"A woman will experience more changes while she is pregnant than a man will in his entire lifetime."  This was one of the profound messages communicated to me by holistic lifestyle expert Anna Getty at her inaugural launch for Pregnancy Awareness Month last week in Los Angeles.  In honor of moms and moms-to-be who have surmounted the marathon that is pregnancy, I’d like to shower you with some eco-friendly tips that will help you plan your next baby shower. 

If you’re an eco-mom like I am, you’ll love the idea of an eco-friendly baby shower.  Share your passion and commitment to providing a safe and healthy environment for your new baby with cool, tranquil shades of green. 

R.S.V.P.!  The most eco-friendly solution for reducing your carbon footprint is to go with an online invitation service.  If you find this option too casual or impersonal, explore recycled paper options including those made of sustainable materials such as bamboo, linen, and cotton.  Green Field Paper Company offers handmade, recycled, and tree-free paper options.  Worried that your friends and family will toss that lovely invite?  Check out the "Oh Baby" grow-a-note cards that your guests can actually plant!  Don’t worry, the card recycles naturally into the soil as the seedlings grow. 

Kate’s Paperie is a renowned resource for exotic papers.  Check out the "Le Belly" invites printed on 100% pure cotton rag paper.  Tres chic! 

Don’t forget to include your green-themed message on your invite to give your guests the 411.  Stumped?  Check out phrasing suggestions here. 

Location Location Location!  Set the mood and ambiance of your event with an earthy venue. Your local beach, park, garden, or aquarium are sustainable locations for your celebrated event. 

Culinary Delights!  If possible, opt for local, organic food options. Don’t forget about my tips on buying organic products.  Eat Well Guide is another resource for fresh, sustainable food in the US and Canada.   This menu from the March issue of Parents Magazine is good enough to convert even your most skeptical guest!  Test out your culinary skills with tips and recipes from Organic Authority. 

Local organic catering companies are another option that will save you time and energy.  Just google "organic catering."  You can always check out the vast array of natural and organic foods prepared fresh at Whole Foods Market. 

Earth-friendly Embellishments!  Get botanical and decorate with locally purveyed flowers and plants (they make great favors).  Get creative and utilize glass, water, rocks, and bamboo for centerpieces.  If you’re not the Martha Stewart type, check out the fab floral bouquets at Organic Bouquet, Organic Style, and Diamond Organics. 

Go Paperless!  From classy china to elegant linens, you’ll find that going paperless will give your event that added glam.  Alternative:  Biodegradable utensils, plates derived from sugarcane, and 100% recycled napkins available at Notyak. 

Gift-wrap alternatives:  Baskets and storage containers can be reused in the nursery by the new mom-to-be.  Organic cotton baby blankets and towels can be dressed up with these double-faced satin ribbons by Of the Earth.  Still not convinced?  Check out more green gift wrapping options here and here.  My favorite?  Everwrap, re-usable giftwrap made of natural, hand- dyed fabrics and inspired by the Japanese art of furoshiki. 

Green Gifts Galore!  No shower is complete without them.  Fortunately, numerous conventional retailers like Target and Babies R Us are now offering organic, all-natural baby products.  Consider registering for specific items at these locations in addition to organic, all-natural baby boutiques.  My favs?  Better for Babies, Our Green House, Mommas Baby, and Harvest Moon Boutique. 

For more eco-inspired baby shower ideas, visit Wee Generation,  Healthy Child, Healthy World and Tiny Footprints Baby Shower Kit

For a behind-the-scenes peek at Cheryl Crow’s baby shower, check out pics here and here.