Tips to Make Your Green Party A Hit

Celebrating Your Child's Birthday in an Environmentally Friendly Way

Advice Seeker: Dear April,

My daughter's third birthday party is around the corner, and I remember how important the big day is. I want to have an environmentally-friendly party that encourages green practices in a fun way for these kiddies. Any suggestions on eco-friendly birthday themes?

Sincerely,

Earthy Birthday

April Masini's advice:

Dear Earthy Birthday,

Throwing a green party isn't just good for the environment -- it can be great fun and education.

Make your green party a hit with the following tips:

*Instead of using utensils serve finger food! Right there you cut out on plastic utensils that may get thrown away, and you cut down on washing. You can go basic with sandwiches and pizza or exotic with sushi.

*Go organic pot luck. This will actually be an educational experience for your guests who are not used to shopping green and they will be providing food and educating themselves and having fun at the same time. Have each child and their parent bring a pot luck dish for the party!

*Have a recycling pollyanna exchange. Ask each guest to bring something from their home that they no longer use to exchange or swap with someone else at the party.

*Instead of the kid's game Red Light/Green Light, play the same game, only use the words: Recycler/Polluter in exchange for the Red Light and Green Light command.

*And of course, at the end of the party, take all recycling out to the bin!