Like most special events, Mother’s Day is often celebrated with food and beautifully wrapped gifts. Here are six ways to have a more sustainable celebration this year.
1. Dine in
Show mum how much you appreciate all the endless hours she has undoubtedly spent in the kitchen for you over the years, by returning the favour with a home-cooked meal. It means you can add little personal touches along the way, and source local ingredients to support local farmers and growers.
2. Dine out responsibly
If time is of the essence or mum would prefer to dine out, do some research beforehand on a restaurant or café that employs sustainable food practices. According to the National Resources Defence Council, restaurant patrons leave 17 per cent of meals uneaten on average, accumulating to the ever-growing global food waste problem, so – like Mum always said, try and finish your plate.
4. Make a donation
Rather than buying mum a store-bought gift which will most likely leave some kind of environmental footprint, opt to find an organisation that she supports and make a donation in her name.
5. Buy Fair Trade
If you are going to buy Mum a little something, make it a Fair Trade gift. Choose from Fair Trade chocolates, fresh fruit, coffee, flowers, or specially-made homewares bought from your local Fair Trade retailer. By demanding fair prices for their goods, Fairtrade International helps support smaller producers and farmers who may have a hard time covering their own costs while remaining competitive in the global market. When it comes to wrapping your gift – recycled fabrics, papers, and twine (rather than tape), are the way to go.
6. Plant a garden
Planting a vegetable garden or Mum’s favourite flower at home is not only a fun Mother’s Day activity you can enjoy together, it’s also a gift that will keep on giving long after the day has passed. Why not invite Grandma along and make it a three-generation garden?