March 8, 2023
Host an Ocean-Friendly Birthday Party
BY: Riley Michaelsen
It’s always fun celebrating a birthday with a party! Unfortunately, the waste that birthday parties can create is often overlooked, even when there are more Earth and ocean-friendly alternatives available. Fortunately, we both like to protect our oceans and celebrate birthdays at the same time. Here are five ways Oceana Wavemakers can shell-ebrate in a more ocean-friendly way!
- Eco-Friendly Invitations
Opt for electronic invitations to minimize paper waste and carbon emissions associated with transportation. Digital invitations can be personalized, colorful, and interactive. Encourage guests to RSVP digitally and spread the word about the eco-friendly approach.
2. Sustainable Party Supplies
Ditch disposable plastic plates, cups, utensils, and plastic tablecloths which can end up polluting our oceans and harming marine life. Instead, choose refillable, reusable containers and utensils or biodegradable or compostable alternatives made from materials like bamboo or paper.
3. Activities
Organize engaging activities that foster a sense of environmental responsibility and educate children about the importance of ocean conservation. Here are a few ideas:
a) Set up a craft station where kids can create their own ocean-inspired masterpieces using recycled materials. They can make sea creatures, ocean dioramas, or paint reusable tote bags with ocean-themed designs.
b) Beach cleanup games: Turn beach cleanup into a fun activity by organizing a scavenger hunt. Provide gloves and reusable bags for the kids to collect trash, emphasizing the significance of keeping beaches clean and protecting marine life.
4. Snacks
Go for food and drink options that minimize single-use plastic consumption. Serve snacks on reusable platters or opt for sustainable packaging alternatives. Encourage parents to bring reusable water bottles and avoid single-use plastic bottles or juice boxes. Try swapping a plastic bottle for an aluminum can – unlike plastic bottles, aluminum is infinitely recyclable, making canned drinks a much more Earth-friendly beverage choice!
5. Party Favors
If you’re going to include party favors in your festivities, choose favors that promote a love for the ocean and its preservation. Some ocean-friendly ideas include reusable water bottles, tote bags, symbolic animal adoptions, or ocean-themed books and puzzles. Skip the glitter and cellophane-wrapped plastic toys or trinkets that might end up discarded and contribute to plastic pollution.