The modern baby shower shouldn’t just take care of a new mother’s wishes for a single day - it should take a stand for the baby’s future, too!

Planning a baby shower can often be a lot of hard work. Just the same, if you’re ready to stage an event that makes a statement for the future, planning an eco-conscious baby shower allows plenty of design choices that won’t stretch your budget or limit your choices.

Presented below are five ways to plan and host a baby shower that give back to the environment. Each one is available in most areas, so there’s no worrying about time or space constraints.

Use local flowers and glass vases for decoration.

You can save money by renting glass vases that can be returned for a deposit refund rather than buying plastic vases that will likely end up as so much waste.

Buying flowers that are locally grown prevents hazardous auto waste pollution involved in their delivery. After the baby shower they can be replanted as new flower gardens.

Host the event at your home

If you’re inviting a lot of neighbors and family friends and relatives, planning the shower at your home reduces the need for a lot of driving around to find a restaurant or other venue. Your guests can also carpool to the shower, further reducing fuel consumption and smog emissions.

Use real plates, forks, and other dining supplies.

Rather than create waste with plastic or paper plates and cutlery, use glass or ceramic utensils that can be washed and used again. You’d probably do this anyway, if only to have an elegant presentation for all the guests. But this “natural” step is also a way to take a step for the planet.

Present gifts in reusable gift bags instead of wrapped in paper.

Here’s another way to reduce waste while saving you and all the guests money and time. Simply mention on the invitation that “please present gifts in gift bags instead of wrapping paper.” As the presents are removed from their bags, store the bags out of the way - possibly near the door where guests can collect them as the shower ends.

Save the unwanted or uneaten food for donation to charity.

Local food banks, homeless shelters, and mission houses will gladly accept uneaten or fresh food leftover from special events. In some cases, they’ll even arrange to pick it up themselves from your shower venue.

Plan in advance to have the food picked up or delivered, and remember to keep all foods sealed in containers.

Please present gifts in gift bags instead of wrapping paper.” As the presents are removed from their bags, store the bags out of the way - possibly near the door where guests can collect them as the shower ends.

Save the unwanted or uneaten food for donation to charity.

Local food banks, homeless shelters, and mission houses will gladly accept uneaten or fresh food leftover from special events. In some cases, they’ll even arrange to pick it up themselves from your shower venue.

Plan in advance to have the food picked up or delivered, and remember to keep all foods sealed in containers.