School birthday parties are generally simple to organize, that is, until I decided to make ZERO WASTE as a requirement.
Fast food kiddie/happy meals are typically the easiest way to go as they already come with food, drinks, and giveaways. Thinking about all the trash (used plastic forks and spoons, used plastic cups, used food boxes) that it generates however, made me reconsider. Don’t we have too much trash already?
Zero Waste Requirement
I had these non-negotiables on my mind while I scoured for ideas and suggestions:
- Food containers must not be disposable
- No extra plastic for utensils
- No extra plastic for food
- Giveaways must be useful
- Giveaways must not be toys that are of poor quality
- Giveaways must not be something that the kids already have too much of
Lunch Time or Snack Time
The first thing I had to decide on was whether to have it on lunch time or recess time. There were already a few students who celebrated their birthdays that first month of school and they all had it at lunch time. I would have done the same but I cringed everytime my son came home with his canteen lunch packed in plastic bags (one for the rice, one for the viand, and another for the dessert) because there was birthday party food served during lunchtime.
It was just too much plastic waste (ugh!) so snack time it is!
Food
I got these reusable food containers at P35 each. It comes with reusable utensils (plastic but thicker kind) and has food partitions. It is a tad small to contain lunch food but it’s just perfect for snacks.
I ordered food from Golden Cape Catering and asked them to pack the food into the containers. There was spaghetti, chicken pops, plus cookies and butterscotch for dessert. Yum! 🙂
Here they are arranged on the dining tables before recess started.
And here’s the Captain and his friends enjoying their snack. I’m happy to report that they did not leave any trash after this. 🙂
Giveaways
I decided to get these seedling kits from MNL Grow Kits as giveaways. They’re perfect for learning Science (now that they have that subject in school), do not add clutter to the home, and are very friendly to the planet. Perfect!
I got assorted ones because I’m thinking it might be fun for the kids to compare what the other got. 🙂
I put a tag on top of the box. Yes, our theme is Captain Melon on YouTube. 🙂
There’s another tag at the back that explains the whole zero waste thing. It says “Help me save the planet by reducing plastic waste and planting trees! Here’s a seedling kit to get you started. If you need help on how to do it, I’ll show you how on my channel. Just search for Captain Melon on YouTube.“
Yes, we did a video tutorial on how to plant it. 🙂 You can watch it through the link below and join the giveaway at the end! We’ll be giving away Sow and Gro kits!
Join our Giveaway!
We’re giving away 2 Sow & Gro Seedling Kits! Here’s how:
- Head on to our YouTube video: https://youtu.be/fBXFAuaDeIQ
- Subscribe to the channel
- Answer the question, How are you helping planet Earth in your own little way? Post your answer as a comment on the video along with your name
Giveaway ends on September 15th! Open to Metro Manila residents only.
P.S. I hope this inspires you to lessen the trash on your next birthday party! 🙂
hi mommy, i love this idea. can you share where did you get the containers? tia.
Hi Teteth, thanks! 🙂 Sent you PM
Hi Mommy. May I ask where did you buy the containers? Will have a party for my daughter next month. TIA.
Hi Shiela, you may contact Shermine at 09228836989 🙂
This is awesome mommy! 🙂 I thought that it is possible to have a zero waste birthday party celebration at school. We also watched Captain’s tutorial, my little one enjoyed it and is now bugging me to buying one of those hahaha Hope to read more here on your blog about this journey.
Hahaha! Thanks Mommy Veni! Join ka sa giveaway, para you get a chance to win the seedling kit 🙂
Great idea! What I love about this is you’re not only straightforwardly helping the environment, but you’re also passing on to these kids a very significant lesson of loving our Mother Earth. Who says birthday parties should always be fancy and extravagant? 🙂
Thanks Veronica! 🙂
You did an awesome job with this party! I love this zero waste party concept, very considerate of the environment and it’s a great example pa for the kids. 🙂
Thanks Czjai! 🙂
Wow, ang galing! My daughters’ school don’t allow birthday celebrations so thankfully, I don’t have to worry about it. Nonetheless, I’m planning a birthday party for my eldest next year so will definitely keep your tips in mind 🙂
Thanks Ayi! Oh, there are those that don’t allow birthday celebrations in school pala.
Hi! san mo po nakuha yung containers? may minimum qty po ba? I love to use this as my everyday baunan sana.
http://www.mrschubsdiary.com
I got the containers from Shermine 09228836989. No minimum quantity. 🙂
Nice tips. We are also trying to reduce our carbon footprints. So yey for this.
Double yey, sana everyone joins in on the effort. 🙂
I love the handa. I will check nga GOLDEN Cape Catering. And even the Sow and Gro souvenir is just so galing. You’re helping the kids appreciate Mother Nature.
Thanks mommy Berlin! It’s good to start them young e noh 🙂
Wow, very nice, Mommy! And I love your giveaway too. I’ve been wanting to get one pero mamaya na siguro once we have our mini garden fixed. Hehe.
Belated happy birthday to the Captain! 🙂
Thanks Pam! 🙂 Looking forward to reading about your mini garden 🙂
I love this idea, mommy! I also hope schools advocate zero waste birthday parties in schools by setting guidelines that parents can follow. It’s definitely a great way to teach our children to take care of our environment.
Oo nga, sana si school din mag effort to go zero waste. 🙂
Wow, you are golden Cheryl. I really love your birthday ideas. Napaka useful specially because I also love plants.
Thanks Mommy Lanie! 🙂
OMG this has got to be one of the best school birthday parties I saw! Zero waste pa!
Thanks Kaycee! 🙂 Hope to inspire others to do the same. 🙂