Natural Mindset-Parenting

Going Green
With a Baby Shower Theme

Hosting a "green " baby shower can be both fun and eco-friendly.
Whether a natural mindset is part of your everyday life or not,
the green theme is a great idea. Thoughts of bringing a new baby
into the world beget thoughts of what the world will be like for
our children. Doesn't it make sense that taking care of the planet
is a good first step in taking care of the new baby?
The steps to take do not need to be costly or complicated. Here
are some ideas using creativity and common sense...

Invitations- Take advantage of a free e-card site or simply send
e-mails with a clever note such as: "No paper invitation, We’re
saving a tree, to make the planet greener, For every sweet baby."
Sending these types of invitations will save not only paper but
also time and postage. It will also increase the likelihood of
hearing back from your guests since it is much easier to send an
e-mail RSVP.

Decorations- Before heading to a party store to buy all sorts of
coordinating paper & plastic items, take stock of what you have
on hand. Could you cover your table(s) with pastel sheets or
baby blankets? Could you or a friend save baby food jars which
could be filled with candy as party favors? What about
fashioning a clothesline in the room and hanging baby clothes,
bibs, and /or diapers? It would be much more original than
paper streamers. Another idea is "green" decor including plants
(which can be adorned with small baby items or reusable hair
ribbons) and bamboo placemats. Cut flowers in baby bottle vases
are a beautiful little burst of color and can be sent home with
Mom-to-be. Once the concept of decorating is expanded to
include usable items, you will find originality and eco-friendly
go hand in hand.

Refreshments - The menu should first, and foremost, reflect
your guest of honor and her preferences. If she is a vegetarian,
prefers organic foods, avoids sugar, etc., then plan your
refreshments accordingly. However, if this is not the case, you
can still be mindful of your green theme. Avoid food purchases
with excess packaging, and try to make a few things at home
using more healthful ingredients. If you provide some organic or
sugar free choices be sure to label them as such so that the guests
who appreciate these options will be informed.
The choices you make in how to serve the refreshments can
reflect your green theme as well. Though it is tempting to buy
from the vast array of paper plates and napkins that are
available, eating from non-disposable dishes is usually more
enjoyable. Try to mix and match what you have in your cabinets
or borrow from a friend. Other options are churches or
community centers, which will often loan dishes for free, or a
small deposit. These will usually be white dishes that will not
clash with a particular color scheme. You can then personalize
your table in a multitude of ways. What about using baby
washcloths as napkins and placing one on each plate rolled with
flatware inside & tied with a piece of twine or ribbon? If you are
short on space you can stack the plates and put the napkins in a
basket. There are all sorts of baby items that would serve a dual
purpose on your dining table; think about cloth diaper (clean of
course) placemats, pacifier napkin rings, or baby bootie nut
cups. The possibilities are as vast as your imagination!

Gifts - Gift registries have lessened many of the questions
concerning the guest of honor’s needs and preferences. As with
the menu, the guest of honor and her lifestyle will largely
determine this element of the shower. If eco-friendly gifts are a
priority to her, it will be reflected in the Registry. You can add a
personal touch through the gift-wrapping and presentation. One
possibility is to request gifts be unwrapped, and designating a
table in another room to place the gifts until the unveiling. If you
prefer the element of surprise that comes from unwrapping,
encourage the guests to be creative. Perhaps gifts could be
wrapped in cloth diapers, or a fabric square, which could later
be used for making a baby quilt. We could avoid so much
wastefulness just by changing our approach in gift giving. And if
we took this approach beyond the baby shower and into other
celebrations, we would have much to celebrate!