If you’re a new parent or you’ve got small children, it might seem challenging to live a sustainable lifestyle. Babies might seem to produce a lot of waste and it can feel like a hassle to try to avoid this. If you make some changes to be more eco-friendly, you’ll be surprised how quickly it becomes a habit. There are plenty of brands that offer toys, clothes, and accessories for babies that are made from sustainable materials. You could also look into second-hand and reusable options. Here are five tips for eco-friendly parenting.
Plastic-free tableware
Babies and small children find it easier to eat with kid-size tableware and cutlery. These are often made of plastic, however, and will end up in a landfill once they’ve grown out of them. There are many brands that offer eco-friendly plates and other plastic-free tableware. These are usually made from sustainable materials such as bamboo and recycled paper or other woods. They’re biodegradable and much better for the environment.
Reusable nappies
Reusable nappies are widely available and you can even get reusable swim nappies. Unfortunately, disposable nappies are the cause of a lot of waste in landfills so even though they might seem more convenient, it’s best to avoid these. Reusable nappies are perfectly comfortable, washable, and provide the protection your baby needs. Once you make the switch, you’ll never think about going back to disposable nappies.
Get a wet bag
You can raise healthy and happy kids in reusable nappies, but what are you going to do when you’re out and about? You’ll need someone to put the soiled nappies and this is why you should get a wet bag. These are designed for reusable nappies and are often made out of sustainable materials themselves. They’re waterproof and you can keep your wet and dry items separate.
Second-hand toys
Every parent knows how quickly children can get bored of their toys, or simply grow out of them. For this reason, there’s not much point in buying them new toys every time. There are plenty of ways you can get hold of second-hand toys which will save you money and be better for the environment. You could check out the local charity shops or accept hand-me-downs from your friends and family. If you’re concerned about which toys are safe for which age, check out this quick guide to buying second-hand toys.
No more wet wipes
Disposable wet wipes are against all the guidelines in the green parenting handbook. It’s inevitable that babies and small children will get dirty, and you’ll need emergency wipes at the ready. If you use washable cloths instead of disposable wet wipes it’ll be much better for the environment. You can simply throw these in the washing machine with your laundry. You could even be extra frugal and cut up an old towel or clothes to use. If you put the effort in at first, you’ll soon get used to it, and being green at home will become a habit.
————————————–
This post was contributed.
