Eco Baby Shower Ideas: From Invitations to Gifts
Searching for eco baby-shower ideas? That’s good news to hear and fine timing, too, as the whole world seems to be trending toward “being green” and responsible for Planet Earth. Every little helps and making an effort is a big first step in reshaping one’s lifestyle. As poet Gil Scott-Heron once said: “Nobody can do everything, but everybody can do something.”
Indeed, for the eco-minded, sustainable living tends to enter the equation no matter what we do. And for a new baby, this means an opportunity to start the little one off on a wonderfully green path from go. When planning a baby shower for a friend who’s environmentally conscious, the most thoughtful thing you can do is to throw a green baby shower. And with the growing number of stores carrying eco-friendly goods, this is becoming much easier to plan and carry out.
Eco baby shower ideas range from going organic to employing the three R’s: recycle, reduce, and reuse. It’s up to you how much of each you actually employ, but it’s good to keep everything on the plate “green” as you plan the shower. From selecting only eco-friendly products on the gift registry to sending out invitations on recycled paper, the message to guests and the guest of honor is clear: may your baby’s life be sustainable.
When planning a shower, consider adding some of these tips to help green your event. Eco baby-shower ideas are very much like all eco ideas: Buy local, reduce waste, and be creative.
1) Invitations: Select invitations made from recycled or repurposed paper. Consider invitations without envelopes to cut down on paper use. Or better yet, consider “plantable” invitations, which contain seeds for planting. Guests can soak the seeded paper, plant them, and watch them grow.
2) Decorations: Remember that “going green” doesn’t necessarily mean the color green. These days, eco-friendly decorations are easier to find than ever and with a little creativity, you can make things green yourself. For example, a second-hand table designated for gifts. Perhaps fresh flowers cut from the backyard versus centerpieces delivered from the florist across town. A fun way to decorate is to use items that Mom can use afterwards, so that whatever is brought into the home, won’t go to waste. Think soy candles, biodegradable place settings, and real silverware and plates.
3) Food: Locally grown fruits and vegetables (such as from the farmers market) are always a success. When possible, look for organic versions. Finger foods that can be served at room temperature are also a thoughtful addition. For serving, use ceramic plates and real drinking glasses in lieu of the typical disposables that only add up to a pile to throw away.
4) Gifts: Finally, for gifts, encourage guests to buy their gifts from eco-friendly stores or even, suggest they bring a second-hand toy from their home or consignment store. For wrapping, ask them to use blankets, onesies, or cloth diapers: Things that Mom can use later. Keep in mind that wrapping paper is perhaps one of the most wasteful products around. It makes for beautiful presentation, but the impact on the environment is too high.
Eco baby showers may take more time to plan, but they’re well worth it in the end. The message sent and received will prove a wonderful welcome party — for both Baby and Mom to Be.
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