Make your own reusable wipes
Disposable wipes helped contribute to 16,000 tonnes of “recyclable” rubbish that made its way to landfills, says Parul Sood of Auckland’s Council. Opting for reusable wipes in your home is a good way to be eco-friendly. Unlike reusable nappies, reusable wipes don’t add much to a laundry load. All you need is a resealable bin (glass is preferable), cloth wipes or washcloths, clean water, and some natural liquid soap. You’ll need to put the wash cloths in the bin, add some water-just enough to make them damp-and then you add a few drops of the liquid soap. Keep the bin sealed and they’ll be good for use for up to three days. This is a better option as it gives you control of what you use on your child and limits the outgoing rubbish from your home. It also spares you having to dash out and purchase more wipes for your baby.
Sticking to your principles as an eco-parent can be extremely challenging but it can be done. It simply takes some planning and execution before your bundle of joy arrives. So, when you find yourself lacking sleep and wanting to go the easy route, you’ve got yourself surrounded by the tools that empower your eco-friendly lifestyle.
Kylee Harris is an educator who has taught in elementary schools in Singapore and Hong Kong for 5 years. She lives in Florida and continues to teach life skills to young adults in her community.
