These days, many people are becoming more eco-savvy. Parents are certainly no exception, and just as they are reusing, reducing, and recycling more than ever, they are also more interested in teaching their kids ways to embrace these principals. Kids’ parties are a wonderful place to start.

If you are into the Three Rs and are looking to make your kids’ parties more environmentally friendly, there are many ways you can help the Earth and throw a great party at the same time. Eco-friendly party planning is also a great way to introduce your kids to reducing, reusing, and recycling!

• Look around your home, and take an inventory of what you have on hand to make invitations, decorations, and party fun. For example, do you have any old paper supplies that you could create your invitations with? It is Earth smart (and pocketbook friendly!) to reuse what you already have.
• You may find things around your home to wrap gifts with. You could also turn the search for gift-wrapping materials into a fun outdoor activity. If you are looking to add a gift tag or decorative piece to your party package, take a hike and pick up a pinecone or acorn to decorate with.
• The easiest thing to serve your party menu and cake on are paper goods that match your theme. When you pick up these items, try to purchase only what you need. If you have leftovers, you may be able to reuse them at a party for another child in your family, or you could find a friend’s family who is having a birthday party with the same theme. Another trend these days is selling/swapping your stuff online. At Parents’ Connect Marketplace, you can make a little money by selling your leftover party goods and also help others who may need just two or three plates or cups to round out their party table.
• After your party, make sure to recycle any soda cans, plastic juice bottles, or other recyclable items that you served or used.
• As far as eco-friendly presents go, there are many options out there. You can purchase stuffed animals for small children that are made of organic material. If you are giving a child a gift that requires batteries, make sure to buy rechargeable ones. Tweens may appreciate a certificate stating that a tree has been planted in their name.
• Visit ECHOage, a website chock-full of fabulous ways to have an eco-friendly party.
• Use eco-friendly fabric bags for your goody bags.
• Check out Happy Green Earth, which was set up specifically to provide eco-friendly alternatives for children’s party bags, gifts, and tableware. They provide good-quality, affordable, and unusual items that are made from eco-friendly materials that are kinder to our planet.

 Reduce, reuse, and recycle!! The mantra is here to stay … at parties and beyond!