ALT-2 Eco Friendly Gift Ideas for Mothers Day
With Earth Day still fresh on everyone's mind, it now time to think about Mother's Day soon arriving. Getting a gift for mom that she will enjoy and that is not something she already has can be a struggle each year. Typically moms tend to get bath sets, flowers, dinner out, or cutesy plaques that fill up a mother's wall with sentimental sayings like "Mom is another word for love." What mom really wants is something personal, something unique and something that can last longer than a day.
Keeping that in mind, what is more unique, lasts longer than a day and is more personal than a gift that is helping the environment? The phrase "Go Green" is the theme of 2008 and everyone from individuals, to schools, to large corporations are doing their part to "Go Green." Think of this when shopping for that special Mother's Day gift this year. Moms who are eco-friendly will certainly appreciate the effort and even moms who aren't so eco-friendly conscious can still benefit from a unique and personal gift.
Cloth Shopping Bags:
The biggest eco-friendly trend tends to be cloth bags. Virtually any cloth bag will work, but one that is made of organic materials such as hemp or cotton is the better and more preferable choice. The cloth bag will replace the use of plastic bags which will reduce the production and waste of such bags. A mom can take it anytime they need to carry large items or numerous items or use it for carrying groceries to a car. Many department stores now sell cloth bags for this purpose. However, for the thrifty and crafty cloth bags can be made out of old tank top shirts.
Simply take an old tank top or spaghetti strap shirt (with durable straps) and sew or use a fabric glue to place a seam at the bottom of the shirt. The neck becomes the opening and the straps the handles. Voila! One simple seam and mom has a new eco-friendly bag! For the best bags, use a clean shirt without holes or tears and made of a durable, organic material.
Recycling:
What's more eco-friendly than recycling? Recycling has been a trend for generations now, but it is something that cannot be done once and forgotten. It is a continued effort and it can never be done too much. Help mom set up a recycling center in her home with large containers labeled for each type of item to be recycled such as: plastic, paper, aluminum. Most cities have some sort of recycling program and either the inside containers can be emptied into larger outdoor containers set at the side of the curb the same as trash dumpsters, or can be taken down to a recycling center. Check with local city or county government for recycling programs and sign mom up for one.
Eco-Friendly Bouquets and Organic Gift Baskets:
FTD has long been known as the source for great floral arrangements, and now they have "gone green" as well with their eco-friendly bouquets and organic gift baskets. FTD is great for consumers who do not live near their mothers. Purchases can be made online at www.FTD.com and they will ship it to the recipient.
Planting:
If mom is a gardener, help her to plant a garden or work in the garden. The purchase of seeds and gardening equipment can help her to achieve her gardening goals. Or, if mom can get out of the house for a few hours family members can plant a tree or flowers in the yard as a welcome surprise for when mom returns and as a great way to improve the environment. Buying potted flowers or trees are also a great idea for an eco-friendly mom. They can be replanted in the ground later and last longer than a flower grown and cut (such as traditional roses).
Hang a Clothesline:
If mom has a yard, even the smallest of yards, an eco-friendly act that can save up to 20% of the electricity used in a home is as simple as hanging a clothesline. Inexpensive as well, most clotheslines can be purchased for a few dollars and the clothespins (made of wood) are inexpensive. Poles or posts can be placed into the ground or lines can be placed around trees. Hanging clothes on the line not only makes them smell incredibly good (which cannot be achieved from a bottle) but giving the dryer a rest also helps cut costs in the home and helps the environment.
A clothespin bag can be made by cutting the neck of a t-shirt a little larger, then sewing up bottom seam of the shirt. Place a hanger in the neck and arms and drop the pins in. The hanger can be hung on the clothesline for convenience and mom can move it along the line with her as she goes.
Homemade Gifts:
In school we are taught that the gifts that come from the heart are the best; turns out, that these homemade gifts can also be the best for the environment. Perfect for small children, a homemade gift is sure to warm a mother's heart and the energy saved by not buying a manufacture item will ease any eco-friendly conscious. The ideas for homemade gifts are only limited by the creator's imagination.
Recycled Cards:
Many stores sell recycled cards or cards that were made without processing trees to make them and some card companies donate a percentage of profits to eco-friendly organizations. Check wherever you usually purchase cards. Homemade cards made from paper on hand at home are also creative and unique gift idea and perfect for small children. Homemade cards are eco-friendly, again because the energy saved in purchasing a manufactured product can have a huge impact.
So, this year and every year think "Go Green" and strive to find those eco-friendly gifts for Mother's Day this year. Going green does not mean you have to spend a lot of green.
- Note: in reference to homemade items saving the energy it takes to produce manufactured products, this idea is brought about by the concept that when manufactured products are produced the store orders more of those items and the companies produce more of that item. Energy is used in the manufacturing of such items and with the trucks that deliver them.
