Less Stuff, More Party

We just wrapped up all of our kids’ birthdays. 3 kids and 2 parties in 10 days. We all had so much fun, but I’m exhausted. I have a zero waste hangover and Monday couldn’t come fast enough!

Birthdays are hard. There can be so much money spent, waste, plastic, sugar, soda… the list goes on. I struggle because I want my kids to have a good time and create the magic, but I get so frustrated when they don’t automatically see things my way. I actually find it a very stressful time. The inner struggle between being fun and wanting to bring all the joy and “let’s just shut this all down” is very real for me.

One of our parties was at Chuckee Cheese. CRINGEY CRINGE CRINGE. Our 5 year old wouldn’t budge on that and it is one wasteful place. You cannot leave without taking a bunch of junk home with you. So I had to find balance by making a real effort. And you can be sure I’ll pass along the toys we came home with as soon as possible.

So, what’s a mama to do? Do the best you can of course… with some help.

Incorporating some of these into your next birthday party can really make a difference and help you feel more in control when you feel like spending or plastic or stuff that comes with birthday parties is totally out of control.

Sure, a zero waste birthday party is possible. It’s called “don’t have a party.” Kidding, it can be done by the uber committed, but I’m here for the middle ground right now.

Here are some of my favorite zero waste party tips and tricks that I worked into our parties that kept me off the funny farm.

Tips for a more zero waste birthday party

• Hold your party at home. It’s the best way to control your zero waste birthday party environment. We did this for as long as we could, but this year both parties were elsewhere. I hope next year we can do it at home again.
• Make your own party decorations. My kids love to come downstairs to their annual home made Happy Birthday signs. They think I’m quite the artist.
• Tell your family members exactly what the birthday boy or girl would like so you don’t end up with unwanted toys or gifts. No one likes to waste money!
• Send digital or home made party invitations. We use Paperless Post. Or send a text or make a good ole fashioned phone call!
• Simply say “no gifts please”. There are so many creative ways to be gifted: charity, experiences, or cash if you don’t want the stuff.
• Use reusable cups, napkins and plates. Even if these are included in a paid-for party, they are a minor part of what you paid. Bringing your own really cuts the waste and reusables are even better than compostables.
• Don’t upgrade. The extra flair, character cups and straws and tchotchkes do not make the party. Save yourself the dough.
• Bring a sharpie or glass marker to write names on plates, cups and cans. This way when kids put a cup down, they can find theirs again.
• Bring your own water, healthy juice or drinks that are in glass or aluminum. We brought Trader Joes Power Purple Juice and Spindrift cans (they are even better when you mix them!) and our 3 gallon stainless steel water container.
• If having a party somewhere other than home, plan to bring home all recycleables and even your compostables if you think the venue will not do it themselves and you can ensure this happens at home.
• Ditch the goody bags! I never do these and the kids really don’t care. If they do like goody bags, they care about them for 5 seconds and then your friend (another mom) is cleaning up more stuff all over her house.

There you have it, you’ve cut some of the junk and have made your birthday party that much more zero waste.

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