The time for spring cleaning, re-organizing and energy boosts from the warming weather is also the perfect time for a renewed commitment to protect and preserve our Earth. One of the best ways you can demonstrate your support and inspire others to join in is to host your own Earth Day party. The wonderful thing about an Earth Day party is that it can be as inexpensive or as lavish as you wish. This is one party where you can and should pull out all of your creative efforts. Here are some ideas to inspire you and get you started.

First stop, your recycling bin. Here you’ll find all sorts of inspiration. Newspapers are great for decorations and activities. Use yesterday’s news for table covers and cut slits in the paper hanging off the edge or fold into pleats for a more polished look. Clean up is a breeze with a newspaper tablecloth but if you’re looking for something a little more colorful, durable and reusable, check out eco friendly bamboo table cloths. You can also make streamers and spirals out of newspaper and toss them right back into the recycling bin when you’re done. If you’re looking for a more elegant look check around the house or in stores for things that you can reuse such as ribbons or lanterns which can go a long way if you’re creative.

Fruits, branches and flowers make excellent centerpieces. Use glass jars from your recycling bin or if you’re hosting an Earth Day party for children, try plastic jugs and jars filled with fruit, candy or other colorful treats. Both plastic and glass from the recycling bin are free, require no travel to obtain and can be placed right back into the bin when you’re done with them eliminating waste. Additional table top decorations that can also be party favors can include little planters made little items you find in the recycling bin. Plastic baby food containers are especially perfect for little planters because they’re the perfect size, you can poke holes in the bottom of the container for drainage, the lid can be used to catch the excess water and the entire container can be put right back into the recycling bin.

Make a Paper Mache piñata and fill it with age appropriate goodies. An Earth friendly goody could be packets of seeds for planting and some for eating. Use a round balloon, newspaper and glue made from water and flour for an Earth inspired piñata. You can paint or glue little pieces of blue and green tissue paper to decorate. Be sure to do one layer at a time allowing it to dry before adding additional layers and don’t forget to fill the piñata before completing the top.

Keep in mind the point of the party is to celebrate and support the preservation and protection of our Earth. Any decoration or activity that you think might help inspire others to join efforts in responsible living will be appropriate. This should be a fun party for all involved, including you.