An eco-minded parent might not be able to solve the issues of climate change on their own, but their small actions can certainly have positive effects on the environment, as well as help educate children on the importance of caring for the planet. Being a sustainable parent isn't hard to achieve either: simply implement a few easy lifestyle changes into your routine to make a big difference to the planet...
Host Or Participate In A Local Swap Shop
Sustainability is one of the biggest fashion trends of the moment, and there's lots to get on board with when it comes to recycling and sharing clothing. Considering that the fashion industry is the second largest polluter in the world (coming second to the oil industry), it makes sense to breathe new life into your children's pre-loved clothing by donating or swapping them at a local swap shop.
Editorial Director and mum-of-two Lucie Cave told Grazia: 'Little people turn into big people so quickly that it seems such a waste - both economically and for the environment - to keep buying them new clothes for every 6 month growth spurt. My local area is full of other mums with similar age kids which means our charity shop is like a second-hand kiddy clobber heaven. I always donate my children’s clothing, as I love the fact I can give and get back in one go. It’s nice to know my trash is someone else’s treasure, rather than landfill.'
Reduce Your Carbon Footprint
A simple way to reduce your carbon footprint whilst also benefitting your mental and physical health is to ditch your car and instead opt to travel via public transport - or better yet, walk everywhere! As a busy parent, we know that it can be difficult to find the time to fit exercise into your daily routine, but by making simple changes like walking your child to school and back instead of driving, you'll get some much-needed exercise in as well as help reduce vehicle gas emissions.
Minimise Your Plastic Use
It's no secret that our plastic usage has a detrimental effect on the planet, and because of this, many companies in the UK are taking steps to reduce plastic production, which in turn makes it easier for parents to minimise their family's plastic waste.
Baby wipes, for example, are often made using plastic materials but are still used by many new mums. Household favourite Huggies is one brand who is becoming more eco-conscious. They have plans to wipe out plastic in their baby wipes within the next five years. Today, their soft baby wipes contain up to 50% less plastic than other leading brands, meaning that a household's plastic usage will be reduced by the equivalent of 63 plastic bottles a year.
As well as working with universities and NGOs to develop fully plastic-free wipes, next year, Huggies will introduce recyclable packaging. It’s all part of Huggies’ Tiniest Footprint™ mission, which commits to providing gentle skincare for babies while leaving the smallest environmental impact possible.
Opt For Non-Toxic Cleaning Products
Lots of cleaning products on the market (like air fresheners and fabric sprays) are filled with chemicals that might not only be detrimental to your wellbeing, but also to the environment. Luckily, with the rise of green, environmentally-friendly products, there are cleaning products available that are made with non-toxic ingredients. Switching to using natural cleaning products like these will reduce the amount of chemicals and indoor airborne pollution in your family home, as well as benefit the planet. Double win.
Be An Eco-Friendly Gift-Giver
Children get invited to an abundance of birthday parties, which means that you're left with the task of finding a suitable birthday present for their small friend. Instead of choosing a toy made of plastic or a non-ethical item of clothing, try and think more consciously when sourcing children's gifts and opt to buy ones that are good for the environment. For example, pick toys and clothes that are made entirely from recycled materials, or give gifts that share a cut of their profit with environmental charities.
We can all take baby steps to help the planet. For more information visit huggieswipes.co.uk and follow @HuggiesUK on Instagram.