waste watchers ecokids eco-family living
ecokids
A true happy birthday party…for kids, for parents and the world
By Lisa BordenBigger, better, best! Don’t bother getting consumed with organizing this year’s celebration. Here’s the good news : the trend is to simplify. There is an abundance of ways to make a big difference (while setting a good example for the kids and inspiring others ). Here are 10 green party tips [that will also stir up some ideas of your own] for your next eco-friendly, very fun & impressive event from start to finish...
1. Invite your guests virtually. Skip the printed paper cards and save trees! Evites still allow you to be clever and communicate a theme – and think about how much time you’ll save. Or if you love spending extra time, you could always use recycled materials to make your own cards from old cards, magazines, newspapers, wrapping paper etc. or use tree-free paper.
2. If you’ve got it, flaunt it. You know all of that serving stuff you you’ve got? Use it! You'll have to do a little extra cleanup at the end of the night, but isn't reversing global warming worth a few minutes more? See the next tip, if you’re still going to use some disposables.
3. Avoid C.M.I.S. - Personalize cups. You can prevent C.M.I.S. – Cup Mistaken Identity Syndrome (you know, when someone takes a cup and puts it down next to another, and then both people have to get new cups??) You can mark each cup with a sharpie, or let each child decorate their own cup. Important extra when using disposables - buy cups made from recycled or sustainable materials (there are many options manufactured from corn resin or sugar-cane , or items labeled "biodegradable" or "100% recycled content" )
4. Fill ‘er up! Use cups, not drinking boxes or individual bottles of water! Fill and refill as needed with your choices of beverages….water, organic juices, organic wine for the adults?! See Tip #3 about types of cups.
5. Blow them away! Use soy or beeswax candles [and check to make sure the wicks are lead and zinc free] in your cake, which, unlike petroleum-based candles, won't emit toxic fumes and black clouds.
6. Bake it, don’t fake it. From scratch, or a mix, bake your own organic cupcakes and icing. First of all, you can’t imagine how much easier it is to simply hand out cupcakes to everyone rather than the chaotic minutes where you have to cut and serve a cake, then we’re back to preaching the avoidance of fake stuff and preaching adopting “cleaner” food. This is also a great opportunity to involve your kids in preparation [if they are old enough, they will take great pride in it!]
7. Go local. Try buying organic and local fruits and veggies for the table. Put chunks of fruit onto skewers and stick them into an upside watermelon section or a half of any other fruit. Now see what you’ve done, you'll not only have pesticide- and chemical- and fertilizer- and hormone-free centerpieces, but buying local produce [and other items] means they've traveled a short distance (versus thousands of miles) to get to your party [using less fuel]…and chances are, you’ve inspired others to be healthier and creative!
8. So you’ve reduced, now reuse. Give away the décor! You can buy little plants and decorate your party – they will keep the air clean and then they can be given away as loots bags…without the bag!
9. You’ve reduced, you’ve reused, now recycle! Check absolutely everything you're about to throw away to see if you can use it again (even if it's to send home extra food with a guest). And if you can't use it, make sure everything goes in the right “bin” and gets recycled. And, be sure to use biodegradable garbage bags too!
10. Give Good Loot
We've said it before and we'll say it again: SIMPLIFY! Try giving each guest a book [you or your child can even write a dedication on the inside cover], making homemade baked goods and packing in a reusable container, soy crayons with tree free paper, a picture of each child in a picture frame, a made-it-myself cd or anything else that is “easy” on the environment and may inspire others. And, stay away from the packaging unless it’s reusable…think of where that goes immediately anyways!Relax in knowing you’ve done the best you could and each and every time you plan an event you’ll do better based on your own ways…and remember, you’ve inspired others too! Happy Birthday!
Borden Communications + Design Inc. is a full-service design and marketing company based in Toronto. With expertise in marketing, promotional products, product management, design and print for companies of all shapes and sizes, it is equally committed to bettering the earth and the Canadian lifestyle though promoting and stocking the world’s healthiest and most innovative products and services. President Lisa Borden is a world-class eco-advocate and mother of two, whose business is a direct reflection of her commitment to better, more responsible living.
BORDEN COMMUNICATIONS + DESIGN INC.
416 484 6489
www.bordencom.com
Learn more about products and services that help us take small steps towards ecoliving!
_______________________________________________________________________________
questions? email us anytime!
.
© mom2mom toronto 2006-2007. all rights reserved.
