Dear children, I do not need or require or even desire anything from you for Mother’s Day. You are my gift. I actually truly mean this. But if you would like to celebrate me this Mother’s Day, I will also not stand in your way. In fact, as moms do, I will even give you some advice (eco-friendly, of course).
Read on.
I don’t need stuff. I don’t want stuff. I especially do not want anything plastic or full of toxic chemicals that harmed Mother Earth and the air we breathe to manufacture or that will, inevitably, sit in landfills for many generations to come.
Do not confuse inexpensive and harmful petrochemically derived trinkets—from lead-filled necklaces to synthetic fleece fuzzy slippers—with the adorable and amazing handmade gifts you made when you were little. Those I did need. I still have most of them, though somehow the mom-and-daughter pottery cat sculpture you, youngest one, made me split perfectly down the middle just as you were trying to spread your wings in seventh grade. I tried not to take the clean break in shiny black-coated clay personally. Now two—not attached—cats cohabitate on my bedside table.
Donate to Moms Clean Air Force for Mother's Day
I want experiences, time with you, anything that would be fun together. Not surprisingly, stuff-free experiences also happen to be eco-friendly, don’t pollute the air indoors or out, and won’t interfere with our hormones like a fragranced candle or body cream.
Here are six eco-friendly ideas for you to fawn over me this Mother’s Day. Other people’s children and adult partners reading this, take heed! Chances are your mom, or the mom in your life, or the mom to your kids still young enough to be making marvelous crayon stick figures, wants all of the below too.
1. Some plants.
Please take me to the weird native nursery that creeps you out and also sells plants that need less water and are just right for our now changing climate zone, not the kinds that are invasive and don’t belong where we live. They are pretty and not sprayed with harmful pesticides, and they feed the local flora and fauna well. If you plant them for—or with!—me and don’t make fun of me while I talk to the bees and our resident groundhog(s), even better.
2. A hike.
I know you don’t like to hike but I do! It’s just walking…with trees. So take a tree walk with me, and I will be so happy. If you happen to pack a picnic (in reusable containers) or treats you know I like, even better. It does not have to be long. It could be a walk I personally take all the time alone, but one I have been meaning to do and haven’t gotten around to would be extra lovely. I promise not to talk about recent funding cuts for National Park services or plans to prioritize public land for energy development. I won’t even tell you about the most recent research on the many benefits of walking in nature. I’ll just let you experience the mental health boost for yourself.
3. A springy meal.
Usually there are a lot of asparagus where we live on Mother’s Day. I would like to eat a lot of them—the ones grown down the road. Maybe this year a risotto is in order? Or just grilled piles of them, sprinkled with lemon juice. I doubt the strawberries will be starting yet as this spring has been cold, but if suddenly there is a burst of heat and the strawberries start popping, can I have some strawberry something for dessert? I will share and not lecture anyone about the importance of strong local food systems or connect the dots from disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz and rising fuel costs to the global fertilizer trade and global food production and security. I promise.
4. Theater tickets.
If you want to head to New York City and go on Broadway or off, I would be thrilled to see just about any play. Theater tickets are inherently plastic-free! Or let’s see an opera! But also, we can go to see some dance in that town across the river? Or get tickets for summer outdoor Shakespeare in advance? Or I would also love to go to the $6 movie matinee in town with you. What’s playing? Please pop me home popcorn that we can smuggle in. Shhh!
5. A local farm visit.
Remember in March when we went to see the just-born lambs? That farm now has all the ewes out on pasture. We could go see them run around on the grass, and I will watch you pick out undyed yarn now that you are knitting and buy it for you. Or if the strawberries come in, we can go pick some! All this is my deepest maternal love language.
6. Sleep.
I used to want you to let me sleep in on Mother’s Day, and Dad kindly helped so I could. But now I fall asleep so early, when you’re still awake and racing around the house. If you could crawl into bed with me and talk, even if it’s insanely early, and then I could fall asleep with you there. That would be the loveliest, eco-friendliest Mother’s Day gift of all.