Throwing a Zero-Waste Kids Birthday Party

My daughter just had her 7th birthday.  With a little planning and some preparation it was a success.  She had a really fun time.  They all had a really great time. 

Fairy Party- I purchased tea cup plates for less than a $1 each at the thrift store.

I totally get how going zero-waste and planning a party can sound near impossible.  Treat bags, foods everyone will like, decorations and the gifts...it can seem like a lot.

It's actually not hard at all to throw a zero-waste kids party!   

So, how did I pull it off?  Here you are:

The Invitation

Let your guests know your family practices zero-waste

There is the who, the when and the where of it yet the most important part is the 'friendly note' you attach. This lets your guests know your family practices zero-waste as well as what things you don't accept and some ideas of what you know your child will enjoy.  

Food 
Our birthday was about three hours long.  Depending on how long yours is, you'll want to be sure you've got enough food to fill those little bellies.  

Pick three snacks you know everyone will like.  I made jam filled cookies, a fruit plate, jello and, of course the birthday cake!  I also filled a large glass jug with cranberry juice and added chopped lemon slices.  

Here's my Jello Recipe.  It may sound gross, yet it's not.  It was a total hit!  
                      Jello (this makes enough for a party of 6 kids)
                    2 cups water 
                    1/2 cup sugar
                    6 tsp gelatin

*Warm water only enough to dissolve sugar and gelatin.  If it's too hot, the gelatin won't set.
*To color it I used spirulina for the green, turmeric for the yellow and cranberry juice for the red.  
*I poured mine into a small muffin tin and put in the fridge to set for the next day.


If you've got a spring or summer baby try edible flowers for your cake decor.  They're so beautiful and interesting to kids.  

                                             Cake Flowers
                                             1/4 cup water
                                             1/2 cup sugar 
                    Edible Flowers: rose petals, pansies, hollyhocks 
                                snap dragons and honeysuckles

*Mix water and sugar together.
*With a paintbrush paint the flowers with the liquid
*Sit flowers out to dry and then refrigerate until ready to use


Decorations
If you've already gone zero-waste you understand the fun in scouting out stuff.  My big find was soya-based balloons you can actually compost.  Big score!  I suggest visiting your local party stores and asking them about their Eco-friendly options. 

Soya-based balloons @ Pattie's Party Palace

Get creative.  Make and dye popcorn string.  Put out a table cloth.  Set up a sun tent. Go for a walk a pick flowers for a center piece. 

After the party all I was left with was one paper bag.  I was actually surprised how thoughtful and creative the gifts that my daughter received were.  

Painted rocks to make a tic-tac-toe game

You can do this!  It feels so good to throw a party without all the waste a more traditional one produces.  It feels great to know you're supporting the future habitat of your young one while giving others the opportunity to learn about zero-waste.