{"id":301045,"date":"2023-09-18T16:10:21","date_gmt":"2023-09-18T16:10:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.natgeokids.com\/uk\/?post_type=parents&p=301045"},"modified":"2025-11-06T17:17:26","modified_gmt":"2025-11-06T17:17:26","slug":"throw-an-almost-zero-waste-party","status":"publish","type":"parents","link":"https:\/\/www.natgeokids.com\/au\/parents\/throw-an-almost-zero-waste-party\/","title":{"rendered":"How to throw an (almost) zero waste party"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

From tiny plastic party bag presents that fill your junk drawers to juice cartons that get tossed away, the \u2018stuff\u2019 of family parties can create a lot of waste. And while throwing a zero <\/em>waste party might stay a someday-goal, reducing rubbish <\/a>while amping up your events is totally doable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMaking an effort is half the battle,\u201d says Christa Dunlap, program director at California State University of Northridge\u2019s Child and Family Studies Centre. She runs the Lab School preschool on campus, where she reuses and repurposes materials as much as possible \u2013 from turning the university\u2019s scrap into drawing paper, to composting leftover snacks<\/a>. \u201cYou\u2019re teaching how to take care of the planet and think sustainably from a very young age,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But how do you throw an eco-friendly event? Here\u2019s our top advice on having an (almost) zero waste party that\u2019s great for guests AND the Earth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Consider (digital) invitation only<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Okay, this one might seem obvious. But today\u2019s digital invitations do <\/em>look just like the real thing, but without the pileup in someone\u2019s recycling bin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Give kids a sense of control and creativity by letting them help design the invitation. They can choose the theme, of course, but don\u2019t forget fonts, colours, and even a digital stamp! You can also let guests know that you\u2019re aiming for a plastic-free<\/a> or (almost) zero waste party. It\u2019s a great way to raise awareness and encourage others to do the same.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Have an Earth-friendly food fest<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Try these creative ways to trim down on the disposable stuff\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mix it up. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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 \u2013 without grubby fingers touching the goods. Guests can pour their mixes into washable bowls or recyclable paper boxes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Grab and go.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Cut down on paper plates, plasticware, and importantly, washing up, by choosing grabbable goodies like mini sandwiches, cut-up veggies or pizza. (If you’re throwing a Halloween party, here are some plastic-free spooky snacks.<\/a>) If your party is at home, guests can make their own pitta-bread pizzas that you warm up (then cool off before sensitive hands grab and go).<\/p>\n\n\n

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Recyclable plates, or better, washable dinnerware are Earth-friendly options for small parties. For bigger groups, think about eating off a napkin \u2013 maybe even a cloth one. Don’t forget about things like paper straws, too. (Kids can use these instructions to make their own.<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pour house. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Juice cartons might be convenient, but they aren\u2019t always recyclable. Instead, consider pitchers of lemonade and water. To minimise those millions of cups, have markers ready to write names on everyone\u2019s paper cup \u2013 or use washable ones marked with stickers or reusable drink labels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Take the cake. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Even cake can work without piles of paper plates and plastic utensils. \u201cI always like cake pops \u2013 but without the sticks,\u201d Dunlap says. \u201cOr you can use pre-cut brownie squares.\u201d A doughnut or cookie tower is a photogenic, plate-free option, too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Avoid one-and-done decorations<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When it comes to decorating, you can save the Earth and <\/em>your wallet by getting creative. Save some time, too, by having the kids participate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chain reaction. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Poster picture. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Speaking of old magazines, put the posters from your kids\u2019 National Geographic Kids magazines<\/a> 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 \u2013 little kids will love doodling on it!<\/p>\n\n\n

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Art show. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Got stacks of your kiddo\u2019s artwork<\/a>? Clip the child\u2019s creations to some string and hang it along the walls, no tape necessary. (Just make sure you don\u2019t have a shy kid who\u2019d be embarrassed by the display.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rainbow rubbings. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Get a real return on birthday gifts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Let\u2019s 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 \u2013 and then put in the bin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And though you\u2019ve probably heard of children who give up presents in favour of charitable donations, the hard truth is that a lot of kids just won\u2019t buy in. The trick is to offer a zero waste party gift alternative that satisfies both the givers and the giftee. Try these tips\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n