We’ve known for some time that throwing birdseed is better than rice or confetti, but did you know latex balloons, used for a few hours, can take anywhere from 6 months to 4 years to decompose? That is why flags and banners have slowly become de rigueur for savvy observers. Here are more of the latest ideas to help minimize your holiday party’s carbon footprint.
These Are The Bomb
Favors and goody bags need not be plastic and/or filled with cheap toys quickly forgotten or thrown away. Wildflower Seed Bombs will not only tag you as unique chic for a wedding or birthday, the little mud balls give seeds a greater chance to flourish and more flowers may even help bring back some bees. Plus, perhaps your little ones will be delighted to help you play in the mud!
Be sure seeds are native to your location. The mixture should be one part seeds, one part soil, and three parts clay. Add a little water to mix with the clay. Roll into small balls and air dry. When thrown, the hard clay will protect the seeds from being washed away by rain or eaten by critters. The clay will also hold water in the soil, giving the seeds time to germinate. Wrap in burlap and ribbons for favors or table decorations.
Ribbon Dancers
Ribbons on a stick make for delightful play while dancing and twirling. Ribbon dancers will never pop and may add to the excitement (for guests of all ages) of enjoying the music.
Rethinking the SWAG
Instead of plastic or toys, consider filling kids’ bags with pencils, puzzles, chalk, pens, or pieces of a craft the children can work on together. Or offer a craft bar or paints with a small canvas where the children can make not only a keepsake, but also memories that will last longer than the ride home.
Giant Bubbles
Giant bubbles are a great way to have a celebration outdoors. With just a few ingredients you can change the ambiance and the entire setting of your event without changing the environment.
- 6 cups water (distilled is best)
- 1/2 cup blue Dawn dish detergent (eco-friendly soap, 1-½ cups 7th Generation Dish Soap)
- 1/2 cup corn starch
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1 tbsp Glycerine
Choose a container large enough to hold the mixture. Dissolve the corn starch in the water. Add the other ingredients, being careful not to stir too much (you don’t want frothy, airy, soap suds). Let the bubble mixture sit for at least an hour, occasionally stirring the cornstarch into the water and soap. Some corn starch will remain in the bottom. This will not affect your bubbles.