To think that parents will pay more to be eco friendly

[mrsmacaw]

’ve been thinking of starting a small business hiring out party supplies such as plates, cups, bowls etc for children’s parties.

There is a growing trend of trying to cut down on the waste produced from single use products so I think there may be a market for it.

Obviously it would be a bit more expensive than buying disposables and a bit more hassle than just chucking everything in a bin bag at the end.

Do you think there is a need for this service?

Not sure. I think anyone keen to avoid plastic will use paper plates, wooden cutlery etc. Plus the carbon footprint involved in transporting it to venues and washing up might undo any good. Maybe as part of a party package it would work, providing cake, decorations, entertainment etc

Excellent idea! (Are you sure you want to make it so public?)

I think yes! Are you going to clean the plates too and collect everything at the end?

Yes it’s a good idea Yanbu is what I mean 😁

Only if you live in a very middle class area with a lot of parents who have money to burn.

I would think recyclable would be the more popular choice. Even back in the day when mine were young and did parties I managed to buy recycleable party boxes.

OUr PTA do this to raise money for school it’s fantastic, but they don’t charge much for it.

Pay more. Yes.

Wash tons of dishes themselves, no.

When you say “a bit more hassle than chucking it all in a bin at the end”; I presume that means the party host will be the one doing the washing up?
If so, then no, not something I could see catching on. It’d be easier to transport your own and sling it in the dishwasher at home.

www.amazon.co.uk/Bamboo-Dinner-Children-Dinnerware-Chopsticks/dp/B07LF1CNZT/ref=asc_df_B07LF1CNZT/?hvlocphy=9046228&linkCode=df0&hvptwo&psc=1&hvnetw=g&hvadid=229963466144&hvpone&hvlocint&hvpos=1o3&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl&hvqmt&tag=mumsnetforu03-21&hvtargid=pla-743730393993&hvrand=10728743055832578339

I think bamboo plates would be good. But perhaps you could sell the plates rather than the service. I would like to do reusable wrapping paper

Honestly, no. I think once parents set their eco guilt against the added effort on top of an already manic day then they'll be picking up another round of paper plates.

well if you look into the whole env impact of this service I’m not sure it’s more env friendly when you consider the carbon footprint of delivering the goods too?

I wouldn’t pay for this service I’d just buy my own reusable party wear and leave the party themes to items that I know I can recycle.

A few areas have a scheme that does this sort of thing, but in a voluntary capacity. I think they call it Pass the Party, hang on I’ll try to find a link.

People an already rent crockery free/very cheaply from lots of supermarkets.

Also I don’t think people would pay more. We all talk about the environment but most customers are not going into shops and not buying things that hey know are bad for the environment. Until
Buying behaviours change, it doesn’t seem logical that people would pay more.

Sorry I wouldn't. When hiring a hall and have set times after ie 45 min to clear up I'm not standing and trying to Wash and dry plates.etc.
One big bag and chuck it in... Sorry but that's my opinion

I bought the cheap plastic plates from IKEA and the cutlery and bowls. They are on now on their 12th year of parties!! I just throw them in a carrier bag and stick them through the dishwasher when we get home.

I'd buy paper plates and cups rather than plastic for large numbers or use normal plates and wash up for small.

Hiring plates etc seems a huge faff for not much environmental gain.

I wouldn't pay for that, sorry.

I would use paper plates and cups that can be recycled.

I was just going to say the same as Trafalger
18 bowls/cups/plates and sets of cutlerytogrther with some bigger serving dishes cost less than £15, 10 years ago and still going strong.
It's not something that would work unless you're in a very affluent area.

I’ve also looked into this.

You can recycle paper plates and cups that have had food/drink on them, so they just go in the bin. We should be avoiding single use everything as much as possible, not just plastic. Reusable plastic party stuff is the best option.

Sorry that should be you CAN’T recycle

Thanks for the replies everyone.

I would plan to provide the items in a big plastic box which they can put everything into. I would then pick this up and wash them at home. I’d offer a discount if people preferred to wash themselves.

I’m thinking it’s a bit like using cloth nappies maybe. It’s not for everyone but there will be a small number of people who prefer this and are willing to pay a bit more.

@Topseyt you can’t recycle used paper plates and cups

I have done exactly the same as @Trafalger so it wouldn't be a service I'd use

You might want to provide the items in something other than plastic to keep with the theme.

I think you'd get some business, but making money from it might be a bit of a stretch.