These items are a must for families who want to be more sustainable
Bella Heim
Bella Heim
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You’ve probably heard the word ‘sustainability’ being tossed around more times than your toddler’s favourite cuddle blanket. And you might have probably caught yourself wondering, “Sustainability? Is that just a trendy buzzword for ultra-advanced tree-hugging?” Well, not quite.
Imagine you’ve got a box of your favourite Tim-Tams. You could eat all of them right now, but then there’d be none left for tomorrow. Or, you could eat a few each day, so you’ve got deliciousness for days to come. That, my friends, is kinda the cookie version of sustainability. It’s all about using what we need now, but making sure there’s enough left for our kids and their kids.
Now, why does sustainability matter? Well, unless Elon Musk gets that Mars colony up and running, Earth is the only home we’ve got. So, we’ve got to take care of it like it’s our favourite comfy couch. You wouldn’t want your kids jumping up and down, spilling juice all over it, right? The same goes for our planet. We’ve got to keep it nice and clean for future generations to enjoy.
Jokes aside, as a family, going sustainable is really an obvious choice. You’re not just saving money (hello, budget-friendly); you’re saving the world! So, what are some steps you can make if you want to be more sustainable?
Turning ‘Code Brown’ emergencies into eco-friendly triumphs
Remember those mornings when you’ve just changed your toddler’s nappy, and they decide it’s the perfect time for a ‘code brown’ explosion? Yep, been there, done that, got the stained t-shirt right here.
But hey, what if I told you there’s a way to handle those ‘fun’ surprises while doing our bit for the planet? Well, reusable nappies! These little wonders are not just cost-effective but also a great way to reduce landfill waste. But in all honesty, your wallet will probably want to thank you first, trust me!
Some brands we love: Modibodi, Ecooriginals and Hippybottomus.
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Playtime goes green: Opting for sustainable toys
Speaking of trust, you know what’s more trustworthy than a toddler promising not to touch the vase? Eco-friendly toys! That’s right, mums and dads, it’s time to turn those play sessions green.
Globber, for instance, is taking a giant leap towards sustainability with their ECOLOGIC range of scooters. These aren’t your run-of-the-mill scooters. Oh no, these marvels are made with Global Recycled Standard (GRS) plastic and biodegradable wheat-straw. So while your little one zooms around the park, you can sit back and relax, knowing that their playtime isn’t leaving a carbon footprint on our beloved planet. Now that’s what I call playing responsibly!
When it comes to indoor toys, try to opt for wooden products instead of plastic ones. Not only is this so much better for the environment, but these toys are usually far more durable and aesthetically pleasing too! Lovevery has beautiful Montessori inspired play kits that are tailored to your child’s age, while Little Earth Nest has a wide range of gorgeous sustainable toys as well as food accessories and so much more.
If you do buy plastic toys, try to buy them second hand – you’ll be saving money and reducing your carbon footprint too!
From food smears to cleanup time: Beeswax wraps and compostable bags to the rescue!
And let’s not forget about mealtimes. Yeah, you know, your greatest joy of watching your child smear spaghetti across their face, the table, and somehow even the ceiling. Makes you want to wrap everything in plastic, doesn’t it?
But wait, before you reach for the cling wrap, let me introduce you to a company called HoneyBee Wrap – they make reusable food storage wraps, made from beeswax, which are not just beautiful but also compostable. A win for your kitchen, and a win for the planet.
And when it’s time to clean up after your mini Picassos, why not swap out those plastic garbage bags for compostable, plant-based alternatives? These bags are as durable as your toddler’s determination to wear their underwear on their head ( I hope!).
Turning weekend dates green: Cute reusable babychino cups
Who said that weekend dates with your little one can’t be eco-friendly and stylish at the same time? Sipping on babycinos has taken a sustainable turn with Boodlebeans’ reusable keep cups.
These cups, crafted from a bamboo and corn starch blend, are ready to endure all the cheeky antics our little monkeys can dish out. And here’s the cherry on top – they’re dishwasher safe and BPA free! Even the bands, lids, and packaging join the eco-party being fully recyclable. Plus, they are irresistibly cute!
Cleaning frenzies turned green
You know those days when you’re knee-deep in cleaning mode? The kids are either napping or somehow distracted, and you’ve got a chance to tackle that mountain of housework.
Now, typically, this would be the moment when you reach for an arsenal of cleaning products that promise to zap every germ and lift every stain. But have you ever stopped to think about what’s actually in those bottles?
Many cleaning products are like a chemical party that the environment definitely didn’t RSVP to. They can be harsh on our skin, our air, and end up in our waterways. Not cool. But don’t worry, there’s a greener way to clean, and it’s just as kick-butt at banishing dirt and germs.
Say hello to green cleaning products! They are usually made with natural ingredients that love your family and the planet. They’re biodegradable, which means they break down naturally and won’t be crashing the earth’s party uninvited.
And the best part? They often come in recyclable packaging. So, you’re not only scoring a win for your home but for the recycling bin too.
Some brands we love include Zero Co, Cove, and Nontre.
Parenting is hard work. Our lives are full of messy kitchens, non-stop action, and moments that make your heart feel like it’s going to burst. But at the end of the day, we are doing the best we can for our children. And by choosing to lead a sustainable lifestyle, it means you are also voting for the kind of world you want your little ones to grow up in.
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Bella Heim
Follow +Bella is a mummy of three, writer, and photographer. She's not afraid to admit that she relies on a little red wine to keep the chaos of motherhood at bay. When she's not dodging toys and dirty diapers, you'll find her documenting the wild and wonderful ride of parenthood, and adding a splash of inspiration, creativity, and a healthy dose of mum humour along the way.