12 ways to have an eco-friendly Mother’s Day

This story was written by Riley Baker and originally appeared on Brightly.

Mother’s Day is a time to celebrate the special women in your life, whether it’s your own mom, your friends who have kiddos, or yourself. This year, why not take some steps to include Mother Earth in the festivities as well?

Having an eco-friendly Mother’s Day doesn’t mean sacrificing fun or celebration. There are plenty of ways to have a memorable holiday while also reducing waste and promoting sustainability.

Here are 12 ways to have an eco-friendly and sustainable Mother’s Day.

How to have an eco-friendly Mother’s Day

1. Shop local and sustainable

Instead of spending your dollars at chain stores, consider supporting local or sustainable businesses when buying gifts for Mother’s Day.

Shopping locally reduces the carbon emissions caused by transportation, and supporting sustainable businesses ensures what you’re purchasing isn’t harming the planet. Look for businesses that use eco-friendly packaging, source their materials sustainably, and prioritize ethical labor practices.

2. Try Handmade Gifts

Instead of buying a brand-new gift, consider something handmade. DIY gifts are a great way to show your love and appreciation while also reducing waste.

You could make a scrapbook, knit a scarf, or bake a delicious dessert. You’ll be gifting your mom something that’s one-of-a-kind, and she’ll appreciate the extra thought that went into it.

3. Make a homemade brunch

Skip the local diner and make your mom a homemade brunch. Find a brunch recipe and put it together using eco-friendlier ingredients like locally-sourced produce, Certified Humane eggs, and artisanal bread. You can also add some special touches such as homemade jam or flowers to make the event extra special.

4. Choose Eco-Friendly Flowers

Flowers are a classic Mother’s Day gift, but the environmental impact of the floral industry is often forgotten. Many flowers are grown using harmful pesticides and transported long distances, contributing to carbon emissions. They also have a large water footprint.

Opt for more sustainable alternatives, such as options that are Fair Trade Certified or Rainforest Alliance Certified. Or choose a potted houseplant or plant for her garden that will last for years to come.

5. Use reusable gift wrap

Wrapping paper is often used once and then thrown away, contributing to landfill waste. Instead of using traditional gift wrap, choose reusable options such as fabric gift wrap, scarves, or blankets. Even better? It’s basically a two-in-one gift.

6. Do outdoor yoga

Doing outdoor yoga is a great way to connect with nature while celebrating Mother’s Day. Whether you’re in your backyard or a scenic location such as a park or beach, you can’t beat the gift of sunshine and fresh air.

Aside from being a great opportunity to get in some exercise, it’s also a great bonding experience. Yoga can be fun for family members of all ages. Simply find a video on YouTube and enjoy the calm that’s to come.

7. Buy secondhand gifts

If you want to go on a treasure hunt for the perfect Mother’s Day gift, try shopping secondhand. Thrift stores always have unique items that can make for a thoughtful gift. You can find vintage jewelry, classic records, or antique furniture she’ll love.

By buying secondhand, you’re supporting a circular economy. These used items can be loved once again instead of winding up in landfills.

8. Take a nature walk

There’s no better way to bond with your mother than taking a walk together out in nature. Spending time outdoors has numerous benefits, from reducing stress to improving your mood. It’s also a fun opportunity to talk and have deep conversations while taking in all the beauty around you.

9. Have a zero-waste picnic

Go on a picnic, zero-waste style. When packing up your food, opt for reusable containers, cloth napkins, and reusable plates and silverware. Then once you’re done enjoying your time snacking at your favorite park, be sure to clean up any waste.

Pro tip: Instead of tossing food scraps in the trash, take them back home with you to add to your compost bin.

10. Start a vegetable garden

Starting a garden with your mom isn’t just fun—it’s also a great way to live more sustainably. Gift your mom seeds for a handful of different veggies, then spend some time planting them together. Soon enough, you’ll be able to pick that fresh produce and make sustainable meals together.

If she would rather plant flowers, consider plants for pollinators. These flowers—from sunflowers to yarrow—give our bee friends a much-needed boost.

11. Give her an at-home spa day

Giving your mother an eco-friendly home spa day is a luxurious and sustainable way to pamper her on Mother’s Day.

Create a relaxing atmosphere by diffusing essential oils and playing soothing music, and whip up a DIY face mask using natural ingredients. She’ll be in relaxation mode in no time.

12. Visit a farm sanctuary

If your mom is an animal lover, visit a farm sanctuary. While there, you can spend time petting, feeding, and even playing with the residents—be it cuddly cows or donkeys. It’s also a great way to learn more about these animals and their stories.

This story was written by Riley Baker and originally appeared on Brightly.