Now that Earth Day has come and gone, it’s that time of year when “love
your mother” can be taken literally again. But here’s a bonus: green
Mother’s Day festivities allow you to be kind to Mother Earth
and the woman who pushed you out her cervix. Of course, the best gifts are stuff-free (and even
free free — carefully planted smooch, anyone?), but here are some ideas if you feel the need to drop some dough.

Green-cleaning gift certificate

Let Mom save her elbow grease for lifting that organic mimosa you made her, and let the pros freshen her abode with non-toxic cleaning supplies. Maid Brigade recently went green, and Zen Home Cleaning in New York City boasts “hotel-style luxury services.” Or put yo’ back into it and DIY.

Organic desserts

Theo Chocolate offers a wine-pairing kit,
with five chocolate bars picked for their compatibility with red wine
(not included) and instructions for orchestrating a “tasting party.” Liz Lovely
has Mom-inspired collections of organic, fair trade, vegan cookies and
chocolaty bakery treats, and their commitment to recycled packaging is
simply sweet. Dagoba and Green and Black’s organic chocolate are Grist staff faves, too.

Reusable tote bag

Who’s
not a plastic bag hag? Your mom! Before she hits up the farmers market, arm her with a cute pink tote or slightly crunchier woven hemp bag, both supporting artisans in Bangladesh; or check out the ChicoBag that one Grist staffer’s mom can’t stop raving about. Ecobags also has a variety of woven, string, and canvas bags made from organic cotton.

Organic or local flowers

Skip pesticide-soaked conventionally grown flowers in favor of some from Organic Bouquet or those certified as sustainably grown by VeriFlora. Plucking some from your neighbor’s yard is always an option, too. Not that we would endorse such a thing.

Donation to a women-friendly cause

The Women’s Environment & Development Organization
points out that women are especially vulnerable to the effects of
global warming. Do Mom proud by giving to organizations with an eye on
the situations of women worldwide. Support female survivors of war, women-led organizations across the globe, and human rights for women and families. Or go local and find a women’s organization in your state here — you can also give some time if your pockets are thin.

Leave ‘er alone

Peace and quiet: two completely free gifts that are guaranteed to please.