Like all human moms do, Mother Earth puts up with a lot of garbage from her kids. Whether it’s the global plastic pollution catastrophe brought on by, among other things, single-use packaging, or the climate crisis super-charged by burning fossil fuels to power our lives, humans continue to give the planet plenty of reason to complain. (Never mind the impact human activity has on animal and plant life.)
So, for this Mother’s Day, why not recognize both the mom who raised you and the mother we all share by dialing back on the wasteful practices that mark most holidays? Whether you’re spending the day with your mom, celebrating her life, or sending gifts from a distance, our guide to eco-friendly Mother’s Day ideas will help you show your love for the planet, too. Read on for some of the best ways to celebrate Mother’s Day sustainably.
Why Sustainability is Important on Mother’s Day
Who doesn’t want their mom to be proud of them? So, why not show her you’re a responsible citizen of the planet when it comes time to honor her on Mother’s Day? Everything we do matters, and this special occasion is no different. Holidays like Mother’s Day often bring with them excessive waste: greeting cards, single-use packaging, unnecessary gifts — all of which contribute to a spike in carbon emissions.
By prioritizing green-minded alternatives, we can reduce our environmental footprint and set a positive example our mothers can be proud of. Celebrating sustainably not only benefits the planet but shows we can continue to grow and improve as people too.
Eco-Friendly Mother's Day Ideas
Plan a sustainable Mother’s Day gathering or send a low-impact gift with these eco-friendly ideas.
Host a homemade brunch
Treat Mom to a delicious homemade brunch for Mother’s Day. Consider some of her favorite foods or dishes and prepare them with locally sourced, organic ingredients. For the most sustainable approach, try to opt for seasonal fruits and vegetables. If meat is part of the brunch, source locally from a small farm that puts sustainable, ethical practices at the forefront. Some in-season ingredients for May include veggies like kale, cauliflower, beets, broccoli, and asparagus. For fruits, look for locally grown strawberries, kiwis, berries, and pineapple.
Experiment with DIY Mother’s Day gifts
A handmade gift is always more cherished than something manufactured. Keep this in mind when planning an eco-friendly Mother’s Day celebration. Get creative and make personalized gifts for Mom instead of buying mass-produced items. A few ideas include handmade cards, photo albums, or potted plants grown from seeds or purchased from local and eco-friendly nurseries.
Embrace the gift of nature
When it comes to choosing a Mother’s Day gift, why not think outside the box — literally? Instead of a physical item, spend quality time with your mom outdoors. It’s springtime, after all. Whether you want to go for a nature walk in a nearby park or reserve or simply take a stroll around your local park, this is a wonderful way to celebrate Mother’s Day sustainably.
If you can, bike or walk to your trekking point for an emissions-free celebration. Otherwise, just soak up good conversation and quality time with your special lady as you enjoy the soothing sounds and views of nature.
Plant a tree
Honor Mom's love for nature by planting a tree together in her name. We love this Mother’s Day idea as trees provide numerous environmental benefits, including absorbing carbon dioxide, providing habitat for wildlife, and offering shelter on hot afternoons – all while beautifying the scenery. Grab a small tree from a nursery, choosing from an array of native species. Consider what tree your mom loves best and what is most suitable to the terrain and climate where it will be planted.
Go on a sustainable shopping spree
If you don’t know exactly what Mom might want or want to treat her to a shopping spree, go to a local artisan shop, boutique, or farmer’s markets. Sustainability is largely about supporting local businesses, farmers, and creatives. May is a wonderful time to find locally grown flowers and an assortment of in-season produce. Otherwise, keep your eye out for local gift shops and small businesses you’re sure Mom would love to support.
Throw a zero-waste picnic
Late spring often boasts pleasant weather, perfect for an afternoon in the park. So, this Mother’s Day, you might like to pack a zero-waste picnic basket with reusable utensils, cloth napkins, and stainless-steel water bottles. You can either prepare the food at home by placing it all in reusable containers, or order from a local restaurant or bakery that has compostable takeaway containers (or bring your own instead). From there, bring a small speaker, cards, a coloring book — whatever you and Mom might like to do during a Mother’s Day picnic.
Enjoy a DIY spa day
Sometimes moms just want to relax at home for Mother’s Day. In that case, treat Mom to a cozy spa day at home using natural, homemade skincare products or ones purchased from a local sustainable vendor. This works perfectly as a Mother’s Day gift basket. Think DIY face masks, scrubs, and bath bombs using simple ingredients like oatmeal, honey, and essential oils. You can incorporate candles as well as hydrating soaps and oils for the ultimate experience. Here’s a complete checklist for a DIY sustainable spa day.
Put together a sustainable gift basket
If you’re still trying to get Mom to make more eco-friendly switches around the house, from non-toxic laundry detergent to eco-friendly cleaning sprays, consider gifting her a gift basket full of goodies. You can include clean dish soaps, these laundry detergent sheets, wool dryer balls, stylish reusable shopping bags, bath soaps, and so much more. Incorporate some handpicked or locally purchased flowers for an extra Mother’s Day touch.
This Mother’s Day let’s celebrate with love and gratitude while also showing kindness to the planet. Together, we can create meaningful memories that honor both Mom and Mother Earth. Happy Mother’s Day!