How to Throw a Green Baby Shower

Eco-friendly, green baby showers are becoming increasingly popular, especially among celebrities. If you are interested in throwing a baby shower that is a bit different from a traditional shower, while helping the environment at the same time, a green baby shower is for you.

Things You'll Need

• Invitations made of recycled paper and nontoxic dyes
• China or glass plates and cups
• Silverware
• Soy candles
• Native plants or flowers
• Linen tablecloths and napkins
• Organic foods
• Nontoxic, biodegradable household cleaners

Instructions

1. Start with the invitations. You have two green options when choosing invitations: you can use recycled paper printed with nontoxic dyes, or you can use email invitations, such as from eVite, and go completely paperless. If possible, choose a postcard-style invitation that does not require an envelope, and insist guests RSVP via telephone or email to prevent the need for paper RSVP cards.

2. Include a note on the invitations asking guests to bring green gifts that have been wrapped in eco-friendly paper or other materials. Some ideas include asking guests to bring their own children’s outgrown clothes, used or recycled baby books and other items, cloth diapers or donation cards to green charities. Encourage guests to wrap the baby shower gifts in recycled paper, newspaper, cloth diapers, baby clothes or baby blankets. Additionally, remind the guests that shopping online saves more than just time; it saves gas, too!

3. Use organic, recycled or reusable items to decorate for the shower. Potted plants and flowers can be used as centerpieces, and soy candles can be placed in baby food jars or other recycled containers for lighting. Avoid using streamers and paper banners, since these items will end up in the trash, and balloons are also not recommended due to the risk of choking if an animal or child swallows them. Tablecloths and napkins should be linen, and any gift bags should be reusable or recycled. The gifts themselves can also serve as decorations and can create a fun atmosphere for everyone to enjoy.

4. Choose to serve only foods that can be maintained at room temperature to avoid excessive energy use by repeated heating and cooling, and offer only locally grown fruits and vegetables. Use only real plates, silverware and glasses. The cleanup might take longer, but the benefit to the environment is worth the extra time and effort. If you plan to have the baby shower catered, look for a local restaurant that specializes in green events and serves organic foods.

5. Clean up following the green baby shower using only nontoxic, biodegradable household cleaners, and send the guests home with leftovers and a reminder to consider the environment in everything they do.

Tips & Warnings

• Gifts can also be wrapped in nursery decorations, such as sheets, blankets or wall hangings.