Greening Mother’s Day

By John Vlahakis

Mother’s Day has a long and storied history around the world. The greeting card companies did not create it, as some of us would like to believe, but actually it all began way back in ancient Greece. It emerged from a custom of mother worship in ancient Greece, which was part of a festival honoring Cybele, a great mother of Greek gods. Rome picked up on it and celebrated this event around the Vernal Equinox. The “Mother’s Day Proclamation” by Julia Ward Howe was one of the earliest calls to celebrate Mother’s Day in 1870 here in the U.S. You will find in most every part of the world a history to celebrate a day honoring Mother’s. And since we’re talking about Mother’s Day, I thought I would provide a few eco gift ideas for all of us guys who can be pretty clueless at times. My gift ideas are in a nod to being less oil dependent because of the current oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. Let’s give our Mother’s gifts that are not derived from oil sources. Let’s start with fair trade 100% organic chocolates from Raw and Fine. These chocolates are devoid of sugar, dairy, and unnatural additives. They can be bought at fineandraw.com. Jewelry is always a good bet, and this year I’d go for glass bead or acacia berry necklaces created from sustainable resources. A good shopping source for these can be found at inhabitatshop.com. Kitchen items won’t win you many points, but I can’t help but to recommend these alternatives to plastic bowls, cups, or dishes. Get your Mom and your household to switch to Pyrex, Bamboo, Ceramic- glazed or unglazed, or Alentejo Cork Bowls. Get rid of the plastic. That would help your Mother Earth and your home. Obviously flowers are a big deal too, but now with spring around us, look to get flowers that were grown locally. It doesn’t always have to be roses. And if you fail in doing anything for Mother’s Day, then make sure you’ve made reservations for brunch or dinner, and keep it local!