Surprising Eco-Friendly Moms with Green Mother's Day Celebrations in their Honor

With Mother's Day looming large on the calendar, families across the globe are gearing up to celebrate the mothers in their lives. Bouquets of flowers for delivery are being ordered, fabulous spreads are in the process of being sculpted, and gifts are being purchased, wrapped, and stashed until we, individually and corporately, can lavish some extra love on our moms on Mother's Day. And no matter how big or small the turns out to be, what mother won't exclaim over our smallest efforts? That's part of what makes her a mother worth celebrating!

But some moms deserve a little extra pampering as these women strive to not only raise their families well, but to also instill in their families the importance of eco-friendly lifestyles. Finding ways to stay environmentally conscious during celebrations is not always an easy feat, however. Here are some tips to make this Mother's Day singular for any earth-minded mom.

Get Fed

There is something about gathering around a food-laden table in celebration that is nourishing to both the body and the soul. But not just any spread will do for the environmentally conscious mother. That begs the question -- what does an eco-friendly meal look like? Whether you are dining in or out for this Mother's Day, be sure to fill Mom's plate with food that is organic, grown locally, and produced using sustainable agricultural practices that have a low impact on the environment.

For at-home Mother's Day feasts, health food stores like Whole Foods Market and Trader Joe's are great resources for eco-friendly groceries. Be sure to check out local farmer's markets as well for produce that is not only grown locally but is also deliciously fresh. Eco-conscious moms will also be delighted by a balanced and nutritious meal. Try to bring a rainbow variety of fruits and vegetables to the table, either in the form of healthful salads or incorporated into other dishes. Select lean cuts of meat, or opt for seafood for its Omega-3 fatty acids. For breads and other carbohydrate-based items, choose whole grain options.

If you are treating Mom to a restaurant meal, do a little bit of research on food businesses in the area before the big day. Many towns boast restaurants that support local agriculture and cook using organic options and sustainable practices. Check out the Eat Well Guide to see what your area has to offer.

Get Out

Mother's Day doesn't have to be all about the food, especially for an earth-conscious mom. Following a special brunch or dinner, why not spend some more time with the lady (or ladies!) of the hour by investing some time in a favorite eco-friendly activity? Get outside for a scenic walk or hike, or bicycle the trails at a local state park (be sure to check any relevant regulations beforehand). Wrap up a tree as a Mother's Day gift, then plant it as a family in a place of her choose. Incorporate sustainable practices into your Mother's Day meal by walking to and from the restaurant if you're eating out. If the weather -- or Mom herself! -- disagrees with outdoor activities, accompany Mom to a restorative yoga class or visit an environmentally-friendly spa.

Get Gifted

Make your Mother's Day gift even more special by giving it an eco-friendly twist. Help your mother cut down on the excess environmental waste derived from plastic and paper bags by giving her a reusable shopping bag of her own, available through Reusable Bags and even at many supermarkets. If she has a flair for fashion, check out clothing made from one-hundred percent cotton. Shop online at Organic Style, where you can find eco-friendly cookies, chocolates, toiletries, and other gorgeous and sustainable gifts. Organic Style even boasts earth-conscious flower arrangements created from flowers grown using low-impact practices.

No matter what you do to celebrate the mothers in your life on May 10, be sure to have fun and tell these wonderful women how much you love and value them.

Sources:

http://www.organicstyle.com/
http://www.reusablebags.com/
http://www.eatwellguide.org/i.php?id=Home
http://www.traderjoes.com/
http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/