How to throw an (almost) zero waste party

From tiny plastic party bag presents that fill your junk drawers to juice cartons that get tossed away, the ‘stuff’ of family parties can create a lot of waste. And while throwing a zero waste party might stay a someday-goal, reducing rubbish while amping up your events is totally doable.

“Making an effort is half the battle,” says Christa Dunlap, program director at California State University of Northridge’s Child and Family Studies Centre. She runs the Lab School preschool on campus, where she reuses and repurposes materials as much as possible – from turning the university’s scrap into drawing paper, to composting leftover snacks. “You’re teaching how to take care of the planet and think sustainably from a very young age,” she says.

But how do you throw an eco-friendly event? Here’s our top advice on having an (almost) zero waste party that’s great for guests AND the Earth.

Consider (digital) invitation only

Okay, this one might seem obvious. But today’s digital invitations do look just like the real thing, but without the pileup in someone’s recycling bin.

Give kids a sense of control and creativity by letting them help design the invitation. They can choose the theme, of course, but don’t forget fonts, colours, and even a digital stamp! You can also let guests know that you’re aiming for a plastic-free or (almost) zero waste party. It’s a great way to raise awareness and encourage others to do the same.

Have an Earth-friendly food fest

Try these creative ways to trim down on the disposable stuff…

Mix it up.

Instead of picking up food in plastic packaging, consider buying in bulk and creating a trail mix buffet. Put dried fruit, chocolate chips, granola and home-popped popcorn in large jugs so your guests can pour their own treats – without grubby fingers touching the goods. Guests can pour their mixes into washable bowls or recyclable paper boxes.

Grab and go.

Cut down on paper plates, plasticware, and importantly, washing up, by choosing grabbable goodies like mini sandwiches, cut-up veggies or pizza. If your party is at home, guests can make their own pita-bread pizzas that you warm up (then cool off before sensitive hands grab and go).

Recyclable plates, or better, washable dinnerware are Earth-friendly options for small parties. For bigger groups, think about eating off a napkin – maybe even a cloth one. Don’t forget about things like paper straws, too. (Kids can use these instructions to make their own.)

Pour house.

Juice cartons might be convenient, but they aren’t always recyclable. Instead, consider pitchers of lemonade and water. To minimise those millions of cups, have markers ready to write names on everyone’s paper cup – or use washable ones marked with stickers or reusable drink labels.

Take the cake.

Even cake can work without piles of paper plates and plastic utensils. “I always like cake pops – but without the sticks,” Dunlap says. “Or you can use pre-cut brownie squares.” A doughnut or cookie tower is a photogenic, plate-free option, too.

Avoid one-and-done decorations

When it comes to decorating, you can save the Earth and your wallet by getting creative. Save some time, too, by having the kids participate.

Chain reaction.

Even very young children can make paper chains using scrap paper, old wrapping paper or magazines. Save the chains, then add to them for new parties. You could also create homemade pom-poms, signs from scrap-fabric letters, and scrap-paper or fabric bunting.

Poster picture.

Speaking of old magazines, put the posters from your kids’ National Geographic Kids magazines to good use as decorations! Your kids could make collages with the pics, too. Plus, skip the plastic table cloth and use a big sheet of recyclable scrap or drawing paper – little kids will love doodling on it!

Art show.

Got stacks of your kiddo’s artwork? Clip the child’s creations to some string and hang it along the walls, no tape necessary. (Just make sure you don’t have a shy kid who’d be embarrassed by the display.)

Rainbow rubbings.

Kids can make these using large, fresh, found leaves. Lay newspaper or scrap paper over the top, then make crayon rubbings in bright colours. Have kids cut out the rubbings and string them up with your help.

Get a real return on birthday gifts

Let’s be honest about those birthday gifts: most presents from other kids are things your child could do without. They usually end up crammed in a cupboard – and then put in the bin.

And though you’ve probably heard of children who give up presents in favour of charitable donations, the hard truth is that a lot of kids just won’t buy in. The trick is to offer a zero waste party gift alternative that satisfies both the givers and the giftee. Try these tips…

• – “No gifts, please!” on the invitation will likely be ignored. Instead, offer an option for guests to donate towards a much-wanted single gift or experience, like an amusement park trip or concert ticket.
• – Make your wishes clear on the invitation. Add something like “If you must give a gift, this year, Ari is saving his pennies for…” For little kids, express their passion with something like “You might already know how much Kemi loves animals…” Older children can add a personal message about their gift goal.
• – Specify a small amount, like “up to ten pounds.” It adds up fast and will save both time and money for most gift givers.
• – If your family are receiving gifts, consider asking guests for things that are plastic-free, like homemade treats, print-at-home gift vouchers or books. (We recommend everything on this sustainable gift list.)
• – Older birthday kids might agree to completely giving up gifts in exchange for a fancier cake or special venue as the gift.

Do fellow parents a (party) favour

Raise your hand if you could live without your kid bringing home yet another forgettable party bag. Ever. Try these DIY alternatives as both activities and low waste keepsakes, no matter what your gathering is for.

Picture this.

Start by taking photos with guests as they arrive. Local photo shops and some large retailers have apps that upload your prints, so while the party is revving up, you or a helper can print and pick up the photos – usually within half an hour – for a few pence a shot. Then give each guest a photo mat to decorate. (Find them in craft stores.) When the mats are done, each photo can be ‘framed’ with a little tape on the back.

Go green.

Give each guest a mini terracotta pot, soil and seeds. Decorate the pot at the party, then plant the seeds inside. (Here’s why gardening is great for kids’ brains.)

Paint the rainbow.

“Try buying 12-packs of white cotton handkerchiefs that guests can tie-dye,” Dunlap says. “They become reusable napkins for lunchboxes.” Pre-mixed dye kits come with bottle applicators, so they’re low-mess with bright results. Wash the creations in very hot water to “fix” the dye.

Do you have any recommendations for throwing a zero waste party? Share them in the comments, below!

Written by Jamie Kiffel-Alcheh. Doughnut tower © Jennifer Wan / Getty Images. All other images © Adobe Stock.