How to plan a low waste kid’s party

Start with the invitations by sending them via email, text, Facebook or Instagram instead of paper invitations.

Food and drink

Say no to disposable tablecloths, napkins, plates, cutlery and cups.  

Instead, you could:

• Use stainless steel camping plates and cups, or raid your local op shop for crockery.  
• Keep things simple and have finger food such as sushi, watermelon wedges, fruit kebabs, sandwiches and sausage rolls.
• Serve drinks from glass drinks dispensers – one for water and one for juice.  
• Use fabric tablecloths and napkins that can be washed and used again and again; or make your own cloth napkins by buying fabric and cutting it into squares.  

You could also create a party kit that you can use year after year – or share with friends.  

Lolly bag alternatives

Depending on the ages of the children you could give them:

• Coloured pencils or crayons  
• A packet of seeds to plant
• A book
• Jars of homemade playdough or slime
• If you do want to give a sweet treat – use plain brown paper bags and decorate them yourself (or make it a party activity for the kids!). Then fill with treats such as homemade biscuits rather than packaged lollies.  

Decorations

• Colourful rugs and cushions are a great way to brighten up your party without throwing them away afterwards!  
• Flowers and DIY decorations, such as fabric buntings and backdrops, are very eco-friendly as well as pretty to look at!
• Fairy lights can be strung up on trees or along walls. They can also be put in jars as centrepieces to create a stunning effect. 

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