By Emily Folk
Babies require a variety of different things, but you can still live a sustainable lifestyle with children.
Having a baby will change your life, but it doesn’t have to change everything. If you are the type of person who cares deeply about the environment and does what they can to live a sustainable lifestyle, you can still do that when you have children.
Living a sustainable lifestyle will ensure that your children have a world to grow up in. It might not eliminate all of the environmental issues, but it will be a start. It will set a good example for future generations, and it might encourage other parents to follow in your footsteps. Every little bit helps, and below are some ways to live a sustainable life with a baby.
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Use Cloth Nappies
Cloth nappies have evolved and advanced since the time of our grandparents, and now they are more economical and convenient than ever – and there are more choices than before. Using cloth nappies will be easier on your wallet and the environment.
While disposable nappies are easy and convenient, they take up a lot of space in landfills and take a long time to degrade. There have been some companies that have developed ways to recycle disposable nappies, but until the process becomes more economical and widespread, it’s best to avoid disposable nappies if possible. If you can’t get away from disposable nappies, choose a biodegradable brand that is easier on the environment.
Wipes are also another huge source of trash that find their way to the landfill. Instead of using disposable wipes, create your own using washcloths that can be washed and reused or buy biodegradable wipes that won’t take hundreds of years to break down in the environment.
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Opt for Second-hand Clothes
If you walked into any baby store, you’ve no doubt noticed the amount of clothes that are available for babies. They are super cute, and your child would look amazing in the designer items, but babies have a tendency to grow incredibly fast and cover themselves with various fluids and dirt, so buying clothes will get expensive. And let’s not forget how adorable those teeny, tiny shoes are, but they aren’t always necessary. What is the point of your child wearing shoes if they can’t walk? Barefoot or soft sole is best for developing feet.
As part of the manufacturing process, new clothes are often coated with chemicals, which can be irritating to your baby’s sensitive skin and harmful to the environment. If you want to be sustainable, go for second-hand clothes in organic fibers instead. Your baby will be more comfortable in cotton, hemp or wool materials that are no longer covered in harsh chemicals because they’ve had time to wear or wash off. If you are buying new, look for ethical, eco-conscious brands using organic and sustainable fabrics and processes.
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