5 things you can do to be a more eco-friendly parent

We often talk about environmental terms that are not necessarily clear for everyone. Like sustainable development, the ecological footprint, and climate change. All these phrases are perhaps a little complex but they hide a message we shouldn't ignore: how our way of life impacts our planet.

It is difficult to change everything and everyone at the same time, but some actions achievable for all of us to bring our little stone to the building. Parents should aim to make environmentally and socially responsible choices in raising their children.

Choose the good diapers

Did you know that disposable diapers take 200-500 years to decompose? And a baby uses on average 6000 diapers before potty training? Instead of using disposable diapers, you can use biodegradable diapers. Usually they are made with plant-based plastics, are non-petroleum based and compostable, making them more eco-friendly.

Another option is to use reusable diapers. Reusable diapers are usually made from organic cotton or bamboo fibers. The diapers are washable and therefore more environmentally friendly, containing no chemicals. In addition, they don’t generate waste and are just as easy to put on as disposable diapers. Despite what you might think, they are easy to wash. You simply let the diapers soak for ten hours and wash at 30 ° C in the washing machine. You can read more about reusable diapers here.

Second-hand

There is no need to always buy new stuff. Second-hand clothing and baby products are a cheaper and more sustainable option. Borrow from people around you, friends and family. Baby clothes and baby products are often only used a couple of times and can be very useful for your child. 

You can also try to find a charity shop close to you. They often sell items donated by individuals in new and good condition and donate the profit to a good cause. Resulting in you making a very good deal, doing good for the environment and supporting a good cause, all at the same time. A so called win-win-win situation.

Buy environmentally friendly products

Choosing toys and baby products from environmentally friendly material is good for both your child and the environment. You can limit the effect on the environment by buying toys made from natural material, that are easily degradable. Choosing durable products, that don’t break easily and can be reused by several children. Make sure that the products you buy are made from environmentally friendly material. Choose wooden toys over plastic ones for example.

Buy organic

Avoid the processed food. Both for you and your children. Decide to consume in a more responsible way, and choose to buy and consume local, fair trade and seasonal products more often. Organic food guarantees the absence of nitrates and pesticide residues. It’s a good for your and your children's health. Organic food both tastes better and is better for the environment.

By buying locally, you eliminate the energy spent on transportation and reduce the environmental impact of transporting food. During the summer you can introduce children to the pleasures of gardening, by creating your own organic vegetable garden. This can be a great activity for the family to do together and create good memories. You should also make an effort to buy the odd looking vegetables. They taste just as good and are sometimes cheaper. Supermarkets throw away tons of odd looking vegetables every year, that no one buys.

Buying organic and local may seem more expensive, but will result in a healthier lifestyle for your whole family. Meaning that you will spend less money on healthcare and medicine in the long run.

Eco-friendly household

Cleaning products, used to clean the house are usually made from chemicals that pollute the environment and the whole family breathes. Avoid aerosols and other chemical scents and go for the organic cleaners. There are more natural, eco-friendly and biodegradable options on the market and they are not necessarily more expensive. If you want to become even greener, you can eliminate the use of several products by making your own cleaning products and use essentials oils. You can also buy some depolluting plants and put them around the house.

If we all make these small changes towards a more eco-friendly lifestyle, we can make big changes for our planet, one step at the time.