How to Throw a Low Waste Mermaid Birthday Party in Bristol or Bath.

Dive into a greener celebration

If your little one dreams of shimmering tails and mystical underwater worlds, you’re not alone. Mermaid parties are a hit with kids (and secretly with their parents too!), but the glitter, plastic trinkets and single‑use decorations can leave a tide of waste in their wake. As eco‑conscious mums and dads in Bristol and Bath, you know we can do better.

While plastic pollution feels like an ocean‑sized problem, small actions make waves. UK households throw away around 1.7 billion pieces of plastic packaging every weeksas.org.uk – that’s enough to fill 2,000 garbage trucks every single daysas.org.uk.

Balloons and foil banners might look pretty, but latex balloons can take up to a year to break down and shiny foil balloons last even longerwildlifewatch.org.uk, often ending up in rivers where marine animals mistake them for foodwildlifewatch.org.uk. The good news? With a bit of planning and creativity, you can organise a mermaid celebration that delights kids while keeping oceans clean.

Let’s dive into practical, Bristol‑ and Bath‑friendly ideas to help you host a low‑waste mermaid birthday party that’s magical, memorable and kind to the planet.

Choose reusable & borrowed party supplies

Hire a party kit

Instead of buying disposable plates, cups and cutlery, hire a party kit. The Party Kit Network makes it easy to borrow reusable tableware; since July 2020, party kit hires have avoided more than one million single‑use itemspartykitnetwork.org. Use their online map to find a kit near you or start one with friends. Kits often include decorations and games toobristolwastecompany.co.uk.

Borrow from Bristol & Bath reuse hubs

• Bristol Children’s Scrapstore – This reuse charity diverts businesses’ waste from landfill and turns it into affordable craft materials for familieschildrensscrapstore.co.uk. Their warehouse is a treasure trove of fabric off‑cuts, cardboard tubes and glittery scraps that can become mermaid tails, treasure chests and bunting.

• Keynsham Reuse Shop (BS31 1TW) – Managed by Bath & NE Somerset Council, this community shop sells donated household items like toys, decorations and small furniture. It’s open Tuesday–Friday (9 am–3 :30 pm) and Saturday morningsbathnes.gov.uk. The shop promotes reuse and circular economy principlesbathnes.gov.uk – perfect for finding pre‑loved party props.

• Bath Share and Repair’s Library of Things – This lending library has over 800 items you can borrow instead of buyshareandrepair.org.uk. Families have borrowed bunting for birthday partiesshareandrepair.org.uk, so why not reserve their colourful fabric flags or bubble machine for your mermaid bash?

Shop packaging‑free

For any items you do need to buy, support Bristol’s zero‑waste shops. Zero Green in Southville, Bristol’s first dedicated zero‑waste shop, offers bulk refills of snacks, drinks and natural productsmoralfibres.co.uk and even delivers orders over £50 across the citymoralfibres.co.uk. In Keynsham, Conscience Foods stocks over 90 food refills plus refillable shampoos and cleaning productsmoralfibres.co.uk – ideal for topping up washing‑up liquid before the party.

Eco swap: Replace disposable plates and plastic cups with real crockery and mason jars. They feel nicer to use and can be returned or reused for future gatherings.

Craft magical decorations with eco‑friendly materials

Ditch balloons and single‑use plastic

Balloons might seem harmless, but they’re devastating for wildlife. Latex balloons burst into tiny fragments that can take up to a year to break down, while foil balloons linger even longerwildlifewatch.org.uk. Animals like sea turtles and seabirds often mistake deflated balloons for foodwildlifewatch.org.uk. Skip them entirely and opt for safer alternatives.

Make your own mermaid décor

• Treasure chest craft: Upcycle a shoe box into a treasure chest with paint, shells, recycled ribbons and glitter from the Scrapstore.

• Mermaid tail bunting: Cut tail shapes from scrap fabric and string them together. Get the kids involved in decorating each tail with buttons and sequins.

• Seaweed streamers: Twist long strips of green paper or cloth and hang them like kelp.

• Ocean table runner: Use a length of blue fabric or scarf from the reuse shop as a table cloth, then scatter pebbles and shells collected on local walks (wash them first!).

Borrow decorations

Ask friends and neighbours if they have bunting, fairy lights or sea‑creature figurines to loan. The Party Kit Network and Share and Repair both lend decorations and gamesbristolwastecompany.co.ukshareandrepair.org.uk. You could even set up a decoration‑swap group at school or on your community Facebook page.

Eco swap: Instead of glitter (often microplastic), sprinkle biodegradable confetti or dried flower petals on tables.

Plan a low‑waste mermaid feast

Choose a kid‑friendly, ocean‑inspired menu

Design a menu that is healthy, fun and low‑impact. Consider:

• “Seaweed” snacks: Serve green veggie sticks (cucumber, sugar snap peas) with hummus in seashell bowls.

• Sandwich seashells: Use shell‑shaped cookie cutters to make sandwiches from locally baked bread.

• Ocean punch: Mix sparkling water with a dash of blueberry juice and add floating fruit stars. Serve in glass jars with paper straws.

• Mermaid treasure cake: Bake (or commission) a cake decorated with organic fruit and edible flowers. Avoid plastic toppers – craft a reusable cardboard mermaid instead.

Shop smart and local

• Bulk buy & refill: Reduce packaging by buying large bottles or visiting refill shops. The Bristol Waste Company recommends buying food in bulk and decanting it into bowlsbristolwastecompany.co.uk. Zero Green and Conscience Foods make this easymoralfibres.co.ukmoralfibres.co.uk.

• Zero‑waste snacks: Stock up on nuts, dried fruit and popcorn kernels at your nearest zero‑waste shop. Bring your own containersbristolwastecompany.co.uk to avoid single‑use bags.

• Homemade treats: Baking at home eliminates packaging and allows you to control ingredients. Invite your child to help; it’s a fun pre‑party activity.

Portion planning & leftovers

Use the Love Food Hate Waste portion planner (free online tool) to avoid over‑cateringbristolwastecompany.co.uk. After the party, compost inedible scraps and send guests home with leftovers in reusable containers. Bristol Waste recommends turning party bags into “doggy bags” filled with leftover treatsbristolwastecompany.co.uk.

Eco swap: Instead of cling film, wrap leftover cake in beeswax wraps or reusable silicone covers.

Entertain little mermaids sustainably

Play under‑the‑sea games

• Treasure hunt: Hide painted stones or wooden “pearls” around the garden or local park. Give kids a reusable fabric bag to collect their treasures.

• Mermaid makeover: Provide natural face paints or homemade sea‑salt play dough for sculpting.

• Craft station: Set up a table with Scrapstore materials for children to design their own crowns, wands or coral bracelets.

• Musical waves: Play ocean sounds or sea‑themed songs and organise a musical statues game where players freeze like sea creatures when the music stops.

Choose a magical local venue

Bristol and Bath boast beautiful green spaces perfect for a mermaid picnic. St Andrews Park in Bristol, a Victorian park with a wildflower meadow, has a playground and a shallow paddling pool where kids can splash safelyvisitbristol.co.uk – perfect for mermaid tail testing! Pack a blanket, your reusable party kit and enjoy an outdoor feast. If you’re closer to Bath, head to Chew Valley Lake or the riverside spaces near Keynsham for waterside picnics.

Borrow outdoor games

Borrow rounders sets, bubble machines or even bunting from the Library of Thingsshareandrepair.org.uk. It’s cheaper than buying new and keeps seldom‑used gear in circulation.

Eco swap: Swap plastic party favours for experiences – a group visit to Ashton Court Estate, where children can watch deer and ride the miniature railwayvisitbristol.co.uk, makes a memorable gift.

Send guests home with thoughtful, plastic‑free favours

Reinvent the party bag

Traditional party bags often contain disposable toys that quickly end up in the bin. Try these low‑waste alternatives:

• Plant a memory: Give each child a packet of pollinator‑friendly flower seeds (e.g., wildflowers). They’ll remember the party when their flowers bloom.

• Mini books or colouring pads: Books are engaging and can be reusedbristolwastecompany.co.uk. Look for second‑hand options or check local charity shops.

• Wooden toys or puzzles: They last longer and can be passed on to younger siblings.

• Leftover treats: Turn your party bag into a doggy bag with cake slices or homemade cookiesbristolwastecompany.co.uk.

Place these in paper bags, fabric pouches or even decorated jam jars. Encourage children to reuse the container for storage or crafts later.

Thank‑you notes & digital memories

Instead of printed thank‑you cards, send a personalised digital message with a photo from the party. It reduces paper waste and is a lovely way to relive the day.

Eco swap: Replace shiny plastic gift wrap with Furoshiki – wrap gifts in reusable scarves or fabric scraps.

Local Bristol/Bath recommendation

St Andrews Park, Bristol – This Victorian park has a wildflower meadow, a large playground and a shallow paddling poolvisitbristol.co.uk. It’s ideal for a mermaid picnic and offers plenty of space for eco‑friendly games. After the party, you can stroll up Cabot Tower on nearby Brandon Hill for panoramic city viewsvisitbristol.co.uk.

2–3 easy eco swaps

1. Bubble machine instead of balloons: Balloons can harm wildlifewildlifewatch.org.uk. A refillable bubble machine creates endless fun without litter.

2. Beeswax wraps instead of cling film: Use these reusable wraps for sandwiches and leftover cake – they’re washable and last for years.

3. Fabric bunting instead of paper streamers: Borrow or sew your own bunting; the Library of Things lends bunting for partiesshareandrepair.org.uk.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. Will kids miss balloons and plastic toys?Kids love imagination. Bubbles, treasure hunts and craft stations are just as exciting as balloons, and they don’t harm wildlifewildlifewatch.org.uk. Providing engaging activities keeps little mermaids entertained without plastic tat.

2. I’m busy – how can I manage all this prep?Plan ahead and share the workload. Borrowing from the Party Kit Network saves washing up timepartykitnetwork.org, and crafting decorations can double as a playdate activity. You don’t have to make everything; focus on one or two DIY projects and borrow the rest.

3. What if guests bring gifts wrapped in plastic?Lead by example. Mention in your invites that you’re hosting a low‑waste party and suggest unwrapped gifts, second‑hand books or experiences instead of new toys. Provide a designated box to collect paper for recycling.