Moving towards...a trash-free party.

When you hear the phrase "green party," do you think of political candidates that probably mean well, but don't get enough votes for us to really find out?  Or do you think of colors, textures, experiences to make an event memorable?

Two classrooms took up the challenge of celebrating a holiday in a trash-free way, in essence, with a green party.

And look at the results!

colorful fruits, napkins, plates!

sturdy and washable cups, class-size drinks reduce waste

edible activities, no plastic trash here!

more edible activities: guess the circumference, number of seeds, number of lines, etc

no trash for this festive meal!

One parent volunteered to wash the dishes afterward. Thank you!
 

For any other class wishing to join in this good, green fun, here are some thoughts about moving toward a trash-free party in your own home or classroom:

Underlying Principles:

• Green party techniques do not have to require EXTRA work, just DIFFERENT work.
• Instead of requesting disposable items (that will eventually be thrown out), request services (that create lasting memories).
• Be proud that our joyful, but brief, celebration will not have a lasting negative impact on our finite world.
• Even implementing a few green ideas will be beneficial!
• Foods closer to their natural state are healthier, produce less trash, and can often be found locally (apples instead of individual applesauce).
• Foods that are individually packaged produce more waste than whole foods or large bags (pretzels, crackers, cheese, etc) (gallon of apple juice instead of juice boxes, a block of cheese instead of cheese sticks, etc).

Items needed (keep and use long term):

• 30 cups
• 30 plates
• 30 bowls?
• 30 forks
• 30 spoons
• 30 knives?
• 30 cloth napkins
• 2 - 3 cloth tablecloths
• bins for storage

Other details to consider:

• Request someone (or several someones) to wash the dishes after the party.
• Request someone to launder the linens.
• Request fruits and veggies, cheese, homemade muffins, hummus, etc instead of cakes, candies, cookies, chips, etc.
• Encouraging small portions will reduce waste.
• To include a craft or themed activity, consider using repurposed materials.  Pinterest has so many ideas!  Avoid places like Oriental Trading Company which sells individually wrapped materials, plastic-y toys, lots of packaging, and uses lots of fuel to ship items from across the world.
• Consider an edible craft.  This can be done in a healthy way (not just decorating cookies).  A designated parent can take pictures to email home.  Again, Pinterest can help.