As we continue to step lightly on Mother Earth everyday (not just Earth Day, right?) here are a few ways to celebrate in eco style this Mother’s Day.  Keep it simple.  Be practical. Cut the carbs…

• If you live near Mom, stop by and spend quality time.  Do what makes her happy.  Sit on the porch, sip some lemonade, share some laughs.  Surprise her with a locally grown, home-cooked meal.  Go for a stroll through the neighborhood or nearby park. Try not to drive your car to her house; walk, bike or use public transportation.
• Live far apart?  Give her a buzz.  Keep it light and bright.
• Is she computer savvy?  Save a tree, and send her an animated e-card. (I like Jacquie Lawson cards)
• Buying mom a gift?  Don’t just buy something because it’s on sale.  Make sure your present is useful, or has sentimental value.  A water filter pitcher to treat her tap water; potted organic herbs or tomato plant, (aerogrow.com); body-friendly skincare to soothe and pamper dry skin; hand-made jewelry by you, or a local artisan; a gift certificate to an eco/organic spa.  Make sure your gift is sustainable — made out of recycled, or eco friendly material (hemp, jute, bamboo, soy, organic cotton…).  Be thrifty, shop at second hand shops or flea markets; try a swap.  Need to ship your gift?  Offset the carbon emissions.
• Hosting a get-together in Mom’s honor?  Serve locally grown fare.  Avoid plastic — use real plates and utensils ideally, or opt for compostable / biodegradable disposable plates and utensils for a large gathering.  One hundred percent compostable Stalkmarket cutlery made from sugarcane waste, available at Branch.  Lovely and sturdy, reusable and biodegradable plates, bowls and platters created from fallen leaves and water @ Verterra.  Choose cloth napkins over paper goods.  (Marcal’s small steps paper goods, if you must use paper.)  Don’t be afraid to accept a guest’s offer to prepare a yummy dish, (kicks up the fun factor, and will help you save some green of another kind).

Jump in with your eco savvy tip for Mama’s Day.

Related:  previously on altCon,
a mother lode of an eco Mother’s Day (5.3.08)

• What Scientists Know About Swine Flu – bbc
• U.S. Coal Power Plants Scuttled, Sierra Club Cheers – reuters
• The best weight loss approach – eat less.  FDA: Cut the Hydroxycut – livescience
• They have to be better than Cloris Leachman…Boogie Birdie: Animals Shown to Dance to Music – myway
• Southern Calif. Beetle Killing Oaks – enn/sciencedaily
• Help. Farmers Fear Pigs May Get Swine Flu From People – yahoo! news

When I look at the wonderful handmade bags and accessories from Paisley Daisy I go all Austin Powers.  Designer Sophie Beale creates her bags and accessories primarily from recycled and vintage materials.  Her mod style evokes images of mini-skirts, go-go boots,  Jeff Beck and the Yardbirds.

see more @ paisleydaisy.co.uk

Thursday’s announcement by President Obama of the Chrysler bankruptcy also revealed his renewed support for the ‘Cash for Clunkers’ bill.  The president revisited the plan to give cash incentives to new car buyers who trade in a gas guzzling clunker.  The original intent of the credit was to encourage the purchase of fuel efficient vehicles, while reducing the number of emissions of heavy clunkers on the highway.  The plan is now seen as a means to also aid floundering automakers.  Credits would range from $1,500 to $5,000 toward the purchase of a car getting 27.5 miles per gallon, or a truck getting over 23.1 mpg.  No word on how long you need to own the clunker to get the credit.

via: money.cnn.com

My Finnish genes be proud.  Finnish designer Pekka Salokannel has come up with a sweet concept for pocket-sized, solar-powered, portable audio.  Speakers on the inside – solar panels on the outside.  Fold them up to put them in your pocket or open them to create table speakers.  Inspired by the design and shape of the original gramophone, hence the name.

via: designboom