Planning a kids' party is always a whirlwind of fun and excitement! However, with so many details to handle, making more eco-friendly choices can slip down the priority list. But what if we could throw an amazing party while being kind to the environment?

Here are five tried and tested ways to make your child's party more eco-friendly without adding any extra stress. These tips focus on reducing waste, conserving energy, and choosing sustainable materials—and some might even save you time and money!

1. Switch to Reusable Tableware

Much like using a reusable straw, switching to reusable dishes for a kids party is a really easy way to cut waste. 

While disposable paper plates and cups are popular for their low cost and convenience, they come with hidden downsides. These single-use items require a lot of resources to produce, often have a plastic coating, and generate a significant amount of waste after just one use. That's why opting for reusable tableware is a fantastic choice.

If you don’t already have enough dishes, here are some options:

• Borrow extra cups and plates from a friend or neighbour. 
• Host a bring-your-own party where guests bring their own cups and plates.
• Or see if your community has a local party kit. 

A party kit is a box of reusable tableware you can borrow for your event and return afterward, ready for the next party. Some party kit hosts even offer a washing-up service, giving you all the convenience of disposable tableware without the waste or those soggy paper plates. Find your local party kit: partykitnetwork.org/find 

2. Choosing Greener Party Food

What we choose to eat can greatly impact the carbon footprint of a party. Foods like meat and cheese have a much higher carbon footprint due to the energy and resources needed for their production. And food is often where we generate the most single-use plastic waste, thanks to all that packaging.

Here are some easy ways to create a greener party menu:

• Reduce the amount of meat and cheese on the menu and add more grains, fruits, and vegetables.
• Buy unwrapped fruits and vegetables when possible. If you have a local zero-waste shop, check for snacks you can buy packaging-free (my local shop even offers packaging-free crisps!).
• Skip the cling film. While it is recyclable with carrier bags at larger supermarkets, aluminium foil is infinitely recyclable. You can also use food storage tubs, cake tins, reusable plastic food bags, silicone bowl covers, or beeswax wraps to avoid disposable food wrap.

These simple changes can make a big difference for the environment while still offering delicious options for your party guests!

3. Low Waste Kids Party Games

In the chaos of party planning, it's tempting to jump online and order cheap, quick solutions. While this might seem convenient, it often ends up being expensive and wasteful.

If you're looking for fun, low-waste ways to entertain the guests, here are some great ideas:

• Pass-the-Parcel: This beloved game can be made greener by using newspaper instead of wrapping paper (cheaper too!) or a set of reusable fabric bags. Many party kits offer pass-the-parcel bag sets for hire.
• Classic Party Games: Stick to timeless favourites like Musical Statues or Sleeping Lions, which require little to no equipment.
• Get Creative: Turn an old cardboard box into a fun game. It could become stepping stones for a game of The Floor Is Lava or a donkey for Pin The Tail.

These options are not only eco-friendly but also budget-friendly. 

4. Reusable Party Decorations 

Switching to reusable decorations is a fantastic way to make your party more eco-friendly and reduce unnecessary waste. One of my favourites is bunting—it's cheerful, versatile, and can be used again and again.

Here are some other great options to consider:

• Paper Fans and Lanterns: These are a wonderful eco-friendly alternative to balloons. They are an easy way to add a splash of colour to your decor, require less puff, and can be stored away for future use.
• Fairy Lights: Don't reserve fairy lights just for Christmas! Whether you're looking to sprinkle some fairy magic or create a cosy atmosphere, fairy lights are a charming addition to any party.
• DIY Decorations: Get crafty with the kids and make your own decorations. This can be a fun pre-party activity and adds a personal touch to the decor.

As a general rule, try to avoid buying anything that can't be easily repurposed for another theme in the future. Borrowing decorations, including props and backdrops, is another great option—ask neighbours, check local swap groups, or see what your local party kit has to offer. 

5. Eco-friendly Party Bags Ideas

Many of us dread the plastic-filled party bag, especially those trying to make more sustainable choices.

Fortunately, choosing eco-friendly party bags doesn’t have to be expensive or time-consuming. There are now many online suppliers offering both plastic-free party bag fillers and ready-made party bags. In fact, a reusable straws or a Straw In A Tin make great eco-conscious party bag fillers! And remember, for many children, a small gift or bag of sweets along with a slice of cake is enough.

Here are some alternatives to traditional party bags:

• Gift a Book: Books can bring joy and can even match your party theme. To save on costs, consider buying book bundles to split or look for preloved bundles on sites like eBay and Vinted.
• DIY Craft Kits: Provide instructions for a simple craft project that guests can enjoy making at home, along with a small kit of materials.
• Toy Swap: Instead of bringing a gift, each child brings an unwanted toy from home to swap. This both reduces unwanted presents, the pressure to buy new and acts as a party bag! 

In conclusion, making eco-friendly choices isn’t always easy, but these tips demonstrate that with a few simple changes, you can throw a kids' party that's not only kinder to the planet but just as enjoyable. 

Parties are all about celebrating milestones with our loved ones, crafting cherished memories, and, above all, having fun! By making conscious choices, we not only make a positive impact on the environment but also pave the way for a brighter future for our children. Happy celebrating! 

About the Party Kit Network 

Party Kit Network is a non-profit social enterprise dedicated to reducing waste at parties. We bring together people who host party kits of reusable tableware for their local communities. With hundreds of party kits available across the UK, Australia, and beyond, we help avoid thousands of single-use items every week.

Find out more at partykitnetwork.org

Facebook: www.facebook.com/partykitnetwork