Listen to Season 3, Episode 9 above or on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
We live in a world that is becoming increasingly aware of the impact we have on our planet, with more and more people making efforts to reduce waste. The feeling of wanting to be as accountable and sustainable in our everyday activities is really important for the preservation of our world. However, we all know the areas of our lives that may feel more difficult to adjust. This can often be the stage as we step into parenthood. Below are some ideas on how you can live more sustainably.
How to be an eco-friendly parent?
Being ‘eco-friendly’ is mostly about having an awareness of what you're buying for your baby or children and whether there is a better eco alternative. This might include researching and sourcing alternative options of cleaning, washing or storage products.
Whilst it may feel time consuming at times, it's an important lesson for your kids to understand and learn from an early age. This might include, how important recycling is or to try to not buy single use plastic and why it's important to reuse and fix things rather than just throw them out.
Why to lessen your carbon footprint:
Using hand-me-downs as much as possible and avoiding single use products is the biggest difference you can make to lower your carbon footprint - whether that be nappies, wipes, toys or clothing. It's all about finding the best alternatives and of course weighing up whether your lifestyle can afford it. Remember, every adjustment or change you can make to be more eco-friendly is great! But there's no use making your life hell by overexerting yourself as an ‘eco parent’. There has to be a healthy balance or it won't be sustainable for you to upkeep in the long run.
Eco-friendly baby products you can buy:
- Flannel or reusable wipes (instead of disposable ones)
- Make your creams
- Reusable cloth nappies or you can use bamboo or eco-ones.
- Buy/rent/borrow as many baby items that you can - there's enough STUFF in the world.
Products that you can pass down to the next child vs what are some products you should always buy new?
Pass down:
- Reusable wipes
- Cloth nappies
- All nursery furniture
- Clothing* (if suitable)
- Dummies
- Brushes
- Toys
- Shoes
- Bags
- Bedding
- Change mats
- Bottles
- Breast pumps
- Books
*Did you know Purebaby has a preloved program? Our garments are made to last, in the hope that they will be passed down, given to friends or family, or donated to those in need.
If your little one has grown out of their Purebaby clothing, and it is washed and free of holes and stains, please consider donating to Purebaby Pre-Loved.
Buy new:
- Eco disposable nappies
- Clothing as required
- Their own special comfort toy
Eco-friendly ways to play with your child that doesn’t involve toys?
Going on adventures in nature - playing games like i-spy, doing a treasure hunt, going to playgrounds, going to the library, playing the drums on pots and pans are great ways to play with your little ones, without needing toys for stimulation.
Eco-friendly baby gifts ideas for parents?
If you’re wanting to reduce the waste of toys or clothing that won't be used, expressing this to your friends and family is really helpful. Instead of physical gifts, you might ask for an experience instead. Some examples are, a picnic, going to the movies, a sleepover or cooking together - the ideas are endless!
Download the episode transcript here.
This article was written by Veronica Milson and Purebaby in conjunction with Season three, episode 9 of Purebaby’s podcast, Pure Parenthood.
