Having a baby is a time of great joy, but new parents are often riddled with questions about how best to bring up their child.
It is important to remember that there is no “right” way to raise a baby. However, if you are committed to eco-friendly living, there are a few steps you can take to get closer to nature, cut back on waste and help the environment.
After all, babies have a big carbon footprint, and it doesn’t get much better as they begin to grow.
If you want to be more “green,” the following lifestyle changes will make a big difference.
Clean Naturally
A baby has very delicate skin and lungs. They also make big messes. To clean up without harming your little one (or the environment!), stay away from toxic cleaners and focus on eco-friendly products instead. Vinegar, lemons and baking soda are safe ingredients with which you can make natural cleaners to use around the house if you would like.
Move Away from Disposable Diapers
It’s no big secret that disposable diapers are bad for the environment; an infant can go through 8-10 diapers per day, and the majority of those will find their way to the landfill.
Cloth diapers can minimize the damage to the environment. However, if you don’t think you can handle cloth right now, cut back on the number of baby wipes you use instead.
They also create a lot of waste, and it is simple to either make your own reusable wipes out of cloth or be more conscious about only using what is absolutely necessary.
Make Your Own Food
Homemade baby food is incredibly healthy for your little one; you choose what goes into their food, so you know exactly what your baby is eating. There are no preservatives, and you can tailor the meals to what your child likes.
In addition, you ultimately save money because you aren’t paying for packaging. You are also cutting back on waste, because there are no jars, boxes or other materials to throw away when your child is finished eating.
Organic foods are best, whether you go the homemade route or you buy prepared food.
Get Out in Nature
From the very beginning, take your child outside and introduce them to nature. When they are old enough, go hiking.
Show little ones how to hunt for bugs. It doesn’t have to be anything complicated; simply help your children appreciate nature, and they will grow up with the desire to help the Earth as much as possible.
Making the choice to go green is an important decision for any family. After all, there is only so much “stuff” one little person needs.
What matters most is that the Earth remains healthy for years to come, so that your children and grandchildren can enjoy it. Small steps can make a big difference, so get started today.
