Are you fed up with party bags that are filled with plastic toys that end up in the bin? Tired of feeling guilty about the amount of waste from your last party?
Lucy from Little Cherry was in touch the other day and really opened my eyes regarding party bags and products. She sent me a nice box of samples and my girls had a ball playing with everything. And I was surprised (and happy) to learn that most of the items could go right into the compost bin after use.
My greatest discovery was the biodegradable balloons. A party isn't really a party without them. These balloons are made of natural latex, which is tapped from rubber sustainably. They have been FSC certified, are traded fairly and packaged in a compostable bag with a recycled paper label. They come in seven colours and you get 10 for £1.99. I got pink ones for my daughter's party. They were easy to blow up and lasted a few days. Now they are with the worms.
My second coolest discovery was the compostable cups, which are made of bio plastic which can be described as a greenhouse neutral polymer which means they have a low carbon emission footprint. They are available in pint (.18) and half pint (.15) sizes. They are durable (and reusable) and look great -- I would use them for adults as well. The best part is when you are done with them, they can be composted.
The party bags are excellent. They are all made of cotton and contain a selection of eco-friendly toys made from sustainable wood and painted in non-toxic paints by fully vetted manufactures who pay fair wages and ensure good working practises. They come in three categories per child: less than £4; £4 to £7, and more. The £3 and £4 bags have some cute stuff like clips, bracelets, spinning tops and door hangers.
Also cool: the palm leaf bowls, which are made from naturally fallen leafs, which are then soaked in spring water before being stamped into shape. They are made in a rural community in India where the producers are supported and earn a fair wage. There is a large range that includes serving plates, bowls, dip bowls, and others.
This stuff doesn't come from Tesco, and will eat into your wallet. But why not cut back in other areas and help save the Earth. That's the best birthday present you could give your children.
This post was written by Susanna, a London Mums Blog founding contributor. You can read more at her blog, A Modern Mother.
That sounds great. What a good idea.
Posted by: Kate Morris | 21 February 2009 at 06:25 PM
Lovely idea, I'm preparing for next week's birthday bash but won't be shelling out for party stuff, I'm making it. However, when I'm working again, I hope I can afford these little luxuries...I've had the horrors this weekend and Paperchase has seen the gap in the market left by Woolies and the kids party stuff is REALLY pricey. £5 for some fireworks to go on a cake? Not likely...
Posted by: nixdminx | 22 February 2009 at 09:19 PM
There are some lovely ideas there - thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Liz@VioletPosy | 24 February 2009 at 04:16 PM
I used Little Cherry for my party supplies and was surprised at how reasonably priced they were. I found Lucy an absolute delight to deal with and will definately be using her next year... Sarah Bangor-Jones
Posted by: Sarah | 25 February 2009 at 08:00 AM
These are some great ideas for little changes that can add up to less environmental impact!
It is amazing if you stop and think about how much we throw away at a typical birthday party, with the disposable plates, wrappings, and decorations.
Posted by: CanCan (Mom Most Traveled) | 25 February 2009 at 03:57 PM