Zero waste birthday party!- UPDATE! I had the party... - Page 2

[Hoopin' Mama]

Originally Posted by MrsAprilMay

Can someone tell me more about the eco-friendly reusable cups/plates/silverware? Are we talking like the cups/plates you take on camping trips? If it's reusable how does it work with going to the park? Do you wash it there or just have a bag to stuff full of dirty dishes to bring home?

Mine are a hodge-podge collected from thrift stores and yard sales, although now I am focusing on picking up non-plastic pieces.
Yes, take them to a park, throw them in a big box and tote them home.

[Just My Opinion]

Bumping to get more ideas. My main concern is the decorations -- other than the birthday banner, what else can we do to make the place look "festive" without balloons (huge waste imo) and decorations?

[eepster]

Originally Posted by Just My Opinion

Bumping to get more ideas. My main concern is the decorations -- other than the birthday banner, what else can we do to make the place look "festive" without balloons (huge waste imo) and decorations?

• Dandelion chains, if you have kids about 7 or 8, they can make them without supervision.
• Inflatable paper balls or paper lanterns, they can either be deflated/folded up and put away for next year, or they can go home with guests as part of the treats. You can buy plain white ones and have the kids (either you own ahead of time, or as a party craft) paint on them. If you do this get very soft brushes b/c the paper is fragile.
• Get regular party decorations from the store, but don't throw them away. Fold everything up neatly when you finished and put it away for next year.
• Origami and paper chains, from recycled junk mail.

[Just My Opinion]

Thanks! I may do a combination I was also thinking of fabric decorations, like the starching technique people do to affix fabric to walls? Then, I can peel off and save for next year or whenever.

I'd love to keep this topic active, this is a great resource for eco-conscious mamas!

[alexsam]

SO, I've been progressing! Here goes!

I found really beautiful cotton tablecloths on clearance at a local store and I found a few extra at goodwill. They will be perfect! I also found cloth napkins there too- 8 for $3!

I also picked up at goodwill 40 regular metal forks . I ordered some plates and cups. They are plastic, but dishwasher OK. I really thought about the ceramic, but the kids are so little and so much could shatter... Plus, they are a LOT heavier to tote to the park. The plastic are washable, reusable and recyclable, so I left it at that for now... It's better than use once and toss, right? A work in progress, I guess...

I decided on "ice cream cone cupcakes" (like these http://home-and-garden.webshots.com/...57033965iKrtsW... they are cupcakes baked in an ice cream cone! No paper wrappers, no box... maybe even no plates?). I bought a special carry case for them (a bit of a splurge, but I'm hoping to make them again, as I can get nice cake and frosting mixes from Whole Foods). My son picked out sprinkles and he is really excited.

I decided I will use our red wagon to haul everything there with 2 (clean!) containers that came with the kitty litter (they are big and yellow with lids) for compost and dirty dishes/silverware to take back to the house.

I made up evites.

And, I made decorations! This is the best part, if I do say so myself . I found these beautiful coordinating pre-cut strips of gorgeous jeweltone batik fabric (kind of like this, but not quite- more vibrant pinks and reds in there http://www.twinorchardstextiles.com/...k-Jelly/Detail). I got clothesline and fabric glue and cut them in half then folded them over the rope and glued them on (think: like a banner). I made about 100 ft (in a few sections) and it took me about 3 hours. I am about the least crafty person alive. This was really, really easy. I had them up to dry in the livingroom overnight and my son woke up and they literally took his breath away . He gasped and asked if they were really for his party. Aww! They are positively delicious when the sun shines through them and flutter in the breeze. They will be amazing at the park! Really, these might be my crowning crunchy party glory!

I'm also saving a few babyfood jars to decorate the tables with whatever "weed flowers" I might pull from our yard (dandelions, bindweed, an overgrowth of sunflowers or pansies).

I love the idea of a jade plant. I don't have one, but maybe I will get one . Fairy houses are super too! I have some odds and ends from other craft parties, so maybe I will pull some of those things and have a hodge podge.

A friend recently did a "nature treasure hunt" (looking for clovers and ants and dandelions and the likes) and I think I will steal her idea . I'll bring some chalk and bubbles and maybe some sand toys as well.

I was also thinking of buying an ice-cream maker.... Just 'cause that's fun.

This is taking a lot of intial investment (maybe, $200?)... but I keep thinking that the next parties for both kids over the next 5-10 years will take so little! No decorations or plates to buy, no cake to order... basically a few inexpensive food staples and we're set! I'm sure they will have "requests" as they get older, but we'll work with that.

[alexsam]

I did it! I did all those things! I ended up with a party for over 40 people and the only waste was the plastic wrap to cover the food (next year- big tupperware containers! Then truly ZERO WASTE!).

I decorated with the banners, bright cotton tablecloths, and babyfood jars as vases with little roses. I served lemonade, PB&J and watermelon and composted all scraps/rinds. I made ADORABLE ice-cream cone cupcakes and got these things to bake and transport them- no boxes or wrappers! The ice-cream cone cupcakes were so freakin' fun that people ooh'ed and ahh'ed over them and I got a high five froma 13 yr old boy . The kids played at the playground and some made birdfeeders with pinecones, peanutbutter and birdseed. Instead of goodie bags, I gave out a pack of crayons and a coupon to the bowing alley.

We hauled everything to the playground using the wagon and the bike trailer.

It was really terrific! It felt so... good to be in the pavillion with colorful cotton tablecloths and flowers and the banners. It was so nice to serve simple food people felt good about eating. It was fun thinking up all the creative things to do. And I loved the pleasant surprises people got with the ice-cream cone cupcakes and the bowling passes. And, of course, leaving with virtually empty trashcans behind us. Not a cartoon character in site. No trashy plastic stuff. No junk bags. No candy or crap food. It felt so fresh and real!

For next time, I got "Co-Op Games Manual" by Jim Deacove for a whole bunch of cooperative party games. So in addition to zero waste, we will also be cooperative in any organized events . No competition or "winners and loosers"- fun for everyone!

I got SO many questions and compliments... One friend suggested I start a business organizing kids zero-waste parties. That may be too much, but I WAS thinking of starting a website. What do you think? Does one exist already ?

[baglady]

Originally Posted by alexsam

I got SO many questions and compliments... One friend suggested I start a business organizing kids zero-waste parties. That may be too much, but I WAS thinking of starting a website. What do you think? Does one exist already ?

I googled it and I didn't see anything specific to kids parties. I say do it. I'd personally be very interested in zero waste ideas for parties.

[VBMama]

Nice work! Love all your ideas for having a party with "real" stuff instead of disposable. I would love a website on zero-waste parties, that's a great idea.

[Kidzaplenty]

Sounds wonderful! Glad everyone had fun, too.