This Mother's Day, Think Eco-Friendly

Editor's Note: A version of this article originally appeared on Union City, Calif. Patch.

Mother’s Day is just around the corner, and while flowers are often the best way to show mom just how grateful you are for all she does to enrich your life, why not give her an eco-friendly gift that also respects Mother Nature. Here are a few gift ideas that will last long after Mother’s Day has passed and make mom feel really special. 

• Treat mom to organic bath, hair or skin care products. Many major retailers now carry all-organic personal care products, which are often packaged in 100 percent recycled materials and made with all natural ingredients. 

• Wrap gifts in recycled or reused wrapping paper or funny papers. Also, remember to save or recycle used wrapping paper. 

• Give gifts that don’t require much packaging, such as concert tickets and gift certificates. 

• When giving flowers as gifts, consider buying long-lasting silk flowers, potted plants, or live bushes, shrubs or trees that can be planted. 

• Bake cookies or other goodies for your mom and package them in reusable and/or recyclable containers as gifts. Homemade goodies show how much you care and help you avoid packaging waste. 

Story courtesy of Waste Management.