!! DISCLAIMER !! This site may contain Amazon & other affiliate links.
This means if you click on one of the product recommendation links, this site may receive a small commission. This is at no extra cost to you and may include exclusive discounts when possible. This helps support this site and allows us to keep making content like this. Thank you for your support!

Must-Have Eco-Friendly Party Supplies For Any Celebration

Hosting an eco-friendly celebration does not need you to abandon your design ideas. Using eco-friendly party supplies, you may create a spectacular occasion.

With some of our all-time favorite party décor pieces, you can make a move to make more eco-friendly party decorations. Your guests will be astounded by how festive and enjoyable ecologically friendly decor can be.

How to Select Environmentally Friendly Party Decorations

It can be difficult to determine whether eco-friendly choices are genuinely better for the environment, especially regarding party decorations and supplies. In a few simple steps, here’s how you transition to more eco-friendly party décor.

Some quick zero-waste party tips:

• Skip the forks. Serve finger meals such as sandwiches, almonds, and fruit kebabs to avoid using cutlery entirely. If you need a fork, look for disposable or biodegradable alternatives.

• Bring real plates. Bring your own reusable plastic or tin plates. If it isn’t an option, consider composting disposable plates.

• Get rid of the paper napkins. Provide a stack of cotton or bamboo napkins for guests to use.

• Use fabric to cover the table. Do not purchase a plastic tablecloth. Instead, cover the table with flat sheets, which you can find at a thrift store for a song.

Avoid Using Disposable Items

Avoiding disposable products is a big method of being more eco-friendly. Look for environmentally safe party materials you won’t have to throw away after the event. Zero waste may not be entirely achievable, but every move in the right direction is always beneficial.

You may easily replace disposable plastic items with more environmentally friendly alternatives regarding tableware. Instead, invest in reusable eco-friendly tableware and dinnerware made of china, glass, or bamboo. Use attractive linen squares that you can wash and reuse for napkins.

You also don’t need disposable cutlery; bring your own or borrow from friends and family to ensure you have plenty for the party.

If throwaway is required, choose more environmentally friendly products that are compostable or biodegradable. Replace plastic straws with biodegradable paper straws and use paper cups instead of plastic cups.

Sustainable Serving Supplies

We assure you that you do not require all of those disposable cups, plates, and plastic utensils! There are inexpensive, simple choices that save waste and can even add a personal touch to your gathering.

• Compostable or edible cups and straws: Some companies produce straws from plant-based, food-grade materials that decompose through composting or natural processes. Unlike plastic straws, these straws will not rot in the oceans or landfills for a century.

• Hollowed-out fruit: Who doesn’t enjoy drinking from pineapple or coconut? Hollowed fruit is a terrific option for plastic cups, especially if you’re planning a luau-themed party or an outdoor summer party—and they add to the ambiance.

• Mason jars: Instead of solo cups, use classic glass jars. They are extremely long-lasting and can be used for many years.

• Cloth napkins: You can find them anywhere. You can also enjoy them long after the celebration has ended.

• Compostable centerpieces: Florals and foliage make excellent compostable centerpieces. You can buy them from a florist or make them yourself!

• Make use of reusable dishes: Reusable plates, cutlery, and cups will save you money and keep loads of waste out of landfill. You might use your regular dishes, bring out your wooden salad plates and bowls for the kids, or invest in a set of kid-safe party dishes that are only used for birthdays and special events. If reusable isn’t a possibility, make sure to buy compostable dishes or, failing that, unlaminated paper plates. Also, if you have the option, compost them. Make it simple for your guests to locate them by providing clear directions or signs.

• Avoid bottled water: Serve filtered water in cups or place a carafe or large pitcher of cold water on the table. If you’re worried about cups getting mixed up, mark them with a chalk marker that readily washes off. Alternatively, invite guests to bring their own unique cup or water bottle so that they can keep up on their own.

• Paper straws are a fun, festive, and inexpensive solution. Alternatively, skip the straws entirely.

Consider Reusing What You Already Have

In addition to acquiring biodegradable party items, we can look at what we already have and utilize it as effectively as we can. You may have party decorations lying around the house or in the possession of friends and family members that would be ideal for your next event.

Not all party decorations begin in this manner. Consider upcycling tea sets for a nice centerpiece at a tea party-themed celebration, or take your safari party to the next level with an indoor jungle constructed from potted plants donated by family members.

There are numerous methods to repurpose objects from around your home into party decorations, eliminating the need to invest in costly single-use products.

Shop Local

It is not always practicable to reuse what you have or to buy the most environmentally friendly party décor. If you need to buy fresh party materials, try shopping in your neighborhood first.

This is an excellent approach to being more ecologically conscious by reducing your carbon footprint and supporting local producers, designers, and farmers. Look for fresh flowers to display in vases, local delights to use as centerpieces and table decor, and fresh fruit to distribute as party favors.

Environmentally Friendly Party Decorations 

Switching to more ecologically friendly items does not necessitate sacrificing design and theme. In fact, we believe it’s an excellent chance to showcase your originality and talent as a party planner or host.

Whatever the size of your event or party, following these general guidelines for eco-friendly party decorations will ensure that it is also environmentally friendly.

• Reuse. Make or purchase reusable alternatives to disposable decorations.

• DIY. If you have the time, build some eco-friendly party decorations yourself.

• Reduce waste by reusing decorations, making your own, or purchasing products with little packaging.

• To achieve a natural effect, incorporate natural and organic elements such as pinecones, stones, seashells, and potted flowers and plants.

• To reduce your carbon footprint, shop locally and from environmentally friendly suppliers.

• Consider renting. Instead of buying new linens and decorations, consider renting them from a party rental store. It may be less expensive than purchasing everything new for large occasions.

Here are a few of our favorite eco-friendly party decorations to get you started. They’re ideal for a variety of occasions, including engagement parties and wedding showers, as well as birthday parties and cocktail parties.

Biodegradable Confetti 

Replace traditional confetti with an eco-friendly alternative. Look for biodegradable confetti that will degrade when exposed to moisture or air.

To be safe, research the substances and consider your local ecosystem as well as your guests’ sensitivities. Flower petals are another great option, particularly for a wedding or baby shower. 

Eco-friendly leaf confetti is also great eco-friendly confetti. No plastic or tree sacrifices are required, just a hole punch and leaves or greenery from outside.

Make confetti with different-shaped hole punches from old tissue paper or unlaminated colorful paper.

Make your confetti from leaves or other organic stuff, such as coconut flakes and fragrant herbs, to ensure that it is fully biodegradable. Rice kernels, which can be detrimental to wildlife, should be avoided.

If the thought of manufacturing your own confetti overwhelms you, consider these eco-friendly alternatives you can buy:

• Biodegradable Paper: Paper confetti is crafted by hand from vibrant biodegradable tissue paper.

• Floral Confetti: These are made from freeze-dried flower petals and herbs.

• Sprouting Confetti: These are created from compostable paper with wildflower seeds incorporated in them. It grows when planted!

Fresh Plants & Flowers

Bring in some vivid fresh blooms for a tried-and-true approach to add color to your gathering. Flowers are an excellent method to highlight your event’s colors and bring your concept to life.

For an even more eco-friendly approach, collaborate with a local florist or use flowers from your own garden. You can even include potted plants and send them home with visitors as keepsakes.

Chalkboard Messages

Chalkboard signs make excellent party decorations because they are interactive, erasable, and versatile. You can use these signs for a variety of occasions.

With a chalkboard menu, you may add a trendy mood to your event or a bit of charm to your dinner party. Simply wipe them down when you’re done, and they’ll be ready for your next party. Here’s how to quickly make your own DIY blackboard signs.

Make Your Own Party Crackers

Celebration crackers are usually a favorite at a New Year’s Eve party, and they’re also popular at children’s birthday parties.

Make your own DIY party crackers with simple materials like card stock and ribbon – replace the gift wrap with an eco-friendly alternative made of recycled paper, and save the ribbon for future projects. You can also customize these to meet your event, from the exterior to the filling.

Vintage and Second-Hand Table Setting

Instead of purchasing new linens to decorate your table and party space, check your local thrift or second-hand store to see if they have any attractive vintage linens. Estate sales, whether online or in-person, are another great area to look for one-of-a-kind linens.

You can also upcycle a stained tablecloth by using natural colors such as avocado, eucalyptus, etc., to tie-dye a soiled tablecloth instead of throwing it away.

Solar Powered Lighting

You can’t go wrong with some warm lighting for outdoor events. Consuming solar-powered lights add beauty to your garden party without using more electricity or purchasing more batteries. Furthermore, you may leave them up all year in your yard or recycle them as seasonal decorations.

Solar lighting is a sustainable method to set the tone for outdoor gatherings.

• Glass Lanterns: These lanterns are made of handblown glass and are available in a range of shapes and sizes.

• Solar LED Lantern: These lanterns have rechargeable solar LED panels that light the fixture and two separate illumination settings that can be utilized all day or only when the sun goes down.

• Solar Paper Lanterns: These lovely hanging solar lanterns are excellent for all-year outdoor use, and these lace-patterned hanging lanterns may be utilized in any weather.

• Solar String Lights: These lovely solar string lights are a more environmentally responsible alternative to the plug-in variety.

Fresh Fruits & Vegetables

Fresh fruit is a great party décor for a wonderful flash of color in your tablescapes — and it’s inherently eco-friendly.

For a tropical-themed celebration, make a rainbow centerpiece out of fresh fruit pieces, or lay pineapples on the table. Increase your eco-friendliness by purchasing local vegetables or growing your own. You can also try making dried citrus garland. This natural, joyful DIY decor is appropriate for any season.

Rice Paper Decor

Instead of buying plastic decorations that you may discard later, use rice paper decorations. Garlands, pom-poms, and streamers have a distinct appearance in this material.

Rice paper lanterns, which can be used to decorate an indoor or outdoor event, are also popular. Best of all, if properly preserved, rice paper party decorations can survive for years.

Potted Plants

Don’t rely on fake plants to bring your outdoor or jungle-themed celebration to life. Using potted plants you already have at home, or asking friends and family to bring a plant as a plus-one, is a unique approach to setting the mood for a themed gathering.

Potted, live plants (rather than cut flowers) are a lovely, natural way to adorn your occasion. Place one or more as centerpieces, mixing different heights and forms depending on the size and shape of your tables.

Plants and herbs with a gentle aroma, such as lavender or rosemary, can be used to add a fragrant touch. Hang ornamental objects, tie garlands, or wrap arrangements in small string lights for an extra touch.

Reuse plants for future events or give them out as natural party favors at the conclusion of the occasion.

If you don’t want to make your own pots, shop locally to support local companies. To be honest, it is difficult to discover eco-friendly e-florists due to the enormous carbon footprint of growing and distributing floral and plant products. 

Lanterns and Candle Holders

Nothing sets the mood better than candles, whether inside or outside. They’re also a reasonably priced option to adorn your celebration. Instead of paraffin-based wax candles, choose natural components like soy, beeswax, or coconut wax. Even better, experiment with manufacturing your own candles!

Pretty drinking glasses, mason jars, platters, or trays can be used as candle holders. Make your own if you’re crafty.

Garlands

You may recall constructing garlands out of paper scraps as a youngster, but there are various objects you can use — just try to use stuff that is biodegradable, reusable, or even delicious.

Cloth or paper remnants, seashells, pinecones, foliage, berries, popcorn (or both), dried fruit, almonds, and miniature biscuits are some choices. (Before baking, be sure to pierce a hole in the top of the dough.)

Look for reusable garlands or garlands produced from natural, biodegradable or recycled materials.

• Wool: These are crafted by hand with cruelty-free wool and unbleached cotton thread and colored with azo-free eco-friendly dyes.

• Felt and cloth: These are handmade garlands produced from hand-felting, recycled, or sustainable materials.

• Paper and cloth: These are sustainably created products and carry a variety of garland patterns, all of which are handcrafted and many of which are built from recycled components.

• Tissue: Tissue garlands are made from recycled paper. You may even choose from a variety of styles and colors.

• Greenery: Some companies provide gorgeous, responsibly sourced garlands and wreaths. Plus, there is a style for every occasion.

DIY Piñata

A piñata is a popular birthday treat for many children. Fortunately, this is one eco-friendly birthday party décor that you can easily construct with items you already have at home.

All of the papier-mache, frame, and colorful exterior can be produced from recycled materials. Small homemade piñatas are gorgeous, eco-friendly, and simple to make for any party.

Twigs and Branches

If you want to add some interest to a rustic centerpiece or wow your guests with some overhead decorations during a dinner party, twigs and branches can do the trick. Twigs can be used to complement a tabletop or to make seasonal wreaths. 

Suspend branches from the ceiling for a beautiful display and let your guests admire their natural feel. String lights may offer warmth and playfulness.

The best thing is that all you’ll need are your hands and feet to gather these party materials! Collect them from your yard or invite others to drop them off at your house so you may turn them into wonderful eco-friendly party décor.

Reusable Bunting

Bunting is a traditional party decoration; however, the plastic variations are rarely long-lasting. Instead of purchasing a new set, consider sewing your own using cloth for an eco-friendly picnic or birthday celebration.

It’s not only a fun DIY project, but you can save and reuse it for future events, making it an eco-friendly party decoration.

Make your own banner or bunting out of fabric scraps or brightly colored paper. There are even demonstrations on how to build no-sew and small bunting cake decorations.

Party Favors

There’s no doubt about it: youngsters adore goodie bags! Sending guests home with a party treat has become the norm these days, but there’s no reason for it to be stocked with plastic toys that will wind up in a landfill. It doesn’t even need to be in a bag.

We’ve compiled a list of highly creative, cheap, and one-of-a-kind ideas that both kids and parents will appreciate while still being environmentally friendly. Giving eco-friendly party treat bags is definitely a nice idea!

Make Your Own Goodie Bags

The ideal approach to supplying children’s party favor bags is to have them make their own as part of the birthday party activity. This not only makes it more economical, but it also means less to think about- it’s a two-for-one deal!

Many birthday party facilities now provide this service, such as art or cookery workshops where the kids take home the object they created. If you’re holding a party at home, our tiny kits make a terrific take-home gift out of the party activity.

• Mini Terracotta plant pots are inexpensive and reusable. Paint the pots and send the youngsters home with seeds to plant.

• Fruit necklaces are great for older children because all you need is some cord and huge blunt needles. Set out grapes, strawberries, and large blueberries for the youngsters to thread onto the cord and make jewelry with.

• Make your own magnets by purchasing a kit or ordinary magnets with self-adhesive tape on one side. Cut the shapes and have the youngsters adhere to virtually anything, such as old buttons, bottle caps, and decorative clothespins. More ideas can be found here!

• Mini clipboards and crayons: Wrap the crayons in string and add a party-themed coloring paper or word hunt.

• S’mores-making kits: Purchase some cute paper bags and let the kids fill them with chocolate, graham crackers, and a few marshmallows. To finish the look, add a blackboard sticker.

• Set up a trail mix station with nutritious trail mix alternatives (such as pretzels, dried fruits, chocolate chips, and popcorn) and let them fill a paper bag.

• Monogram chalkboard letters: Big craft stores have a plethora of inexpensive DIY options that you may personalize for your guests. Attach a twine hook and a packet of chalk with a hot glue gun so kids may hang the boards on their doors.

Other Eco-friendly Party Favors

• Have your guests make an eco-friendly craft and send it home with them.

• Send them off with something tasty. Just make sure to use a paper bag or box instead of plastic.

• Give a plant or a seed packet.

• Gather some colorful secondhand trinkets and place them in a goody box for your guests to choose from.

• Eco-friendly art equipment such as crayons, sidewalk chalk, and coloring books are available.

• To send home with visitors, choose a favorite or party-themed book.

• Take a picture of each attendee enjoying your child’s eco-friendly birthday party and text it to the parents afterward with a thank-you note. You now have plenty of images to look back on to recall the party!

Seed Bombs

You may wish to send your guests home with a party favor or keepsake at the end of your celebration. Give away wildflower seed bombs instead of toys and disposable things in a plastic gift bag.

You can make your own to ensure that the best seeds for your area’s fauna are included. This is a beautiful method to assist your guests in brightening their yard and creating a thriving environment for bees and bunnies to enjoy.

Change to Eco-Friendly Party Invitations

After you’ve chosen your party décor, carry on the eco-friendly theme with online invitations. Sending digital invites is an excellent method to spread the word about your event while reducing your environmental effect.

Digital invites are an easy method to help the environment by avoiding the use of paper and depending on mail delivery.

Sending and receiving party invites are always enjoyable events, and sending an e-mail does not capture that enchantment.

Your guests will be treated to a digital opening experience when they receive an e-mail or SMS invitation, so you can enjoy the excitement and anticipation of a gorgeous invitation while still doing your part to protect the earth.

Apps offer a large selection of digital invites. Browse some party invitations for a style you like, then choose your color selections and modify the layout, wording, and fonts. Finally, enter your guest list and send out your eco-friendly invitations.

An extremely complex invitation is not required. Here are a few quick, easy, free, and environmentally friendly alternatives.

• Send an e-mail invitation: there are plenty of websites that provide free and premium plans for sending digital invitations (ideal for those working with a theme) and collecting RSVPs.

• Text an invitation for a quick and easy method. This can be merely the information, or you can hand-make one invitation card, photograph it, and distribute it to all of the invitees.

• Give them a call for a more personal invitation. This is a particularly effective method when communicating complex instructions or expectations. Just make sure to give the person you’re phoning a chance to respond later. Nobody enjoys being put in this position!

Final Thoughts

Take a look at these party ideas to see how simple it is to switch to eco-friendly party décor, supplies, and invitations. You can use these eco-friendly party decorations to throw a green party.

When you’ve settled on a theme and have everything planned, utilize our digital invites to let your guests know what’s going on. There’s something to suit every theme and occasion, with hundreds of designs to select from.

We think that modest changes have a significant impact—on plastic water bottles is simply one water bottle until seven billion people say the same thing.

We got started by making little improvements, so we encourage you to start where you can. Being environmentally conscious does not have to imply making sacrifices or giving up; rather, it requires shifting habits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are all party paper cups environmentally friendly?

No, the majority of disposable cups are not biodegradable. Most disposable cups are coated with polyethylene (a type of plastic), making them non-biodegradable.

Are there any environmentally friendly balloons?

The simple answer is no. Balloons that are environmentally friendly do not exist.

First and foremost, they are not biodegradable. Second, they pose a significant threat to animals. Because they do not disintegrate (and because so many balloons are sold each year), balloons will only become a bigger and bigger concern for wildlife all over the world.

Most people are unaware of how dangerous balloons can be. The most serious concern with balloons is that they pose serious harm to wildlife. When a balloon is deflated or popped, it is easily misidentified as potential food.

Birds, smaller animals, and marine life may seek to swallow deflated balloons on land or in the water. If they are able to swallow the balloon without suffocating, they will very certainly cause a slew of other problems.

Balloons cannot be digested. Therefore they frequently create stomach or intestinal blockages. This can then lead to famine. There is no such thing as an environmentally friendly or biodegradable balloon. They degrade over time and frequently contain hazardous substances.

Is it possible to recycle balloons?

Another quick answer: balloons are not recyclable. Mylar balloons and latex balloons are the two most common varieties of balloons offered. One of the reasons balloons are not environmentally friendly is that neither of them can be recycled.

Mylar balloons are widely used. You’ve probably seen mylar balloons if you’re not familiar with the phrase “mylar.”

They are the foil balloons that you buy pre-filled with air or helium (commonly available at party stores and pharmacy stores). They are constructed from synthetic nylon or polyethylene with a metallic covering.

They are not biodegradable in any manner, making them the most environmentally harmful balloons available.

Latex balloons are not totally biodegradable because they contain processed latex as well as a variety of preservatives, color dyes, chemicals, and plasticizers.

As a result, it can take up to six years for these latex balloons to degrade, giving animals plenty of opportunities to choke or consume them. Even if a latex balloon is not discovered by local wildlife, it will not deteriorate completely.

What are the advantages of switching to eco-friendly party supplies?

There is no legal necessity for you to purchase sustainably or to purchase sustainable party supplies. However, it may assist you in lessening your environmental impact, and you may even save money.

Some environmental advantages are:

• Lessen your carbon footprint, for example, by using renewable energy or purchasing energy-efficient items.

• Save natural resources by, for example, selecting products and services that employ recycled materials or waste as raw materials or resources.

• Reduce landfill trash by purchasing things that can be reused or recycled, for example.

• Help your local or larger communities by, for example, creating jobs for local suppliers or purchasing fairly traded goods to enhance living and working conditions.

• Establish a market for innovative sustainable goods and materials to aid in the growth of the green economy and the creation of new green jobs

Why are environmentally friendly products more expensive?

It’s no secret that environmentally friendly items are more expensive than conventional ones. But why is there such a pricing difference? And more significantly, is it worthwhile to pay a premium for sustainability? For numerous reasons, sustainable products are more expensive.

Demand

When you’re in the sustainable living bubble, it appears that everyone is attempting to make more eco-conscious decisions — and to some extent, this is true.

When there is little to no demand for a product, companies have little to gain by lowering the price because it will not increase sales. In fact, it might cost them money!

As a result, when it comes to sustainable products that are not yet in high demand, businesses cannot rely on economies of scale and must charge higher prices.

Raw materials

Because of the high cost of raw materials, the cost of sustainable products is frequently higher than that of conventional items.

These high-quality raw materials are required to create a product with a lesser environmental impact.

Utilizing recycled paper instead of virgin paper, for example, saves forests, but recycling the paper is more expensive than cutting down new trees and using them for pulp.

These raw materials are more expensive because they are produced in smaller quantities, but this is the price we must pay to help lessen our environmental effect on the globe.

Toxins

Chemicals such as preservatives and pesticides are used to keep product prices low. Companies can avoid utilizing more natural/expensive preservation or pest control methods by using these chemicals.

While there are health and environmental concerns involved with their use, these companies believe that the commercial benefits exceed the dangers.

The absence of toxins in eco-friendly items raises their pricing in comparison to conventional alternatives. This is due to the fact that those things must fulfill a higher standard to ensure that they are safe for human consumption and do not contain hazardous substances.

A natural cleaning product, on the other hand, cannot contain chemicals and must be manufactured of non-toxic ingredients. This means that it will be more expensive to create than its traditional version, which is why eco-friendly products are often more expensive.

Salary and wages

Wages are one of the most expensive expenses for businesses. Labor costs can make or ruin a business.

It is common knowledge that many corporations underpay their employees and contractors. This is due to their belief that they can get away with it. However, the ramifications of this behavior are far-reaching.

One reason for this is competitiveness; if you don’t stay up, other companies may pay more than you and grab your talent.

Another factor is greed; your organization may believe it can profit by not providing its employees with what they deserve.

Sustainable firms, on the other hand, realize that paying employees fairly is not just the moral thing to do but it is also good for business.

Certifications

Certifications frequently raise the price of a product since they necessitate more stringent testing and inspection. Organic, fairtrade, b-corp, and leap bunny certifications are all intended to verify that the product is environmentally friendly and ethical.

This raises the cost of production because these certifications necessitate additional time, money, and personnel. Organic certification expenses, for example, can run into hundreds of dollars depending on the volume and diversity of products, and the audit process can take months.

Business practices

Companies that manufacture sustainable products are more likely to engage in eco-friendly business activities such as:

• Solar panel installation
• Using energy-saving appliances
• Staff time has been set aside to help with environmental concerns

These processes are almost mandatory for these businesses. Otherwise, they will be perceived as hypocritical by the public. There is a lot of pressure to “walk your talk.”

However, these tactics can mount up and raise overall company costs. So, how do these organizations stay afloat and continue to make a difference? You guessed correctly. Pass part of the operating costs on to the end-user.

How can you tell if a product is environmentally friendly?

Green certifications can be found on their website or on the product’s label. Look for the Energy Star (for energy efficiency), the USDA Organic Seal (for organic items), the Forest Stewardship Council (for products derived from trees in responsibly managed forests), and the Green Seal (for general sustainability).

How significant is the importance of environmentally friendly products?

Eco-friendly, all-natural products protect families from toxic chemicals and allow them to avoid risky additions that can cause any of these problems. Using environmentally friendly products enhances life quality in terms of mortality, age, diseases, and illnesses. They protect families and the environment.