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Step 1
Send out electronic invitations. Paper invitations create unnecessary waste and cost more money. Use a Web site such as Evite (see Resources below) to notify people about the birthday party instead. Find an electronic invitation that fits your party's theme and send it out free of charge.
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Step 2
Minimize disposable decorations. Avoid using balloons and paper decorations at the birthday party. Instead, decorate with greenery and colorful house plants. Eliminate unnecessary use of plastic and put the focus on all things natural.
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Step 3
Serve organic food. Foods that are not organic have potentially harmful effects on the environment during their production. Stick with fresh, whole, locally grown foods. Shop at a local farmers market if possible and purchase only organic products. Buy your cake from a bakery that uses only organic ingredients, or make the cake yourself using organic ingredients.
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Step 4
Use real plates and silverware. Stay away from disposable paper plates and utensils. If you must use disposable plates, buy plates that are completely tree-free, soak-proof and biodegradable. Some disposable plates are composed completely of corn, potato and sugar-cane pulp and can be composted after they are used.
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Step 5
Choose an alternative to gifts. Ask your friends to make a donation to a charity of choice instead of bringing gifts. If the birthday party is for a child, ask them to bring a gently used toy that their child has outgrown. Make specific requests for no wrapping paper.
