Mothers Day

May 5th, 2010 BY dalgal | No Comments

Sunday is Mothers Day, a day devoted to celebrating our Mothers and spoiling them rotten. But Mothers Day can be a pretty wasteful day if we aren’t careful and don’t think about the environment. So lets look at some ways we can green up Mothers Day this year for an eco-friendly experience.

Flowers
The standard gift for Mothers Day is flowers, all mothers love flowers! But with the cut flowers come pesticides, herbicides and other chemicals, plus the earth un-friendly cellophane wrapping. Look for organic flowers with little to no wrapping, or buy a used vase for the flowers and no wrapping is needed! Instead of cut flowers why not buy a tree or other living plant. If you’re Mom doesn’t have room for plants why not donate a tree in her name? So many eco-friendly options to the traditional cut flower bouquet.

Chocolates
If you purchase chocolates look for Earth Friendly organic, and fair trade. Many companies are offering organic and fair trade in lots of delicious varieties. Look for as little wrapping as possible, and recycle it when opened. Or alternatively buy local handmade gastronomic delights. Check your local farmers market or health stores for locally made products.

Local & Handmade
Check out your local resources for local and/or handmade gift items. By buying local you are supporting your local businesses as well as cutting down on transportation costs. Many cities hold craft fairs, or have a small local business section in the city newspaper. Check thrift stores and flea markets for rare finds too!

Experiences rather than things
What do you get the woman that has everything? Yep same old story every year. Well instead of THINGS opt instead to give experiences. How about a tandem skydiving trip? Dinner out at her favorite restaurant? Or simply a “babysitting voucher” from Dad. For busy Moms trips to day spa’s or the local massage parlor are popular too!

Family time
For some Moms the simple things are the best. Just a dinner together prepared by her family and having the family do dishes while she puts her feet up and relaxes for the evening. Sometimes there is no need to go overboard with things, but instead get back to basics.