Jenny's Top 10 Eco Parenting Tips
There is pressure on everyone to make sure we are doing our bit to save the planet and as an expectant parent you are bombarded with choices on how to parent more sustainably.
We all want to do our best to be greener and show our children how to look after the planet.
Unfortunately, it does not always go to plan. As a first-time mum I had fully expected to breastfeed and use cloth nappies and make every meal organically and from scratch - however after a pretty grueling and traumatic birth my mental and physical health took its toll and I did what I could just to care for my baby and get through another day!
Now as a mum of two I can see more clearly that it is sometimes about doing our best and doing what we can – and not being filled with guilt if at times we can’t be as sustainable as we want or need to be. Here are some practical tips from fellow parents on how we can be a bit greener.
1
Borrow maternity clothes from family or friends or source 2nd hand if possible.
2
Using Reusable cloth nappies, try and do your research before baby comes along. There are nappy libraries and lots of online resources to help you decide. Try to think of them as a long term investment
3
Re-usable wipes are a fairly easy swap, they are transportable and easily washed
4
Shopping preloved clothing for children, specialist shops, charity shops and online preloved groups for particular brands you like
5
Online market places plus local community groups always have great toys and play equipment
6
Hand me downs are great, we also pass on what we can too. I find that people love seeing their clothes reworn, especially things that don’t get a lot of wear before they are grown out of e.g dresses, Jakcets, wellies etc...
7
Packing Snacks and filling water bottles so we don’t have to buy single use plastics when out
8
School clothing banks are a great way to pick up low cost uniform and also a great channel to pass on uniform that is too small
9
Preloved, regifted or hand made gifts
10
Plastic free party bags and no balloons. We do a Christmas book Advent calendar each year instead of buying an advent calendar