Tips for Having a Green Baby Shower

Baby showers are typically overflowing with tons of party decorations, piles of gift bags and wrapping paper and more food than any of the guests can possibly eat. This is a party where a lot of waste can end up in the trash. Next time you plan a baby shower, consider a more eco-friendly approach, which helps to create a better world for the soon-to-be born little one.

Give Cloth Diapers

Giving a new mom cloth diapers is a great way to get her baby started on the green track. They're more expensive than disposable diapers, but in the long run they actually work out to be much cheaper. A corresponding gift would be cloth diaper covers.

Give Eco-Friendly Gifts

Other than cloth diapers, other eco-friendly gift options include organic baby items such as clothing, toys, bibs and bedding. Another option is to donate money to a charitable organization in the name of mom and baby, which is an especially good option if you know the mother has a preference of not receiving material gifts. One organization to consider is March of Dimes, whose mission is to help improve the health of babies.

Send out E-vites

Sending out e-vites for the baby shower is a more eco-friendly and inexpensive option than sending out paper invites. Many websites that offer e-vites, such as Evite.com, also have additional helpful party-planning features, such as keeping track of the guest list and RSVP's.

Skip the Paper Gift Wrap

Instead of guests wrapping the gifts in wrapping paper, suggest that they use more eco-friendly, reusable options. One option is to put gifts in reusable shopping bags, which the mom can use as a green and sturdy alternative to plastic or paper bags. An additional idea is to put gifts in a new diaper bag or purse, which can be a much-appreciated and useful gift for mom.

Serve Organic and Vegan Food

More restaurants are realizing the importance of buying locally from stores, farms and other businesses in the area. Many restaurants are choosing to green their menus by serving all or mostly organic, vegan and vegetarian food and even bakeries are choosing to make their products natural. For the baby shower, opt to serve organic and vegan food and cake in reusable dishes.

Have it Outdoors

If the weather permits, have the baby shower outdoors. Not only can it cut back on electricity usage, but the location can serve as natural party décor. Look into having the baby shower at a park, at a botanical garden or in someone's backyard. Some places, such as botanical gardens, may have a special section that is available to reserve for private parties.

Give Long-Lasting Party Favors

Instead of giving guests party favors that they can enjoy for a day or two or may not use at all, give them favors they can last awhile. One option is to give pretty soap such as Love Birds Soap from Lush. The company makes handmade bath and beauty products that contain only vegetarian ingredients. The fruits and vegetables they use are organic, they don't test on animals and they don't purchase from companies that test on animals either.

Taking more steps to develop eco-friendly habits helps to improve the planet for future generations. Throwing a green baby shower is a wonderful way to acknowledge the new life. By attending a green baby shower, guests can take pride in knowing that they helped make the lives of mom and baby a little better and that they didn't leave a pile of trash behind that would end up in the landfill.

Sources:

March of Dimes

Evite.com

Lush - "Love Birds Soap"