birthday.

You can also buy stoneware, but make sure it is from the US and is dishwasher- and microwave-safe. Dishes made overseas can often be covered in a glaze that breaks down over time, especially when heated.

Melamine (Bakelite) is a common material for children’s cups and dishes, but it should not be microwave or used with very hot foods like soups or stews.

Cutlery

Stainless steel will hold up to the dishwasher. Cutlery sets come in many attractive and affordable designs. Avoid the ones with the colored plastic handles, as they tend to crack or snap.

Table Linen

Use for your tablecloths and napkins. Just throw them in the wash at the end of each party. Aim for useful colors. You can then dress up the look with table runners in cloth that can also be put in the wash, or use homemade placemats and table runners the children can create as part of the fun.

Serving Items

Shatter-proof bowls in a range of sizes are useful for almost any course at a party. Large serving spoons in stainless steel are durable and can also be used for most courses at the party.

What about Recycled?

If you still feel you want disposable tableware, look for recycled paper products created with post-consumer waste. Also choose products that have not been bleached; bleaching paper is very harmful to the environment also.

Rental

If you love the idea of greening your parties but really don’t have the space to store all sorts of spare tableware sets, consider renting what you need from a local party store or caterer.

All the above suggestions can assist with the reduction of landfill waste. Give some of these ideas a try!

Until next time!

 

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Green Party Ideas for Teens

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Green Party Ideas for Teens

Green Party Ideas for Teens

Older children are a lot easier to plan a party for because they are more independent and have more skills. They are also less likely to zoom around everywhere and better able to pay attention for longer periods of time and follow instructions.

Here are some eco-friendly party themes and activities for your tweens.

Themes

  • The theme can be based on the reason for the party. For example, if it is a birthday party, the birthday boy or girl can pick their favorite animal and base the entire party around it. If it is for a holiday like Halloween or Thanksgiving, you could base it around animals associated with that holiday. Vampire bats or other breeds, and black cats and spiders would be three options for Halloween. The turkey, or what the new arrivals to America might have discovered when they arrived, like moose and beavers, could be another.
  • You could also have a day at the zoo, or a farm with animals. Many zoos offer birthday party packages. Farms will often offer working visits and let you help with the chores and the animals. Be sure every child’s parent knows what to expect and signs a waiver if required. Bring a change of clothes and shoes and plenty of hand sanitizer.
  • They can also help plant seeds in the spring, or harvest crops in the fall. If you have a garden yourself, introduce them to herbs and spices, and/or flowers. Gift them seed balls or packets as party favors.

Activities

  • Have them help with the food by making their own personal pizzas and cupcake decorations, with the designs in an animal theme. Let them taste different fresh herbs, cheeses and other toppings. Take photos, and award prizes for the best designs. Give everyone a chance to win.
  • Have a “treasure hunt” in the garden with clues on how to find a particular “animal”, which can be a stuffed one or a figure. Let the first one to find it keep it, and then let the remaining children hunt until everyone has a prize to take home.
  • Let them pretend they are on photo safari on a certain continent, like Africa, or a country like Canada and have them take pictures of the wildlife, also stuffed animals. Big cats are perfect for Africa. Polar bear safaris are very popular in Canada, and on the coast there might also be a chance to see a seal, walrus or even a whale. Share the photos in an online album and number the animals with a sticky note on the bottom. The person who guesses the number wins the toy.

A Craft Table

  • Print out printables to color, and get stickers, coloring books and other items to keep them occupied, especially if the weather might not be great. Let them model with clay or pipe cleaners.
  • Try origami. This fun and interesting craft from Japan has a lot of animal figures in it. Get the right weight of paper in different colors, and be sure to practice a few of the patterns you find before the guests arrive so you can help and no one will get frustrated.

Animal Movies

  • Get DVDs or stream popular animal movies. Play charades to get them to guess the names of the movies.

Dessert

  • Last but not least, be sure you bake a cake and shape it or decorate it to match your theme.

Give the above ideas a try the next time planning a green teen party. Our planet will thank you!

Until next time!

 

Battery reconditioning helps save the planet. Click to learn more. here

Do’s and Don’ts for Kids’ Green Parties

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do's and don'ts for kid's green parties

Do’s and Don’ts for Kids’ Green Parties

Do’s and Don’ts

Now that people are more conscious about the impact on the environment of plastic and other non-biodegradable items, they are becoming more alert as to what they can do to help the environment. Parties can be a time of over-consumption and great waste. Reusing, recycling and repurposing can all help cut down on the carbon footprint of each child’s party you host.

  • Think paper, not plastic straws – Tens of thousands of plastic straws are used every day and litter the environment. Use paper instead. Other options include bamboo or stainless steel.
  • Think biodegradable balloons – Most balloons are made of rubber, which does not break down even after years in a landfill. Make mock balloons out of construction paper, or use biodegradable ones.
  • Think children’s china sets, not disposable – Buy cheap but durable china and glasses instead of spending a fortune on disposable. You may have to wash between courses but that is a small price to pay for avoiding a mountain of waste. Corelleware is a good option for shatterproof, lightweight plates in pretty designs.
  • Use stainless steel cutlery, not plastic – Stainless steel is durable and will hold up to the dishwasher as well as handwashing.
  • Use shatter-proof glasses or mugs, not plastic cups or Styrofoam – Arcoroc makes an affordable line of break-resistant glasses. Corelleware usually comes with cups or mugs. You can also reuse jam jars or Mason jars.
  • Use cloth napkins, not paper – Just throw in the wash when you are done. Try a dark color so it will show fewer stains.
  • Use dishcloths, not paper towels – There is always plenty to mop up at a party. Use the cloths for your cleaning needs and throw in the wash.
  • Skip the soda bottles – Serve juice that has been reconstituted from frozen. If you can’t live without soda, invest in a SodaStream to cut down on bottles used.
  • Skip the plastic favor bags – Use brown paper sandwich bags, or waxed ones if you want a favor bag that is greaseproof.
  • Skip the useless favors, think useful – Buy items to place in a brown paper party favor bag your kids can decorate. Think of the kinds of things kids love, like stickers, pencils, puzzle or coloring books, and so on.
  • Buy large bags of snacks, not individual ones – Use clear, waxed paper sandwich bags so kids can enjoy a treat without you having to worry about dirty hands in a communal bowl. Also make your own popcorn at home in an air popper. Snack-pack wrappers are not biodegradable, whereas waxed paper is.

Eco-Friendly Party Tips

It all comes back to keeping it simple. These tips might turn the conventional birthday party upside down, but they’ll set you free along the way. Here’s how to host an eco-friendly birthday party everyone will enjoy.

  • Rent party items, don’t by disposable – Eco-friendly party supply stores will actually rent you all you need for your party, including cloth banners, tablecloths and more.
  • Plan green activities – This could be a trip to the local park or a nature walk. If the children are old enough, bring rubber gloves and recycling bags and get them to pick up plastic bottles and cans. Give them the money for the return and make a contest out of it, such as the top three who collected the most, those who found a green can, and so on. Prizes can be gently used items you found at a thrift store. You can also make it into an “Easter egg” type of hunt, with wrapped gifts amid the garbage that will get even the most hesitant child going for gold!
  • Skip the wrapping paper – Use brown paper the kids have colored, magazine pages, or reusable gift bags and gift boxes instead.

There are numerous ways we can all contribute to sustainability. Hope you will give the a few of the above listed suggestions a try.

Until next time!

 

Battery reconditioning helps save the planet. Click to learn more here

Favors for a Green Party

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Favors for a Green Party

Favors for a Green Party

Party favors are the norm these days, rather than the exception. You don’t have to give them, but if you choose to, there are a number of ways to make them greener and cut down on expense and waste. The last thing you want is a lot of trash, or your hard-earned money ending up in the garbage.

Avoid the Plastic Bags

Most party favors are given in small plastic bags. Try a brown paper sandwich bag instead. There are also waxed food bags that are greaseproof. Both will hold up to any cake, candies or cookies you want to send home with the children.

Food

Send home cookies, homemade granola bars and so on, for a treat for the child and/or their family. Bake from scratch and even include a recipe card if you wish. Avoid nuts, as so many people are allergic these days.

Homemade Fudge

Fudge is a welcome gift and is easy to make at home. Put in a bag, or pack up in a reusable cute tin.

Useful Items Kids Love

Oriental Trading and similar companies offer useful party favors in a range of colors and styles, and holiday-themed ones as well. You can buy some items individually, and others in packs of 12. Any remaining items, the family can use. Good choices include fun pens, pencils, erasers, rulers and stickers.

Puzzle Books

Most kids love puzzle books. Choose them based on the right age group.

Coloring Books

These are also good for younger children. Give a little pack of crayons as well. You can usually find inexpensive options at Oriental Trading.

Adopt an Animal

Some parents host their party at an external venue, such as a zoo. Ask if they have an “adopt an animal” scheme and make a donation. Give all the children a little certificate and biography and handout about the animal. The kids may not be able to own a red panda, but adopting one can be the next best thing.

Charitable Donations

Charities like Heifer International (https://www.heifer.org/) give animals and trees to poor families around the world so they can be self-sufficient. You can print off cards at the site about the animal and give them to the children so they can learn more about the animal and about useful giving. Good choices are llamas and sheep because of the wool they produce, or a honeybee hive. If you are vegan, give a gift of trees.

Seed Packets

If you love to grow things, give the children seed packs and a little starter kit of soil and instructions on how to grow the flower. This is great for early spring birthdays.

Seed Bombs

Further to the above, seed bombs are a fool-proof way for children to grow things. They are available for flowers and herbs. They also come in a range of colors. Just be sure to include instructions and give them to older children so no one tries to eat them!

Plantable Cards and Flowers

This is a fun new trend. The items are embedded with seeds. The child plants the teddy and will soon get flowers or herbs. You can find these online at sites like http://www.ecopartytime.com/birthday-favors/.

Thrift Store Treasures Grab Bag

Head out to your local thrift store to see what gently used games and other useful items you can find. Number them and have the children pick a number out of a hat on the way home. Have more favors than children, and items that should be good for both boys and girls if you are hosting a mixed party. Only choose items your family would be happy to have once the party is over.

Try some of these eco-friendly fun ideas and save help save the planet when you do.

Until next time!

 

Battery reconditioning helps save the planet. Click to learn more here

Décor for a Green Party

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Décor for a Green Party

Décor for a Green Party

Every party needs decorations, but some are greener than others. Here are a few ideas to help make your child’s party special.

Biodegradable Latex Balloons

Rubber balloons can last in landfill for decades, but biodegradable balloons will break down.

Paper “Balloons”

Cut balloon shapes out of various colors of construction paper and create a wall display. Use ribbon as the string for the balloon. Reuse again as needed.

A Recycled Paper Piñata

A piñata makes a great decoration and a fun activity for the children as well. They come in a range of popular characters. If you are handy with arts and crafts, create your own with papier mache and glue an image of their favorite character on each site.

Paper Banners

You can buy a recycled paper happy birthday or similar banner, or you can make one yourself with your printer and either greeting card software or free templates online. Save any printed items that might not have come out correctly and use the back of the paper to create the banner. Use eco-friendly inks if possible.

Paper Pom Poms

You can find paper pom poms, stars and more in a range of colors at most party supply stores. Unfold and hang. When the party is over, refold and store until the next time.

Paper Lampshades

Use inexpensive paper lampshades to add a whole new look to your room. Use on the ceiling and swap them out for your usual lampshades. Choose colored ones if your party has a certain color and/or theme, such as pink for princesses or a deep blue for Spiderman or Superman. Cut out images and glue them on to continue the theme, or draw on them if you are talented in that way.

Paper Garlands

These can add a festive touch to any party. You can also make them yourself out of construction paper.

Place Mats

Use printables and plastic protectors to make custom table mats. Print image of their favorite character, or printables from, for example, popular fairy tales. Let the children color them in neatly. When they are finished, slip them in the sheet protectors and use as place mats. You should be able to wipe them down and reuse them again in the future.

Table Runners

Using the same place mat idea above, tape several together to make a table runner to dress up the tables.

Reusable Tablecloths

Buy solid colors that will be versatile for any occasion, and dress up as needed with place mats, table runners, or artwork you can tape to the cloth and then remove when the party is over.

Create a Gorgeous Centerpiece

  • There are many ways to create a centerpiece that will add to the décor of the entire room. You could use dried flowers or a bowl of natural objects like acorns, pinecones or mini gourds. You can find reusable versions of these items in stores like Pier 1.
  • You can wrap a paper egg box in colored construction paper to use as the base for a display the guests can help themselves to. Ideas include colorful lollipops to take home as favors at the end, or an array of cake pops. Thrust the end of the stick into the cardboard to make each stand upright.
  • A fabulous themed cake can also make an ideal centerpiece. You can buy reusable cake toppers in a variety of themes. Use themed picks for a three-dimensional effect. Wash them off and reuse once the party is over.
  • If you are good at decorating, make the design yourself. If you love baking, invest in shaped baking pans, such as a teddy bear or a train mini-cake pan and decorate these 3D cakes with frosting, sprinkles and more.

What is your favorite way to decorate for a party? I love them all!

Until next time!

 

Battery reconditioning helps save the planet. Click to learn more here