Ditch the balloons and swap the plastic toys for cake: how to have a waste-free birthday party

‘Over-catering food is costly to both the environment and your hip pocket,’ writes Koren Helbig. Composite: Guardian Design/Getty images

When planning a big bash to celebrate my 40th last year, I wanted a stylish and memorable celebration that didn’t cost the earth.

Between food waste, plastic packaging, single-use decorations and fast fashion, the environmental footprint of festivities can quickly add up. Thankfully though, low waste doesn’t have to mean no fun.