Eco - Party Ideas
Why not do something different and help the environment in our lovely Island!
Eco Friendly Parties
On our Island we are ever aware of the environment and this is still true when thinking about planning your children's parties. You don't have to feel that you have to do what everyone else does but rather try to do something different.
As mums become increasingly environmentally conscious, it makes sense that we should begin to look for eco-friendly alternatives to the typical plastic plates etc followed by the distribution of plastic bags filled with plastic breakable toys. We have found a fantastic company in the UK, Little Cherry, www.littlecherry.co.uk. They are a party supplies website that specialise in eco-friendly party products and we are proud to present this section in conjunction with them. Click Here to view an article by Lucy the founder of Little Cherry which makes good reading. Lucy is also looking into the postal issues to Guernsey for us and trying to find out if she can charge normal delivery rates to the Island to make you able to buy these products on line. Alternatively, they are also looking to launch a new home seller programme and if you are interested in becomming involved and selling these products directly in Guernsey then click here to find out more or contact Lucy Brindley on
Follow the tips below for a birthday party that's high on fun but low on guilt. With a few small changes to your normal routine and some creative ideas you can really make a difference with your next celebration!
Venue and theme
Setting a theme for your party will focus your purchases and really pull everything together. Sit down with the birthday boy or girl and try to set a theme they would enjoy. Themes could have an environmental spin, such as 'Farmyard' or 'Jungle', which teach your children to think about the choices they make so they have fun planning the party and protecting the planet at the same time!
Have the party at home or if space would be an issue try a community space such as your local village hall. Try to use recycled invitations or send e-vites to guests.
Party bags
Handing out plastic bags filled with plastic toys is not the eco-friendly thing to do. It's much better to choose re-usable 100% cotton or Paper party bags and fill them with ethical traditional wooden toys such as animal topped pencils, spinning tops and wooden jewellery rather than mass produced plastic items.
Organic, fair trade chocolate is another good choice - it's widely available and is better for you (it's made from higher quality ingredients than mass produced confectionary).
Decorations
Rather than disposable plastic decorations, go for the stylish option by choosing 100% cotton party bunting, which can be re-used year after year, or even displayed in your child's bedroom as a lovely year round decoration and reminder after the party.
Choose streamers which are made from paper and recycle them afterwards, and always use natural latex balloons, which are made with natural sap of the rubber tree. Latex balloons will biodegrade within around six months, which is the same as an oak leaf. Use natural raffia in place of plastic strings to tie them in place.
Gifts
If you too are concerned by the amount of plastic presents which turn up at the party, why not simply ask guests to not buy plastic toys and recommend traditional wooden toys, colouring books or jigsaw puzzles instead. Obviously choose a tactful way to make this request or even suggest you make the party a toy swap affair! We also liked the idea of giving a plant pot with a packet of seeds, that way they can watch the present grow!
Let us know your suggestions by email: info@guernseymums.gg or share your advice or experience on the Grapevine.
Back to previous page