Mother’s Day is a great opportunity to recognize all the moms in your life! If mom cares about keeping things green and sustainable, acknowledging her passion for the earth and the environment is an especially thoughtful way to honor her this Mother’s Day.
Here are our top 10 eco-friendly Mother’s Day gift ideas.
1. Ethical and Eco-Friendly Jewelry
If mom loves a little bling, there are a variety of online and local jewelry retailers who specialize in ethically sourced and eco-friendly jewelry. The term “ethical jewelry” means that your goods are mined and assembled using fairly-paid labor practices that do not undermine human and workers’ rights.
Eco-friendly or sustainable jewelry means that the metals and gems used are mined with the highest environmental best practices and standards. Materials used will also not be considered rare or come from endangered regions or animals. Often, jewelers will even recycle and reuse materials when available. When choosing to purchase ethical and eco-friendly jewelry, it is important to do your research.
2. Native Plants, Flowers, and Trees
Is mom a gardener? Why not pick up some native species of plants, flowers, or trees for her garden or yard! Did you know that plants naturally keep our air clean, absorbing carbon dioxide from the air, while releasing clean oxygen? What a great way to both celebrate mom and create an enjoyable sustainable experience that you can even do together!
3. Eco-Friendly Experience
Speaking of experiences…research shows that experience gifts are better than material gifts because they are more socially connecting and emotionally evocative, according to Science Daily. Consider taking mom to visit a national or state park, or even doing something as simple as going for an afternoon bike ride and picnic. Biking is not only good for the planet, but good for you too!
4. Donate to Her Favorite Sustainable Organization
Whether it’s the Sierra Club or even donating to Cool Choices, choosing to support mom’s charitable organization of choice is sure to make both her and you feel good!
5. Fancy Reusable Water Bottle or Coffee Travel Mug
If you are like us, you’ve probably envied those fancy reusable water bottles and coffee travel mugs at your favorite big-box store or local coffee house, only to get sticker shock when you turn it over and see the price. Many of these bottles and mugs can cost upwards of $30! If mom isn’t one to splurge on her own, but would love to own a fancy new hot or cold drink vessel, this could be the gift for her. If she is a frequenter of drive-thru coffee establishments, she can even notify the barista that she brought her own mug in order to save on single use cups.
6. Eco-Friendly Beauty Products or Gift Certificates
Pamper mom with a gift or certificate to a local or online retailer of eco-friendly and organic beauty products! The market is surging right now with a so many choices and options. Products range from make up to hair care, skin care, and even more conventional products like deodorant and toothpaste. Look for products that are fair trade and feature whole, natural, and organic ingredients, as well as items that are not tested on animals.
7. Energy Efficient (Energy Star) Appliances and Devices
If you have a little extra cash to spend, or are going in on a group gift for Mother’s Day, consider upgrading one of mom’s older appliances or devices to a new, more energy efficient Energy Star product. Learn more about top rated products on energystar.gov.
8. Reusable Totes and Grocery Bags
Like a lot of people, mom may be in need of a reusable tote and grocery bag upgrade! Many times we pick these bags up for free or inherit them from a friend or family member looking to clean out some clutter. Why not upgrade mom’s current selection of reusable grocery tote bags to something a little more worthy of her personal style! Make sure to purchase a tote that is made of recycled materials. We especially like the bags that fold up tiny for easy storage.
9. Recycled Products
There are so many products these days that are constructed of recycled materials. Whole e commerce websites are dedicated to recycled gifts and products for the home. Items such as dishware made from recycled plastics, linens made from organic and recycled cotton, to furniture constructed from reclaimed wood and metals. Whatever mom’s style, there is sure to be a recycled gift for her out there somewhere! Consider local craft and artisan shows to pick up something truly unique – and local!
10. Fair Trade Chocolate
Of course, an eco-friendly Mohter’s Day gift ideas list would not be complete without a recommendation of chocolate! Why fair trade chocolate? Fair trade practices ensure that farmers receive fair compensation for their cocoa. These fair prices and wages are used to invest in local communities. Fair trade also ensures that other chocolate laborers are fairly compensated, and that companies abide by ethical labor practices and working conditions.
Comments are closed.
