You are all set to welcome the little one by throwing a grand baby shower. However, if the mother-to-be is an environmentally-conscious individual who realizes the need to reduce her carbon footprint, then an eco-friendly baby shower is definitely the best way to shower your best wishes and love for the soon-to-arrive bundle of joy. Typical social gatherings, be it weddings or baby showers, can be quite wasteful with those disposable tablecloths, paper plates, and plastic cutlery. On the other hand, an eco-friendly baby shower should be all about natural and recyclable products. If you are planning to host a green baby shower to raise awareness and help the new parents begin their baby's life in the healthiest and safest possible way, then here are some creative eco-friendly baby shower ideas to help you on your way. Send Online Invitations Looking for baby shower invitations that are adorable and environmentally friendly? Then, why not use online invitations instead of paper invites. Not only are you saving money, but also contributing your bit to the environment. Moreover, online invitations are hassle-free and completely adorable. Check out the website evite or celebrations for some great online invitation options. Use Recycled Paper or Plantable Birth Announcements If you want to send invitations to grandma and great-grandpa who aren't tech-savvy, then choose invitations made from recycled paper. Use 100% PCW recycled invitations that are processed without chlorine. Online sites such as tinyprints provide invitations made from recycled paper. There are other sites such as botanicalpaperworks and ecopartytime that provide cute, plantable invitations using seed paper. Embedded with wildflowers seeds, these invitations when planted, grow into resplendent plants. Use Potted Plants For eco-friendly baby shower invitations, think beyond the usual glittery paper and balloon decorations. Demonstrate the love for nature with some beautiful potted plants and fresh flowers for decoration. Paint the wall planters in bold colors or polka dots or stripes, and mount them on the wall. If you are using only flowers for the décor, then consider using organic flowers bought from a farmer's market. These can make a beautiful and fragrant centerpiece on your main table. Nature-inspired Centerpieces For the centerpiece and table decorations, look for some old jars or bowls, and place plants in them or under them. You can even reuse and recycle baby jars borrowed from friends and family along with flowering plants to glam up the buffet table. These can also double as favors! Look for Organic Food For eco-friendly, green baby shower food, opt for organic sugar cookies and juices. Instead of dishing out foods that contain added food color and chemical-laden preservatives, serve organic treats and food made available from fair trade farmers. This can include fruits, fresh juices, and organic, vegan cupcakes with organic sugar and natural coloring made by a local baker. Avoid Disposables Instead of serving food in disposable plates, use your own ceramic or porcelain dishes. If you are dreading the 'after-party' dish washing, then go opt for environmentally-friendly disposables. Organic Baby Goodies If you are looking for sustainable and Earth-friendly gift ideas for the baby shower or new baby, then do consider organic goodies such as organic clothes, made of 100% organic cotton, and certified by the Oeko-Tex Standard. Check out organic baby clothes by brands such as Under The Nile and kate quinn organics. Other organic items that you can consider are organic carriers, baby toys, and natural bodycare items for the mom and baby. Wrap your gift in organic baby blankets, silk scarves, or place them in fabric bags which the mom can use later. Cloth Diaper Stack Instead of disposables, delight the eco-friendly mom-to-be with a cloth diaper stack. These diapers are not only safe for the baby, but they can also be reused multiple times, making them one of the best eco-friendly options. Choose printed and colorful, all-in-one or pocket cloth diapers by bumGenius, Kushies, and Bummis. You can also include cloth diapering essentials such as extra liners, wet bag, and cloth diaper-safe cream. Natural Soaps for Moms-to-be For the baby shower, a pampering gift for the mom-to-be will make her feel special and loved. Gift handcrafted, natural soaps made with moisturizing ingredients such as olive, rice bran, and soy oils. They leave the skin smooth and soft. Party favors for an eco-friendly baby shower can include organic foods such as organic honey and tea packaged in reusable jars and other eco-friendly packaging. Potted plants are great not just for the décor, but also as party favors for the guests. Gift the guests beautiful bamboo plants in small Chinese planters. Eco-friendly bags and totes are also quite popular. Choose reusable bags with some eco-friendly quotes, these are not only useful but also look trendy as well. Throwing an eco-friendly baby shower can be lots of fun for the mom-to-be and the guests. Moreover, these simple ideas will make you feel like you have made a difference by helping create a greener, cleaner world for the next generation.