How to organize a zero waste birthday party?

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

5 years of a wonderful adventure under the banner 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 always full of ambition (and also because we never miss an opportunity to celebrate), we had to mark this milestone in style. But as you know, environmental and social concerns are at the heart of our approach. Our challenge was therefore this: to organize JULES & JENN's 5th anniversary with a zero-waste party.

Faced with the difficulty of avoiding disposable tableware, plastic bags, and packaging of all kinds, we've decided to share a few tips so that you too can celebrate your birthday or your children's birthdays more responsibly! Shall we discover them?

The decoration

Birthdays mean party decorations! However, these are rarely, if ever, eco-friendly. But celebrating your birthday in an eco-responsible way doesn't mean resigning yourself to austere decorations—quite the opposite! You just need to think about a few alternatives and let your imagination (and your little ones') run wild, which will add much more charm and authenticity to your celebration.

When we think of a birthday party, we automatically think of good old-fashioned balloons, garlands, and other plastic decorations. However, these are a real environmental disaster. So, we opt for reusable accessories or biodegradable materials: think fabric, paper, cardboard, or even aluminum. At JULES & JENN, we've chosen a pretty fabric and string garland that we won't hesitate to reuse! To take DIY (Do It Yourself) a step further, why not use your fabric scraps to make napkins, tablecloths, or children's costume masks? And if you don't have these skills, you can always rent themed boxes with fabric accessories, and you're all set!

© Midnight Fairy (themed fabric boxes)

Consider renting furniture; this economical and eco-friendly solution will give you an authentic outdoor birthday party without any waste. For our 5th anniversary, we rented a lovely sofa and reused props from our photoshoots that perfectly matched our "countryside tea party" theme.

Consider vintage-style items and treat yourself to the pleasure of browsing: a retro telephone, an old typewriter – it's up to you to dig around and 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 opt for reusable items such as ceramic plates, colored glasses, glass carafes, and demijohns for juices and cocktails. Again, renting is a great option: it's very easy to find tableware rentals at affordable prices. Another option is to hunt for vintage tableware and find several different pieces for a "boho chic" style that will add undeniable charm to your table. You can easily find these kinds of items at flea markets, on Le Bon Coin (a French online marketplace), or at garage sales. Consider a birthday picnic for adults or children, an increasingly popular option!

© Nomadic Kuma (Unsplash)

Menu & cake

For the bravest, and the best cooks, prepare your birthday menu by favouring organic, local and above all seasonal products: gourmet food and eco-responsibility will thus be on the menu.

Are you better at tasting cakes than making them? We understand completely… This is the perfect opportunity to support your local bakers or caterers! Many small businesses also create custom cakes… that are simply irresistible.

© Social Cut (Unsplash)

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

Gifts

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

Are you one of the guests and would like to give a gift that aligns with your eco-friendly approach? Here are a few tips:

• Don't hesitate to ask the person directly what they need and want; it's the best way to truly 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 artistically inclined is the Japanese art of Furoshiki, or wrapping gifts in fabric. Infinitely reusable and eco-friendly, it's a wonderful alternative to disposable bags and wrapping paper.
  
  
  

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