May 17 2019, Updated 7:42 p.m. ET
Everything you need to throw a good party is usually disposable, single-use, or covered in plastic. Just think about the aisles of any party supply store. The superhero plates and skeleton streamers are all designed for easy clean-up rather than long-term use — and when you’re planning a gathering for dozens of people, that’s kind of understandable. But there are simple ways to make your celebrations more sustainable, and it starts with swapping your supplies.
Whether you’re planning a birthday party for a 5-year-old or a bridal shower for your best friend, you can find products that are naturally derived or can degrade in a compost pile, rather than a landfill. Here are a few sustainable party supplies to get you started, plus some DIY projects you can complete yourself.
We think our party cups are the perfect way to serve coffee! On #nationalcoffeeday and every day! #compostable #party #coffee #colorful
A post shared by Susty Party (@sustyparty) on Sep 29, 2015 at 5:55pm PDT
Paper plates and plastic forks generate a ton of waste, but it can be tough to pump yourself up to wash a sink full of dirty dishes after you just hosted a party for 35 people. If you’re looking for a happy medium, check out Susty Party. The company makes non-toxic and compostable plates, cups, and utensils from renewable or recycled materials. These supplies aren’t just ethically sourced; they look great, too. Susty Party offers a range of colors and patterns, so you don’t have to sacrifice festive flair in the name of sustainability.
With the birth of a new royal baby, we have babies on the brain today! If you’re planning your own royal welcome for a little one, make it extra special and eco-friendly with #seedpaper invitations, favors and confetti. You’ll #growgoodthings for the planet and reduce waste! {Link in bio} to see more plantable products for #babyshowers 🌱👶
A post shared by Botanical PaperWorks (@botanicalpaperworks) on Apr 24, 2018 at 1:33pm PDT
Send your guests a truly unique invitation with a plantable card from Botanical Paperworks. These invitations are printed on seed paper, meaning they have daisy and snapdragon seeds embedded in them. After your guests have noted the party location and details, they can plant their cards directly into soil and watch new flowers sprout.
These huge lanterns! What a statement! They won't last on our shelves for long...❤️ #red #party #decoration #design #style #valentinesday #decor #ecofriendly #reusable #bold #gorgeous
A post shared by GreenPartyGoods (@greenpartygoods) on Jan 27, 2015 at 8:02am PST
Balloons have a way of ending up in the wild, where birds and turtles can mistake them for food. Rather than filling your living room with these decorations, pick up some lanterns and garlands from Green Party Goods. This eco-friendly retailer makes brightly colored decorations with rice or recycled paper. Your choices range from a puffy pink pom to a nautical garland of anchors, with plenty of fluorescent fans in between.
"If they don't have what I'm looking for, I'll make my own confetti!" I said. "It'll be fun," I said. • • #workinprogress #neons #confetti #doityourself #diyconfetti #owmyhands
A post shared by Ruby (@becausetheskyisblue) on Nov 18, 2016 at 12:59pm PST
Make it rain (biodegradable) confetti with a pack from Confetti Kings or It’s a Confetti Parti! If you’re feeling crafty, you can also upcycle old tissue paper or wrapping paper into your own DIY creation.
A post shared by Tamiko B (@tamikosfotos) on Sep 4, 2017 at 9:41am PDT
Go natural on the cake toppers with these beeswax birthday candles from Big Dipper Wax Works. The candles come in multi-colored and classic hues, and you can feel great about buying them, since they come from a fantastic company. Big Dipper is a Green America-approved business that donates 10 percent of its profits to groups supporting sustainable beekeeping, ensuring the health and growth of bees nationwide.
These super cute mini pinatas are a perfect DIY project for the weekend! 🍉✨ They light up any party and can be used as a kawaii decoration as well! 😍🍭 Learn how @kawaiisweeteats made them! . . . . #kawaiibox #kawaii #supercutepinatas #kawaiidiy #cutediyproject #diypinata #minipinata #partydecoration #partyideas #decoration #cutefoods #pinatatime
A post shared by Kawaii Box (@kawaiiboxco) on Sep 21, 2017 at 11:35pm PDT
Since a piñata is mostly made out of cardboard and old newspaper, it’s a natural candidate for a DIY upcycling project. Want to make one shaped like a rainbow? Follow this guide. Thinking more of a castle? There’s a tutorial for that, too. The best part of building your own piñata is you control what goes inside. That means you can minimize the amount of plastic-wrapped candies, or avoid them entirely. Here are some alternative ideas.
Wool felt flower crown. #pixieandpenelope #woolfeltcrown #feltcrown #flowercrown #roses #flowergirl #fallcrown #birthdaycrown #dressup
A post shared by Wiebke (@fox_and_willow) on Sep 8, 2016 at 2:25pm PDT
Eco Party Time provides great alternatives to plastic and paper party hats. Your kid can be a royal in one of their silk or felt crowns, or a pirate in their felt black hat, adorned with a classic jolly roger. If you're looking for something more customizable, try the Fox & Willow Etsy shop.
Eeep I am soooo excited to finally have a shelf to display some of our fav toys on 👍👍👍. Starting with our beautiful Indigo Jam Train. One of Cayden's favourites 👌 If you are following Helle from @lucaslovescars her monthly "Let's rotate the toys" reminders are really handy. I hope to regularly do that with this shelf. Once I find room for it 🤣🤣🤣🤣 #hoarder #noroom #haveaproblem #stoppostingpicsofamazingtoys P.s please head on over to @thewalkerways to see more of our new shelf x . . . #train #woodentrain #kidstrain #joyofthetoy #woodentoy #woodentoys #choochoo #toys
A post shared by Sam (@my3ratbagz3614) on May 14, 2018 at 4:22am PDT
Party favors are often the biggest challenge for eco-conscious hosts, since they’re usually full of cheap, disposable toys. Give the kids something more sustainable by making your own playdough or buying small wooden toys. And if this is a party for grown-ups, consider making these pretty wildflower seed bombs.
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