How to enjoy a sustainable Mother’s Day this year
by Northern Life
Mother’s Day is a day for appreciation and celebration of the mothers and mother figures in our lives. And with a total £1.4 billion spent on Mother’s Day each year, us Brits aren’t afraid to show them how much we love them.
This Mother’s Day show your love and gratitude in a way that’s kind to both your own Mother and Mother Nature.
To help, Rich Quelch, Global Head of Marketing at Lifestyle Packaging, gives top tips to go green on Mother’s Day this year…
Write a love letter
Instead of making a last-minute dash to the shops for a generic Mother’s Day card, why not put pen to paper and write a heartfelt handwritten letter to her. It won’t cost you anything and can be a keepsake for years to come… not ditched in the bin the next day.
Quality time
Instead of purchasing a bunch of flowers, purchase a voucher from your local floristry to treat your mum to a class when things calm down. Not only are you spending quality time together and learning a new skill, you get to take home a beautiful, seasonal bouquet too.
Or, opt for a living plant instead which she can cultivate indoors until the warmer months when it can be transferred into the garden.
Keep things sweet
Cocoa comes from growers thousands of miles away, meaning a box of chocolates clocks up a large carbon footprint getting to you. For a sweet treat with a hit of nostalgia, buy a jar of your mum’s favourite childhood sweets.
If your mum is a true chocoholic, buy locally made artisan chocolates which use fair-trade cocoa.
Use eco gift wrapping
Whatever you decide to give your mum this year, think about how your gift is wrapped or packaged.
Wrapping presents in recycled brown paper, fabric cloths or reusing gift bags is a cheap and eco-friendly option. Avoid glitter and foil-covered paper at all costs as these do not biodegrade.
You could even buy wicker baskets that can be used as decorative storage for years to come.
Grab an apron
Instead of dining out, surprise your mum with a home cooked meal, which she will no doubt appreciate.
Head down to your local farmers market, butcher or fishmonger and get their advice on what’s in season to help you create your menu.
Pop! Fizz, clink
Just like what we eat this Mother’s Day, choose your tipple wisely.
If you’re looking to splash the cash, English sparkling wines are a great alternative to champagne with a smaller carbon footprint. The same too for locally produced gins which most supermarkets now stock.
You could also check out any local vineyards too and grab yourself a bottle or two for the special day.
Pamper & wellness
This Mother’s Day treat your mum to a little pamper and relaxation. For some home pampering, pick all natural and eco-friendly beauty or skincare products, that will give your mum that post-spa glow in the comfort of her own home.
Support an environmental charity
If your mum is an eco-warrior or animal lover, Mother’s Day is the perfect time to support a charity through a gift-giving scheme. This could be sponsoring an endangered animal, planting new woodland for wildlife, becoming a member of a nature trust, allowing her to enjoy days out the whole year while protecting the environment.