How to organize a zero waste birthday party?

Time flies so quickly… JULES & JENN is already celebrating its 5th anniversary.

5 years of a beautiful adventure under the sign of "slow fashion", 5 years of reinvented classics and timeless pieces to cherish for a lifetime, 5 years of research and development to design a fairer and more responsible fashion, but above all 5 years together!

Still small but still full of ambition (and also because we never miss an opportunity to celebrate), we had to celebrate this date properly. But as you know, environmental and social concerns are at the heart of our approach. Our challenge was then the following: organize JULES & JENN's 5th anniversary with a zero-waste birthday party.

Faced with the difficulty of avoiding disposable tableware, plastic bags and packaging of all kinds, we decided to share our tips so that you too can celebrate your birthday or that of your children in a more responsible way! Shall we discover them?

The decoration

Who says birthday, says party decorations! However, these are not often, or almost never, "eco-friendly...". But celebrating your birthday in an eco-responsible way does not mean resigning yourself to austere decorations, quite the contrary! You just need to think of a few alternatives and use your imagination (and that of your toddlers) which, as a bonus, will give much more character and authenticity to your celebration.

When we think of a birthday party, we automatically think of good old balloons, garlands, and other plastic accessories. However, these are a real ecological scourge. We then opt for reusable accessories or biodegradable materials: think fabric, paper, cardboard, or even aluminum. At JULES & JENN, we have chosen a pretty fabric and rope garland that we will not hesitate to reuse! To take DIY (Do it Yourself) further, why not use your fabric scraps to make napkins, tablecloths, and costume masks for children? And if you don't have these skills, it is always possible to rent themed boxes with fabric accessories, and voila!

© Minuit Fée (thematic fabric boxes)

Also consider renting furniture; this economical and eco-friendly solution will give you an authentic outdoor birthday party without the mess. For our 5th birthday, we chose to rent a lovely sofa and reused props from our photoshoots that perfectly matched our "countryside tea" theme.

Also consider vintage-style items and indulge in the joy of hunting for bargains: retro telephones, old typewriters—it's up to you to rummage around to find that rare gem for your birthday! Pinterest and Etsy are endless sources of inspiration in this area.

For tableware, avoid disposable plates and plastic cutlery and choose reusable tableware such as ceramic plates, colored glasses, glass carafes, and carafes for juices and cocktails. Once again, renting is also a good idea: it's very easy to find affordable tableware rentals. Another option: hunt for your tableware and find several different pieces for a "bohemian chic" style that will add guaranteed charm to your table. You can easily find this type of item at flea markets, on Le Bon Coin, or even at garage sales. Consider the option of a birthday picnic between adults or children, which is becoming increasingly popular!

© Nomadic Kuma (Unsplash)

Menu & cake

For the bravest and the best cooks, create your birthday menu by favoring organic, local and above all seasonal products: deliciousness and eco-responsibility will thus be on the agenda.

Are you better at tasting cakes than making them? We understand... This is the perfect opportunity to hire your local pastry chefs or caterers! Many small businesses also make custom cakes... delicious.

© Social Cut (Unsplash)

When it comes to treats for guests, try to buy as many things in bulk as possible, whether it's candy (be careful of too much sugar), dried fruit, or popcorn.

The gifts

To thank your guests, small gifts (or "goodies") are a great idea... if they're eco-friendly! To do this, think about small, truly useful and sustainable gifts that your guests can keep: card games, tote bags, reusable glass water bottles, small cactus-style plants, etc.

Are you among the guests and would like to give a gift that is consistent with your eco-responsible approach? Here are some tips:

• Don't hesitate to ask the person directly what they need and want; this is the best way to really please them and avoid overconsumption.
  
  
  
• For gift wrapping, consider reusable fabric bags, recycled paper, newspaper, or even a pretty glass jar. Another option for the artistic at heart: the Japanese art of Furoshiki , or wrapping with fabric. Endlessly reusable and eco-friendly, it's now a wonderful alternative to disposable bags and wrapping paper.
  
  
  

And there you have it, all our tips for celebrating, toasting, and sharing without feeling guilty! Will you help us blow out our candles?