This month, my girls turn 3 years old. I can’t believe it, but it’s true. So, here I am planning a birthday party for them, and I wanted to do things a little different this time around. I’ve done some research on how to throw a more environmentally friendly birthday party! I think I’ve done a little better than in the past, so far, but I’m still looking for more ideas! Here are a few things I’ve been able to do so far. 

Invitations have already gone out, but I didn’t mail them! I sent them via email! No paper involved, so nothing to throw away, or get lost! In the past, I’ve actually designed my invitations using my favorite graphics publishing software, but lately, I have seen a few people use Evite, and figured I’d give them a try too! I signed up for an account looked through their themes, and filled in all of the information. After I entered in all of the email addresses, I hit send, and away it went. It then gave me a list of who has been invited, and it keeps track of who replies, and what their reply is… It’s that simple! Talk about saving money on stamps! It’s completely free too, so again, you’re saving money not having to buy invitation cards while saving the planet!

As far as the food goes, we’re going to be buying a lot of locally grown vegetables and fruit to make trays. I’ve been thinking about what to do with the plates/cups & utensils. I’ve found a site that sells biodegradable plates either made of 99.9% recycled material, or completely tree- free plates made from sugarcane. Imagine that! I wish there were products like this around me so I wouldn’t have to order them! 

 I’ve been looking around the internet to find some really cool crafts to do with all of the kids, rather than buying a bunch of cheapo toys that will most likely end up tossed on the trash. I’ve thought of making cute little placemats out of plastic packaging from bedding sets, and a really cool drawing of theirs. I’ve also though of making cards, or little embellishments that they can take home and plant later. My final thought was to buy little terracotta pots, letting them decorate them, and then giving them a hand at planting a bulb or some seeds in those pots so they can watch them grow.  

Kiwi Magazine, an awesome family oriented magazine had some great ideas for party fun. All of them either eco, healthy, or socially responsible… Very cool… 

I think that’s all I have going right now, but if anyone has any ideas, at all, please leave a comment and let me know!