Green Daily

In case you are hiding under a rock, the New Christmas Season is here: The Mother's Day/Father's Day/Grandparents' Day/Fourth of July Season. The abbreviated name is MoFaGrap Day. It sounds horrible, I know. To avoid the awfulness of this name, treat each holiday separately and start them right with Zero Waste Gifts.

For mom, options abound. May I suggest used books? Some people like gifts shiny and wrapped in shrink wrap. But the gifts you'll find at the used book store may include rare collectibles, out of print items and new releases in near mint condition. My mother devotes her spare time to flowers. I found three flower books in great condition, two of which were sadly out of print.

Speaking of flowers,you can still put together a package of native plants grown locally. Go for the already potted route, or get a bunch of small plants ready to go in the garden.
The service industry, that ever growing portion of our economy, can be quite useful when it comes to Zero Waste gifts. Massages, haircuts and dog walking services are all great gifts that waste very little.

If it's a home good you're looking for, take a look at antique shops and architectural salvage sites and shops. You'll likely find something unique and won't create new waste.

Home cooked meals and baked goods are local, personal and near zero waste.

But let's say your mom really wants makeup, golf clubs, a new crock pot or remote car starting kit. And she really, really wants it. Really. Your best bet is to look for products that are durable, come with as little packaging as possible and were made (relatively) locally. Also, consider wrapping your goods in brown paper you decorate yourself or shipped in reused peanuts.