6 doable ways to become green parents

This guideline for new parents will teach you how to become a green parent. You’ll discover all you need to know about being environmentally friendly on a budget, as well as how to be environmentally conscious while working a demanding schedule and getting little sleep. Sure, newborns require some items, but there is nearly always a more sustainable option. You’ll soon realize how enjoyable and rewarding it can be to raise a child who values Mother Earth. As a new parent or dad, you’ll learn how to tailor your eco-friendly routine to your family’s needs. You’ll also feel good about how your family is helping to keep your house and town healthy.

Start your green parenting journey…

You’re on your way to starting your family’s new environmentally friendly lifestyle now that you’ve had a few suggestions for making your home greener. It may be beneficial to start with a few different tactics and then expand to even more activities after you and your infant have settled in. This cornerstone of your green plan will benefit everyone, including Mother Earth.

Selecting Eco-Friendly Baby Clothes

Investing in high-quality, environmentally responsible clothing is one of the simplest and most effective methods to keep your kid comfortable while also kicking off your green parenting experience. Your eco-friendly routine will be as simple as possible, but it will always appear clean and adorable. Organic cotton baby clothing will last longer, feel softer to the touch, and always have a lower environmental effect. They’re also popular among parents since they’re inherently hypoallergenic—and cotton is simple to clean.

Farmers cultivate organic cotton without the use of any chemicals or pesticides. As a consequence, they keep potentially dangerous pollutants out of your local waterways. Animals and natural resources, such as plants and trees, are better safeguarded for future generations, all while your child is snug and comfortable throughout the year. They also never utilize genetically modified organisms (GMOs), which decreases pesticide use and prevents the disruption of natural ecosystems.

If you want to reap these ecologically aware and baby-friendly benefits, almost all newborn clothing is created with organic cotton. There are bodysuits in every size and color, as well as jeans, shirts, and socks. Hats, long sleeves, and sweaters made of organic cotton will keep the baby warm this winter. In the summer, short sleeve suits, shorts, and tanks are breathable enough to keep you cool. Organic cotton is also good at wicking moisture, which aids in the prevention of chilling and temperature variations caused by the weather, bodily fluids, or sweat.

Using of Cloth Diapers

You might be astonished at how much garbage you have in the first year of your baby’s life. Diapers, along with disposable wipes and feeding supplies, are one of the leading causes of a full waste can. During the newborn stage, which lasts three months, babies can dirty up to 7-9 diapers every day. If you use disposables, they all wind up in the trash and remain there for hundreds of years. Reusables, on the other hand, can be used by one, two, three, or more children. They save money as well as the environment!

Using cloth diapers instead of disposables reduces landfill waste significantly. It also means less odor in the trash can or diaper pail, which is a bonus for any parent. Look for used diapers, which may be acquired relatively cheaply online or through local parent-swap sales. To maximize absorbency and prevent mess, use washable, reusable liners. There are flushable biodegradable liners, however, these can block toilets and septic systems.

While cotton diapers are better for the environment, you may be wondering if they need more effort than disposable diapers. There are a few methods to make the procedure as simple as using disposable diapers. To begin, try using pre-fold diapers, which have built-in folds and creases similar to normal diapers. You will not need to learn any folding methods, and your infant will remain dry and comfy. If there is a spill or an accident, wash the clothing in cold water. Allow the item to soak in a sink or big bowl of cold water for around 10-15 minutes.

Choosing Natural Laundry and Cleaning Supplies

Some laundry detergents and stain removers contain strong cleaning chemicals. These drugs may not be suitable for babies since they can aggravate allergies and cause skin irritation. You may also shop for natural soaps or detergents produced with organic components to help safeguard your infant from unwanted toxins while showering or washing their clothes.

Look for trusted companies if you’re wondering whether items are the greenest and safest for your family. You may also want to look at the alternatives at a nearby store that sells natural items. Begin by scanning the ingredient list. Is the ingredient list full of additives you don’t recognize? This is a warning sign that you are not purchasing green or natural. Avoid common laundry detergents components like chlorine, phthalates, and formaldehyde as well. Replace it with a plant-based formulation. Unscented formulations are preferable. By using natural ones, parents with sensitive skin may notice reduced itching and irritation as well.

Natural cleaning goods, like laundry supplies, are available in a range of formulations. Some manufacturers of infant washing detergent also produce cleaning sprays and solutions. Whether you enjoy your detergent or stain remover, discover if the firm has any other goods. Organic or natural cleaning solutions include liquid dish soap, multi-surface cleansers, and even pet stain removers. Natural cleaning materials such as white vinegar and baking soda are another alternative.

Purchase second hand

It’s no secret that kids need a lot of things, whether it’s clothes, toys, or nursery furniture. Much of it is only useful for a few months and looks brand new when you no longer need it. Babies outgrow their clothing so rapidly that it might be a costly process to replace them with the following size. Rather, buy secondhand from other parents or charity stores to save money and prevent waste. Buying used and reselling minimizes the quantity of excellent quality equipment that ends up in landfills while also saving you money.

There are so many secondhand baby clothing available that purchasing new ones makes little sense. Most are in near-perfect condition and are generally inexpensive, ranging from $1 to $2 per piece at my local thrift store. Then you won’t have to worry about new garments off-gassing or paying a premium for organic bamboo sleepers to prevent the same odors. Also, you won’t need nearly as many things as you think, and most of those adorable newborn outfits won’t fit anyhow if you’re using cloth diapers, which are considerably thicker than disposables.

Despite all of the new perspectives on purchasing used, there are still consignment businesses that specialize in gently worn products for babies and children. These classic businesses are ideal for anyone who needs to touch before they buy or who wants expert advice before making a purchase.

Breastfeed

Breastfeeding is the most environmentally friendly way to feed your kid if you are capable. There is no waste or energy utilized in the creation of the formula or packaging; it is also healthful. Breastfeeding allows you to avoid the unnecessary packaging that comes with purchasing formula, bottles, bags, nipples, and sterilizing equipment.

The manufacture, packaging, and delivery of breast milk replacements need a massive amount of energy. According to the Journal of Perinatal Education, 60% of the world’s population consumes breast milk replacements, which translates to millions of containers of formula being sent around the world every day, emitting tons of fossil fuels in the process. Breastfeeding, on the other hand, is a totally sustainable source of food since it is hyper-local, and requires a comparably tiny amount of packaging.

Breastfeeding consumes little water and land, creates no carbon emissions, and generates little or no waste. Water is essential for the world’s 278 million dairy cows. In reality, a single gallon of milk requires 144 gallons of water to create. Breast milk replacements, both powder, and liquid, require more water. According to The Journal of Perinatal Education, a nursing mom requires eight to ten glasses of water each day. Breastfeeding also helps to prevent water pollution from dairy farms: manure and fertilizer runoff from these farms lead to the formation of algae in surrounding waterways, lowering oxygen for aquatic plants and animal life. 

Select Toys With Care

Many plastic toys on the market crack almost rapidly, leaving them with nowhere to go but the garbage. Babies and small children don’t require a lot of toys, so if feasible, favor quality over number. There are excellent hardwood teething toys available that are far safer for babies to chew on than cheap, imported plastic.

There are several strategies to prevent or decrease plastic in the toys you offer for your children. After purchasing toys, make intelligent judgments, search thrift stores, garage sales, and internet exchanges for gently used toys, and remember to pass them on to someone else for reuse when your child is finished playing with them. Focus on robust toys that will not easily break, and always be mindful of which toys include batteries and cannot be thrown away. When feasible, choose natural materials. When toys break, check if you can repair them to extend their life. Consider rotating toys to boost their novelty while decreasing the overall quantity you purchase. You may also express your creativity by reusing other products found around your home.

Consider joining a toy library to save money, limit trash, and eliminate clutter. As a member of the toy library, your children will get new toys that correspond to their developmental stage every few weeks. Moreover, instead of giving in to repeated requests for more goods, get inventive. Take your kids on a nature walk, visit your city’s sights, or remain inside and make arts and crafts out of all your recycled trash. Your alternatives are literally endless!