Tips and Tricks For Sustainable Parenting The Right Way

Nowadays, more and more parents are getting on board with raising their kids in an environmentally conscious way. This approach, often called “sustainable parenting” or “green parenting,” is about mixing earth-friendly practices into everyday routines with your kids.

It’s not just a trend; it’s a lifestyle choice with a real impact. It is about making decisions that benefit your family and also leave a positive mark on the planet for years to come.

My mission? To make sustainable parenting an enjoyable journey for you! Together, we will explore practical tips and strategies for raising environmentally aware kids. Get ready to make a difference and have fun doing it!

Sustainable Parenting Hacks for Babies 0-2: Making Eco-Living Fun and Doable

In this section, we’ll explore eco-friendly ways to care for your little one ages 0-2 years old. From picking diapers to setting up the nursery, I’ll give you lots of tips to make eco friendly parenting both green and enjoyable. Let’s explore how to raise your baby with the environment in mind!

1. Cloth Diapers

Cloth diapers are a fantastic eco-friendly alternative to disposables. They’re typically made from soft, breathable materials like cotton or bamboo. These tend to be more gentle on your baby’s skin and can be reused multiple times. Cloth nappies help reduce waste in landfills and also save you money in the long run. I wrote an article about cloth diaper inserts that is really useful for understanding how they work. Check that out if you are interested.

There are different types of cloth nappies available, including prefolds, pocket diapers, and all-in-ones. Take your time to explore the options and find the best fit for your baby and lifestyle. 

Remember, while there’s an initial investment in purchasing these types of diapers, the long-term savings and environmental benefits make them a worthwhile choice.

2. Natural Baby Care Products

When it comes to caring for your baby’s delicate skin, choosing natural baby care products is key. Look for products made from gentle ingredients that are free from harsh chemicals, artificial fragrances, and dyes. These products are typically safer for your baby and also better for the environment. 

An added benefits is that many eco-friendly brands use sustainable packaging materials such as recyclable or biodegradable plastics, cardboard, or glass to minimize their environmental impact.

You can also make your own baby care products at home using simple, natural ingredients like coconut oil, shea butter, and essential oils. DIY recipes for items such as diaper rash cream, baby lotion, and gentle cleansers are easy to find online and allow you to customize products to meet your baby’s specific needs.

3. Breast feeding

Choosing to breastfeed is not only great for your baby, but also an eco-friendly choice. Breast milk is like nature’s own renewable resource – it doesn’t need any packaging, factories, or trucks to get to your baby. 

When you breastfeed, you’re helping to cut down on the need for making formula, which uses up natural resources from the Earth. Plus, you’re skipping all the waste that comes with disposable bottles and formula packaging. This means less plastic in the trash and fewer harmful gases in the air. And on top of all that, breastfeeding helps create a special connection between you and your little one.

I know breastfeeding can be a touchy subject, and not everyone can for multiple reasons. You may also choose not to, and that is a decision that is personal to you and will never be judged on this site. There are more eco-friendly formula options out there that still allow you to practice green parenting. 

4. Baby Wearing

Baby wearing is a wonderful way to bond with your baby while keeping your hands free. Using a carrier made from sustainable materials like organic cotton, hemp, or bamboo allows you to carry your baby close to your body. This provides comfort, security, and warmth for your baby.  

Baby wearing promotes attachment and bonding between parent and child. This enhances breastfeeding success and supports cognitive and emotional development in babies. 

Baby wearing also reduces the need for bulky strollers or car seats, which add to pollution and takes up valuable space in landfills. By choosing a baby carrier, you’re choosing a more sustainable form of transportation, which is great for the planet.

5. Natural Nursery

Designing a natural and eco-friendly nursery for your baby creates a nurturing environment and also reduces your environmental footprint. 

Start by selecting furniture made from sustainably sourced materials such as solid wood. This tends to come from responsibly managed forests or bamboo, which is known for its rapid regrowth. 

Choose bedding and linens made from organic cotton or other natural fibers, which are free from harmful chemicals and pesticides. Decorate the nursery with non-toxic paints and finishes to ensure a safe indoor environment for your baby. 

PRO TIP: Consider adding elements of nature into the decor, such as potted plants, natural textiles, and wooden toys. This creates a calming and soothing atmosphere. 

Finally, repurpose or upcycle existing furniture and accessories whenever possible to minimize waste.

6. Reusable Baby Products

Choosing reusable baby products is a simple and effective way to reduce waste and promote sustainability. 

Consider using reusable wipes, nursing pads, and washable bibs instead of disposable alternatives. These products are better for the environment and also more cost-effective in the long run. 

Reusable wipes can be made from soft, absorbent fabrics like cotton or bamboo and can be reused multiple times. They also reduce the need for single-use alternatives that add to landfill waste. 

Similarly, washable nursing pads made from organic cotton or hemp are gentle on sensitive skin and can be washed with your baby’s clothes. 

Washable bibs are another sustainable option that eliminates the need for disposable paper or plastic bibs, reducing waste and saving money over time. 

By adding reusable baby products into your daily routine, you’re taking a big step towards creating a sustainable lifestyle for your family members and future generations.

7. Homemade Baby Food

Making homemade baby food is a fun and eco-friendly way to provide your baby with nutritious meals. It also reduces the need for packaging waste and promotes healthier eating habits. 

Start by selecting fresh, organic fruits and vegetables from local farmers markets or grocery stores to ensure the highest quality and nutritional value. Wash and prepare the produce, then steam, bake, or puree it into baby-friendly portions using a blender or food processor. 

Homemade baby food can be stored in reusable glass containers or silicone trays and frozen for later use. This eliminates the need for single-use plastic packaging commonly found in store-bought baby food. 

Experiment with different flavors and textures to introduce your baby to a variety of tastes. By making homemade baby food, you’re controlling the ingredients and avoiding additives, preservatives, and excess sugar. 

8. Secondhand Shopping

Shopping for gently used clothes, toys, and baby gear is a budget-friendly way to be a better sustainable parent. Explore thrift stores, consignment shops, and online marketplaces to find high-quality items at a fraction of the cost.

Look for items in good condition that can be washed or sanitized before use. Keep an eye out for clothing with minimal wear and tear, toys with all parts intact, and gear with functioning safety features. 

 By choosing to buy secondhand, you’re giving these items a second chance at life and helping to reduce the environmental impact of consumer goods industries.

Sustainable Parenting Tips for Children 2+

When it comes to sustainable parenting with your older children, adding sustainable practices into your daily routine can be both fun and educational. Let’s talk about some tips to make green living a natural part of your family’s lifestyle. I’ll also share some of my own experiences growing up with sustainable parents that I think you would love: 

1. Nature Adventures

Take your kids on exciting outdoor adventures to parks, trails, and green spaces. It’s an awesome opportunity for them to explore the wonders of nature, from majestic trees to tiny critters. 

When I was young, I had so much fun exploring the great outdoors with my family. We’d hike in the mountains, camp in the woods, or just hang out at the park. Nature was like our playground! These adventures opened my eyes to the amazing beauty of the world around us and got me super curious about everything in nature.

2. Get Gardening

Start a family garden, no matter how small, and involve your kids in the process.Digging in the soil, planting seeds, and nurturing plants is an  experience that teaches kids the magic of sustainable food production. 

Plus, there’s nothing quite like harvesting your own homegrown plants to inspire healthy eating habits and a deeper appreciation for nature.

3. Crafty Fun

Get creative with eco-friendly crafts that promote sustainability and reduce waste. The possibilities are endless!

One eco-friendly craft that my parents did with me as a kid was making bird feeders out of recycled materials. We gathered empty toilet paper rolls, peanut butter, and birdseed. First, we spread peanut butter all over the toilet paper rolls. Then, we rolled the peanut butter-covered rolls in birdseed until they were completely coated. Finally, we hung the bird feeders outside on tree branches using string. 

It was a fun and simple project that used materials we already had at home and also helped feed the birds in our backyard. Watching the birds visit our homemade feeders brought me so much joy as a kid, and i’m sure it would for your as well! 

4. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

Teach your kids about the three Rs: reduce, reuse, and recycle. Encourage them to reduce waste by using reusable alternatives like water bottles, lunch containers, and shopping bags. Get them involved in sorting recyclables and composting organic waste.  

You can even make recycling and composting into fun activities like scavenger hunts or sorting games. This will make learning about sustainability even more engaging and interactive.

5. Mindful Shopping

Get ready to shop ’til you drop… ethically and sustainably, that is! Teach your kids that it’s better to choose fewer things of good quality from eco-friendly brands. 

Look for toys and clothes made from sustainable materials and produced in ways that are kind to the environment. Say goodbye to too much plastic and hello to wooden toys and clothes made from organic fabrics. Go eco-friendly shopping together, and try to support local businesses that care about the planet.

6. Save Energy

Save energy, save money!  Encourage your kids to turn off lights when they’re not needed, unplug electronics when they’re not in use, and be mindful of how much water they use. 

Learn about renewable energy like solar power and try out some fun experiments and projects. By reducing their energy use, your kids can help protect the environment and save money on electricity bills.

7. Lead by Example

Set a good example. Remember, you’re not just a parent; you’re a role model for change. Show your kids how to live in a way that’s good for the planet by making sustainable choices in your own life. Involve them in decisions about how to care for the environment and encourage them to take action too. Together, we can inspire the next generation to care about the world around them and make a positive difference for everyone.

Closing Thoughts

Embrace Your Unique Path

Some other important things to note is that just as every parent raises their child in their own unique way, you can embrace sustainability in a manner that aligns with your values and lifestyle.

This guide aims to support you in sustainable parenting, not just one who swaps plastic for bamboo. It’s about making daily habits that reflect your values and contribute to a healthier planet for future generations.

It’s Not About Spending More

Being green doesn’t have to mean spending lots of green. While ethical living has become a trendy market, it’s important to not go overboard. 

Some people may go out and buy as many eco-friendly alternatives they can, which can get really pricey. It can actually be even more sustainable to use items you already had around the house, or going to a thrift shop to pick up a gently used item to give it a second life. 

Practice Self-Compassion

Above all, remember to be gentle with yourself. Nobody’s perfect when it comes to being eco-friendly. With the amount of environmental issues in the retail industry, sometimes it is just about picking the most sustainable choice. Take each step mindfully, and don’t be afraid to ask for support from like-minded parents. 

Gratitude for the Sustainable Cradle Tribe

A heartfelt thank you for being a part of the Sustainable Cradle community. Here’s to a sustainable, love-filled future for your child and the beautiful planet they’ll call home. Let’s raise a generation of planet-loving kiddos together!