1. Shop Secondhand
Shopping secondhand is a super easy way to help the environment. Buying items used instead of new, reduces landfill waste and the need to produce more items which then in turn reduces energy consumption, resources, and pollution caused by production and distribution. Buying secondhand is also more affordable and given the speed that kids go through their items sometimes, cheaper is definitely better!
2. Choose Reusable Products
It is most likely that most every item you use in your daily has a one time use and a reusable version. Choosing reusable products reduces the waste you produce and helps lessen your environmental footprint. Examples of this can include choosing wash cloths instead of paper towels, glass tupperware instead of disposable ziplocks, glass dishes instead of paper or plastic, a reusable water bottle instead of plastic bottles, and the list goes on. If you absolutely need to use a one time use product like disposable dinnerware for example, they sometimes make compostable versions of these items as well.
3. Buy Wooden Toys
Wooden toys are not only more durable and safe, they are also more sustainable. Wooden toys are free from harmful chemicals and because wood is a renewable resource, no fossil fuels are used to produce it. Since wood is a more durable material and lasts much longer, wooden toys are also more likely to be passed down, reducing the amount of toys that end up in a landfill.
4. Eat More Fruits and Veggies
Eating more fruits and vegetables is good for the planet because the more we eat the more we plant and plants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen. Planting also requires less energy, resources, and emits less greenhouse gases than animal based foods. Choosing plant based products will also greatly reduce your carbon footprint. If your child is like mine and refuses to eat most fruits and vegetables, try to secretly incorporate them into different meals and snacks.
5. Go Outside
When outside we are one with nature and being with nature fosters a positive relationship with the planet. In turn having a good relationship with the planet makes you more inclined to protect it and promote and enforce environmentally conscious behaviors. Spending more time outside also means you’re spending less time inside and not using technology or electricity.
6. Unplug
Not only does unplugging electronics save you money, extend the life of said items, and keep you safer, it is also considerate of the planet. Even when turned off, devices that are plugged in still draw power. Unplugging appliances and devices significantly reduces energy consumption.
7. Cold over Hot
As a mom, we do a lot of washing, washing clothes, washing dishes, washing our kids, and our house. Given the choice between hot or cold water, choose cold when you can. Heating water requires a large amount of energy and emits a large amount of greenhouse gases. Switching to cold water significantly reduces the amount of co2 your household produces. Using cold water also saves you money on your utility bill and is gentler on your clothes which makes them last longer and eliminates the need to replace them more often.
8. Eat at Home
Deciding to eat at home versus getting takeout is better for the environment simply due to the fact that you are not receiving multiple single use plastic or cardboard products that’ll just be thrown away after you’re done eating. When eating at home you are also not driving anywhere which eliminates the fossil fuels produced by your car. I know it’s hard sometimes as a mom to not give in to the easier option or the thing your kids are begging for but cooking at home is better for your family, for the planet, and for your bank account!
9. Recycle
Recycling is such an easy way to contribute to the environment and it is a great way to get your kids involved because it is such a simple concept. Recycling isn’t just sorting your waste into glass, plastic, and paper, recycling can also be finding a new purpose for something that it wasn’t used for previously, for example using a coffee can as a piggy bank or a planter. Getting creative with your kids can be a fun and exciting activity that you feel good about!
10. Be more Brand Conscious
Simply supporting companies that are environmentally friendly is an easy and sufficient way to do your part. Environmentally friendly companies are typically better for your family as well as for the planet. You might have a preconceived notion that these brands maybe aren’t as good quality or are more expensive but you would be surprised by the popular companies you might already purchase from that support the planet. These companies include Patagonia, Seventh Generation, and more.
