The habit of throwing confetti at weddings and other celebrations dates back centuries. Today’s festivities, however, are taking into account more ecologically friendly and sustainable solutions. One way to celebrate the occasion without endangering wildlife, streams, or other natural areas is by using eco-friendly confetti. Fortunately, DIY eco-friendly confetti that will not hurt anything and will naturally decompose is simple to produce.
If you are organising an event and considering using confetti, reconsider. Some confetti is constructed of plastic, which will not break down for hundreds of years. Additionally, it leaves behind unfriendly to the environment petrochemical wastes. Furthermore, the shine attracts birds, consuming it and suffering the gastrointestinal injury. Instead of buying confetti, think about eco-friendly alternatives that will still evoke a festive atmosphere without any negative impacts.
The Problem with Confetti
Most of the confetti in circulation is colourful, sparkly, and often glittery. The substance is colourful and lively when thrown into the air, catching the light and creating a non-pyrotechnic firework effect. However, some of it is harmful to the environment. It will not only appeal to particular animals; it will also go up the food chain. Animals may die if the minute plastic particles build up in their guts. Some may wash into the ocean, lakes, rivers, and marine life. Additionally, since it blows randomly, it pollutes the land’s surface and makes it unsightly. Confetti that contains metal and plastic may melt in hot temperatures and release poisons into the soil. If it is composed of PVC, it will likewise take a thousand years to decompose. Considering how toxic confetti is, several places have outright prohibited it.
Alternatives to Confetti
Birdseed was chosen as the preferred option many years ago. It was a good substitute for uncooked rice, which may cause gastrointestinal issues in animals by swelling in the intestines. Rice and conventional confetti may be replaced with birdseed, but it must be properly acquired. Non-native seeds might germinate and grow into invasive plants if they are present.
Instead, use products like dried leaves or biodegradable replacements. Dried flower petals are a beautiful and colourful alternative. Rose petals, for example, are often available from florists, or you may gather your flowers and dry them in the months before the big occasion. Many different blossoms may be used, some of which can perfume the air, like roses or lavender. Although it adds a lot of joyful energy, this biodegradable flower petal, confetti will rejoin the land in a few weeks.
How to Make Natural Confetti
Confetti that is eco-friendly and sustainable may still be enjoyable. Gather and dry some vibrant autumn leaves for a fall-themed event. Alternatively, pick spring and summer flowers while they are in bloom to preserve them. Flowers and greenery may be dried in a variety of methods. They might be dried out till desiccated in a dehydrator. Additionally, the clothes may be air-dried on a rack in a dry area of the house. The simplest method to do this is to hang plant stems. After drying, take off the flowers or leaves. Pressing flowers to dry them is a traditional method. The end product represents the live plant that is properly maintained. The easiest approach to press is to sandwich the plant material between the weighted pages of a large book. For large works, plant presses are also an option. Burying the item in borax and white cornmeal, employing silica gel desiccants, or utilising oolitic sand are further preservation methods. When the plant material has dried, it may be broken into smaller pieces or utilised as an unusual but less-polluting party treat.