Green Partying for Kids

Well, I survived the birthday party! It has taken me a day of two to pick cake out of the carpet, collect up the various bits of gift wrapping and glitter and get through the mountain of washing up but I have to say it was fun. Now before I go any further I have to say that my daughters birthday party was not totally “green” BUT it was definately a step in the right direction.

I have been concious of my carbon footprint now for around a month and I am finding that once you turn on the green radar it is hard to turn it off. My challenge on Monday was to hold a birthday party for my now 7 year old without bowing to the god of plastic and pre-packaged stuff…..

Step 1 : Home cook what you can.

I was reasonably proud of my efforts here. Home made pizza (including dough), Garlic bread, jacket potato’s, beans and fruit salad for desert.  Very little plastic in sight and the kids did actually eat (making funny faces out of fruit was a winner).  I did buy in a large bag of potato chips, marsh mallows and birthday cake (I am no Delia Smith) as I simply didn’t have enough time to do everything.

Step 2 : Serve food and drink on re-usable crockery.

I avoided the throw away plastic here by not bowing to the “Must have” branded tableware. I am convinced that the kids don’t care  either way – they were more interested in running riot!

Step 3: If you must have one, make your own Piniata

Probably not essential in a truly “GREEN” party but we are alowed to have some fun!   We managed to turn some cereal packaging and other household tubs into a “lego” style Piniata person. It was filled with the usual junk but at least the packaging was pre-loved and not just bought for effect. Again, the kids loved it!

Step 4 : Avoid Party bags.

I did  buy a going home gift (from a science store, aimed at inspiring the kids to experiment). Some plastic was involved but wrapping paper was not. I used old newspaper to create a lucky dip and the kids simply carried their winnings home – no bag required.

Step 5 : Play outdoors.

I did have a few things organised for the kids – the lego robotics was the main attraction but following that was a hefty dose of free time to run wild. I really think that kids have too much structured play and not enough time to create their own little games. Why is this “green”? Playing outside makes less mess, uses no electricity and encourages them to connect to the real world!

Not earth shattering stuff I know but it is amazing how we go through life on auto pilot most of the time, packing our trolleys with stuff that we really don’t need. My attempt at a “Green Party” would probably rank at 5/10 – definately room for improvement but it has heightened my awareness another notch.   I vow that with each event I will try to add more “green” touches, every little helps……