How do you organize a sustainable party

Birthday parties are fun, but they don't have to cost the earth - literally. Here are a few ideas to help you organize a sustainable party.

# 1 - Use email invitations. Avoid wasting paper and send electronic invitations instead.

# 2 - Use real plates and cutlery. Paper plates and plastic utensils are tempting, but they're not good for the planet. Instead, use real items and let your friends join in the dishes!

# 3 - Use natural decorations. Decorations don't have to be fancy. You can make beautiful flag lines from pieces of fabric. Often times, the simplest decorations look the best. Have the children paint bricks in bright colors. Fill vases with fresh cut flowers from your own garden. And make a house banner with recyclable paper.

# 4 - Don't overdo the food. At parties there are usually a lot of leftovers. Think ahead and don't prepare everything at once. If you have a lot of leftovers, offer them to the partygoers to take home.

# 5 - Make the cake. Homemade birthday cakes are a delicious treat. They don't have to be fancy. Kids (and adults) appreciate the effort it takes to make a homemade birthday cake - often more than the fanciest store-bought cake. It means someone took the time to bake something just for them.

It also means you don't have to make the extra trip to pick up the cake or worry about getting it home in one piece!

# 6 - Eat local food. Local food is fresh, delicious and good for the environment. Where possible, purchase your party supplies from local suppliers.