THIS week, the Holmes family share their tips for a pollution free party for children. Mother and business woman, Emma Holmes said avoiding pollution at the party starts with the invitation and pre-party planning.
“Remember what makes a party memorable for your child is friends and sweets. Send out e-invites by text or Whatsapp.A useful tip is to have the party from 10am to 12pm or 2pm to 4pm so there is no obligation to provide lunch which will also help you to reduce waste,” she added.
Decorations that don’t destroy
Holmes said a simple solution is to go without decorations or make your own with some inspiration from the web.
“Fabric or paper bunting is easy to make and can be reused again and again-get the children involved. Definitely no balloons,” she said.
Also read: Eco warriors wage war on plastic
Naked food
While children love a table of tasty treat, Holmes has found a way to lay out a feast without a pile of plastic packaging.
“Take your reusable produce bags to bulk stores and get sweets from the dispensers, chocolate balls and dried fruit or nuts. There really is no need to buy sweets in plastic bags. Fruit kebabs are easy and fun to make as is popcorn. Get the children involved, they love doing things with mum,”she said.
Holmes also suggested sandwiches, which can be made at home and the bread bags donated to the Magic Bean Foundation.
Cakes are also best to make at home, or order from a local baker and making a jug of water or juice eliminates the need for individual water or juices.
Contain the excitement
With all these eco-friendly tips, party hosts will need to lay out some cups and plates and borrowing is always better than buying single use plastic in Homes’ book.
“ Between my sister and I we’ve got enough plastic cups and plates to go round. Another option is to invest in a bamboo or stainless steel set of crockery and cutlery or find some cute stuff in a charity shop. You can use the set every year for parties and even offer other parents the opportunity to borrow them for their parties. Use cloth napkins that can be washed and reused, not paper. Steer clear of paper cups as they are plastic lined and paper plates,”she said.
Pack that plastic away
Party packs have got more and more elaborate over the years but generally still contains a cheap plastic toy, juice in a carton and plastic wrapped sweets said Holmes.
“For my nephews party, we gave away a stainless steel straw with a birthday message printed on the pouch. Pads and pencils are a good option. A Hot Wheels car or some other hard wearing small toy that can be used again and again. A small book like a Mr Men book is fun or you can give the cake in a small box as the party favour,”she said.
Also read: Splash of colour for Durban North substation
Wasted gifts
The hardest part of the waste free party presents itself in the gifts said Holmes.
“When you send out the invite, tell parents that you are on a journey to simplify your life and minimise possessions so there is no obligation to bring a gift but if they do want to, let them know what your child would like. It may feel awkward but you have made a commitment to reduce waste and you need to let people know. If you are going to a party ask the mum what her child is interested in or just get a book or a puzzle.
That’s a wrap
Wrapping gifts doesn’t have to involve plastic- there are so many easy eco-friendly alternatives that are fun and cost effective, said Holmes.
“You can make your own wrapping paper by getting your children to draw on newspaper and get creative. It is only on the present for about one minute before it is torn to shreds, and children really don’t judge a present by how it’s wrapped,” she said.
For more from Northglen News follow us on Facebook or Twitter. You can also follow us on Instagram
