Going green as a parent does not mean that you need to shell out for the newest eco-friendly window cleaner on the market, the latest and greatest biodegradable paper wipes, or all the new 'organic' baby products out there. There are a thousand ways to approach a greener lifestyle for you and your kids - fortunately for you, I have only rambled on about 10 of those! These are my top 10 tips for green parenting on a budget:
1. Homemade washable diaper wipes - I talked about these in a previous post...Basically, you cut up a flannel sheet into 4x4 inch squares and use these as wipes! Just toss them in the laundry and reuse. Search my blog for recipes for wipe solutions then fill a spray bottle with your solution of choice and voila!
2. Cloth diapers - There is much debate in the way of cloth diapers vs disposable vs flushable and so on and so on. The bottom line is that there is no 100% eco-friendly way to diaper your baby, but there are ways that are more "green" than others. Your best green bet is to use cloth diapers, wash, then air dry them. The sun actually helps to fade stains as well. If cloth diapers really aren't for you, check out the more eco-friendly disposable options like: g-diapers, Seventh Generation, or PC Green diapers.
3. Eco-concious eating - The best way to feed your baby with the environment in mind is to breastfeed as long as possible! Although breastfeeding isn't possible for all moms, where it is possible, do it! Once your baby is on to solid foods, consider feeding them a varied vegetarian diet based on organic, locally grown food wherever possible. But I say again, it doesn't get more local than breastmilk!
4. Natural homemade baby products - Consider using homemade oatmeal baths for dry skin, olive oil for cradle cap, and natural soaps for your baby's skin. Not only is it way better for your baby and for the environment, but it's super cheap too!
5. Natural homemade cleaning supplies - Instead of shelling out for the commercial "green" cleaning supplies, consider making your own. A little vinegar, baking soda and lemon juice can go a lot further than you think! Search my blog for some great recipes.
6. Use your natural environment - skip the McDonald's Playland and get outdoors! Get your kids interested in spending time outside with nature walks, camping trips, and other outdoor activities. Their little bodies and their natural surroundings will thank you. Don't forget to leave parks and forests as you found them - with as little human disruption as possible!
7. Use natural or wooden toys - There are a ton of natural toys on the market now that will leave you less worried about toxic paint and plastic in your baby's toys. Check out Plan toys or even better, find wooden and natural toys second hand.
8. Recycle clothing - Set up a clothing exchange with other parents or shop at used or consignment stores. For the amount of time that baby actually wears something before they grow out of it, the clothes are pretty well brand new!
9. Take a natural approach to health - Before jumping at the Tylenol, antibiotics or other over the counter medications, try using herbal and homeopathic remedies first. Be sure to consult your child's physician before trying anything in case of allergies or complications with other medical treatments etc...
10. Educate your kids about the environment - It's never too early to start teaching our kids about what they can find around them. Take your baby for a walk and point out what you see - trees, birds, grass, flowers, snow etc... As your child gets older, teach them about their environment and how their interactions with it affect it. Get your kids excited about their environment and living a green lifestyle.
