27 Oct 10+ Tips for a plastic free party

Having a party without using single use plastics might seem daunting, but it’s easy to do if you follow our simple tips.

1) Before you throw your plastic-free party, include a note on the invitation announcing that your party will be plastic-free. It’s a great way to raise awareness and encourage others to do the same! Keep your party footprint light by emailing digital invitations instead of printing and sending.

2) Instead of balloons, plastic banners and plastic streamers, decorate your party space with homemade items – such as flags, tissue paper, pom-poms, signs made of scrap-fabric letters, old kids artwork and scrap-paper or fabric for bunting. If you’re buying decorations, look for well-made, durable pieces that you’ll get more than one use out of.

3) If it’s your birthday and you’re expecting presents, consider asking your family and friends for plastic-free gifts like homemade treats, donations to your favourite charity, print-at-home gift vouchers, or tickets to something you could do together!  Source a selection of gifts that you can suggest to those relatives who ask what the birthday person would like!

Balloons burst into the shape of jellyfish. When they land in the ocean, they are mistaken for food by turtles. Save our marine life and use reusable decorations like fabric bunting or flowers instead of disposable decorations like balloons and plastic banners.

Tips

• Ditch the plastic lolly bags and party favours for fabric bags jam packed with reusable gifts like coloured pencils. Make colourful goodie bags or make a DIY Pirate bag.
• Serve your party food and drink on reusable plates, bowls, cups and cutlery. If you’re worried about the washing up, a good alternative can be biodegradable bamboo items which can be added to your compost.
• Skip the plastic tablecloth and instead use a waxed cloth, old sails cut to size or scrap paper. You could use brown craft paper (you can purchase a roll at Officeworks) and ask your friends to help decorate the table cover at the party!
• Offer finger food like veggies, slices of cheese, cakes and sandwiches — no plates necessary!
• Remove plastic bottles from your party and have a drink dispenser, jugs and cups. A reusable drink dispenser filled with a fruit infused drink can make a beautiful addition to any party table!
• Put chopped fruit into a large container of ice-cold water for a fancy, plastic-free beverage. That way, there’s no need for plastic juice and pop bottles!
• Remember to go without straws or why not make fun, colourful paper straws for your guests or sip from your reusable cups!
• If you are looking for Balloons that are 100% biodegradable look for Qualatex ones.

Swap this for that and have a successful single use plastic free event!

Half the world’s turtles and two thirds of Australian seabirds already have plastic in their gut.