Green Parenting Tips

 “There’s no brand that’s doing it perfectly and there’s no consumer who’s doing it perfectly. You do what you can, and once you start incorporating the small things into your day-to-day life, they’ll become habitual.” – Kelly Drennan

Creating a healthy planet can lead to healthy little humans. Making small changes to your daily habits, such as the products you use or the food you eat, can help reduce your family's exposure to toxic chemicals. Though it may seem daunting, taking baby steps can make a big difference. To get you started, here are some simple and eco-friendly parenting tips you can incorporate into your daily routine:

FOOD

• When your little one is ready to start eating solid foods, make an effort to cook your own meals whenever possible. Processed foods can be avoided by choosing local, seasonal, and fair-trade products. Organic food is a fantastic option for your health and the environment because it's free of harmful nitrates and pesticide residues. 
• It's a good idea to choose packaging that's recyclable or reusable, like glass. 
• Individually wrapped snacks can be avoided, and instead, you can save resources and money by purchasing in bulk and packing items yourself in reusable glass or BPA-free plastic containers. 
• Bonus: If you grow your own garden, you'll have access to fresh and healthy produce. 

LAUNDRY

As you're reading this, you might be eyeing new loads of laundry. Taking care of babies can be challenging and messy, and it's natural to want to clean up the mess as soon as possible. However, each load of laundry consumes a significant amount of water, and the chemicals in your detergent can also harm the environment. Here are some eco-friendly alternatives to consider:

• Wait until your laundry load is full before washing it, to maximize water usage.
• Use cold water instead of hot, as it saves energy and money.
• Choose eco-friendly detergents that are gentle on your skin and don't contain harmful chemicals. Conventional detergents may seem cheaper, but they can have negative effects on your family's health and the environment, including downstream waterways and aquatic life.

DEVELOPMENT

1. Reading to them about environmental issues
2. Spending time outdoors with them

Reading to your child has many benefits - it can help increase their vocabulary and improve their speech, as well as help them interact and concentrate better. By adding environmental books to their reading list, you can also encourage them to care for the planet. In addition, make sure to spend time in nature as a family. The more children are exposed to the outdoors, the more likely they are to enjoy and protect it as they grow up.

What are some of your favorite green parenting tips?