How to be Become a More Eco-Friendly Mom
As if we don’t have enough to worry about with our kids…we have to worry about global warming!
At work recently, I moved into a role on our sustainability team. I was looking for more purpose in my life and this career opportunity granted me that. Part of our teams responsibility is to advance animal welfare, while minimizing environmental impact.
I could not be prouder to tell people what I do!
This new role has made me look at my personal impact as well. More than ever I want to ensure I leave this planet in better shape for my daughter.
I’m now trying to do better every day and educate myself as much as possible to be a more eco-friendly mom and a good example for Brooklyn.
The words sustainable, green and environmentally friendly get thrown around a lot these days and it can feel overwhelming, but there are some low-effort things we can do as mom’s every day.
1. Cloth Diapers
According to livestrong and realdiapers.org it can take up to 500 years for a disposable diaper to decompose.
That is awful.
I’m not saying you have to go exclusively cloth diaper, but at a minimum you can do 50/50 with normal diapers. If half your diapers don’t end up in a landfill that is progress, but if you can do 100% even better.
I currently use lil helper diapers (mixed with Pampers – I’m not at 100% yet), but there are lots of brands to choose from. I have just started, so a full review will come soon.
2. Recycle Better
Most of us have heard that you are supposed to clean out food containers before recycling, but do you know why?
Live Green explains that paper with grease and food cannot be used to form new paper as it creates a gross slurry that won’t produce good paper.
So things like pizza boxes with grease aren’t actually recyclable.
And if you throw in glass and plastic with food they can contaminate paper that is also in the bin. So next time you finish that jar of mayo give it a wash before throwing it in the recycling bin and throw out that pizza box instead of recycling.
3. Donate Clothes and Buy Used/Trade with Friends
I know, I know…buying clothes for your little ones is so fun!
But take a shopping break and swap with friends or go to a used clothing store.
And don’t forget to donate your gently used clothes when your kids outgrow them. Holiday outfits (think Christmas or Halloween) are one time only outfits that would be so easy to pick up from a used clothing store and re-donated afterwards.
4. Use a Reusable water bottle
Swell bottles are all the rage these days. They keep your cold water cold for 24 hours and hot water hot for 12 hours. You will avoid plastic bottles, save money and if you use formula you can also use these bottles to keep hot water on hand to mix while on the go! Win win win.
5. Use a Reusable coffee mug
Depending on where you live, those Starbucks coffee cups you rely on for mommy energy may not be recyclable because they are coated in wax. Even if they are recyclable it takes energy to make them and recycle them. Bring a reusable coffee mug with you instead.
Bonus: Resuable coffee mugs can close so you can avoid spilling coffee all over your stroller, plus help save the planet.
Being a “greener” mom helps the planet now and for your baby and your baby’s baby. Keep it up mama!
The Six Tip:
Tokki in the Junction has beautiful used clothing. They will also buy your used clothing for cash or credit at the store or donate it for you if they don’t select it for the store.
