29 Mar Top tips for raising kids sustainably

As parents, we have a duty to protect the earth, so that the next generation can enjoy it in the same way we have. However, raising tiny people is hard work. When you’re surviving on coffee and self-care extends to brushing your teeth, saving the planet can slip down the priority list.

But sustainability doesn’t have to be difficult. Start small. Do what you can. You might not be able to fit a year’s waste into a glass jar, but maybe you could walk instead of driving to the park.

Here are some easy eco-switches to think about – and as a bonus, you’ll often find that what’s kinder on the planet, is kinder on the purse.

Switch to reusable nappies
Disposable nappies are a major contributor to landfill waste and take many years to break down. But gone are the days of terry towels held together with a giant safety pin! Today’s modern cloth nappies are beautifully designed and come in different aesthetics to suit your style.

Find your local toy library
Kids get bored quickly and you can easily accumulate a pile of toys that they have lost interest in. No one wants a sea of Fisher Price ruining their minimalist vibe. Keep things fresh while reducing your own clutter by visiting your local toy library.

Memories, not things!
Instead of buying toys, give experiences as gifts. Your child is unlikely to remember the flashing piece of plastic they unwrapped at Christmas in years to come, but they may look back fondly at the camping trip you enjoyed together. Why not gift Aquarium or bowling tickets? A music or surfing lesson? The options are endless!

Shop Secondhand
Platforms such as Facebook marketplace and Gumtree are brilliant for picking up secondhand baby goods. Often you’ll find items in next to new condition that have barely been used – plus this offers huge savings over buying new. Remember back in our day when we were all dressed in hand me downs? Keep the tradition alive by giving clothes and toys to family and friends, or consider listing items for free online.

Rent rather than buy
Babies grow quickly! You can easily find yourself with a mountain of outgrown clothes and a bassinet than has barely been used, so consider renting rather than buying. You can rent everything from capsules, to bouncers, to clothes. At www.consciouskoala.com, we provide ethically made, organic cotton baby clothing, available within a circular rental subscription. Our aim is to reduce textile waste and keep clothes for fast-growing babies out of landfill. Oh, and our rompers are super cute!

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