Green Tips: Mother’s Day

On Mother’s Day, we celebrate and honor mothers everywhere. When getting a gift for mom this year, why not consider honoring Mother Earth too? 

Check out our Mother’s Day Green Gift Tips:  

Flowers:

Flowers are popular for Mother’s Day, but most are grown using an energy-sucking production process that depends on refrigerants and long-distance transporting, both of which contribute to increased carbon emissions. Instead, make sure the bouquets you buy have been certified as USDA organic, or by purchasing them from growers with Veraflora certification, which ensures providers meet sustainability standards and ethical work practices.

This list recommends some sustainable florists. You can also try online sustainable florists.

Chocolate:

Chocolates are another time-honored Mother’s Day gift, but how can you tell if those delectable morsels are organic? Cocoa farmers still use high levels of pesticides. Look for chocolate that meets USDA organic standards, which prohibits the use of harmful chemicals. To make sure you’re buying sustainable and ethically produced chocolate, check the label to see if it’s certified by third parties like the Rainforest Alliance, or UTZ.

Restaurants:

Taking mom out for dinner? Try a close-to-the source sustainable restaurant. Eating locally grown food helps eliminate transportation emissions and it supports your local farmers.

New York’s agricultural industry has a long history, especially in the Hudson Valley region. The Hudson Valley is home to organic farms and restaurants that offer farm-to-table food. You can find lists of places to visit at Travel Hudson Valley or Local Harvest.

To find such a restaurant in other regions, visit the Sustainable Restaurant Association or this listing from New York Upstate.

Plant a Tree in Her Honor

You can plant a tree in the backyard after doing research about what breeds are good for your particular climate. Or, you can plant it elsewhere through organizations such as the National Forest Foundation and American Forests. Trees benefit soil health and mitigate climate change by absorbing carbon from the atmosphere and reducing runoff by catching rainwater. They also provide habitats for critters, like birds, rodents, and insects.

Most importantly, don’t forget to enjoy the day with your family!