At Eco-Mothering, “guilt-free” means accepting your imperfection while still making conscious choices every day. So, how do you get started on the guilt-free road to a greener family? Perhaps with one of these green parenting basics.
Spend Family Time Outdoors
Being in nature is an ideal way to instill appreciation for our planet. Regular family hikes, outdoor games, biking, swimming, winter activities, time to just sit and observe wildlife… all these things make nature lovers of children. And that sets the foundation of kids beginning to care for their environment.
In addition, being outside recharges us, soothes us and offers all sorts of health benefits, both physical and mental. Seems like a win-win for people and the planet, doesn’t it?
To learn more about kids and the outdoors, check out this interesting article on “nature deficit disorder” by author Richard Louv.
Breastfeed, If You Can
I chose to breastfeed because I believed it was healthier for my baby, and it was free! Can’t beat that when you’re on a tight budget. The fact that it was also eco-friendly didn’t strike me until later.
How is breastfeeding green? It is a waste-free, renewable resource that requires no plastic packaging or pollution from shipping. The milk comes out at the prefect temperature, no heating energy required. And breast milk contains no artificial chemicals. It’s magic in a boob: an easy-access, natural mood enhancer with health benefits for mom too. Did you know breast milk has additional uses besides food? Read about those here.
If breastfeeding is not an option for you, there is another way to avoid the GMOs, sugars and mysterious ingredients in canned formula. You can make your own, nutrient-rich baby formula by using this trusted guide from Weston Price.
Buy Less Stuff
The 3 R’s have expanded to become the 5 R’s: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Rot and Re-Think (or sometimes Refuse). That last one means to consider the consequences of our purchasing choices by asking yourself questions such as these: Am I really going to use this? Is there an eco-friendly alternative? Is there an option that uses less packaging? How will I dispose of it when I’m done?
Beginning to think like this is the start down a greener path — one that saves resources and money while simplifying our lives.
Are you a new, natural mama? Then read my post on suggestions for Basic Baby Gear — an arena where most people buy way more than they need. Holiday celebrations are another typical area of excess. For tips and inspiration on more eco-friendly holiday celebrations, check out my eBook “The Guilt-Free Guide to Greening Your Holidays.”
Use Natural, Non-Toxic Products
This concept didn’t truly enter my radar until I became a mother and noticed all the chemicals found in most beauty and skin care products these days — even ones geared toward babies. I wanted to make cleaner and greener choices for my daughter’s body.
An easy first step is to become familiar with the Environmental Working Group’s (EWG) Skin Deep® database of skin care products. Here you can see the ingredient details and hazard rating of thousands of products.
If you’re prone to DIY, the Internet offers loads of “back to basics” recipes from shampoo and body lotion to cough syrup and children’s vitamins. Most involve simple ingredients like water, vinegar, baking soda, kitchen spices and essential oils.
Don’t worry about changing everything right off the bat. Start small by buying or making the non-toxic version of just one item you use often, such as body wash or sunscreen.
Start a Garden
Nothing connects you to nature more than digging in the earth and growing your own food. Kids especially love this. A veggie garden can be as simple as a few pots on your balcony or a raised bed built from scrap lumber. When kids are involved in planting vegetables, they tend to eat more of them (my daughter began eating peas this way), plus you know exactly how organic the food is.
Whether it’s vegetables, flowers or fairies, the gardening process teaches kids about the lifecycles of nature and stimulates their natural curiosity. Here are some tips for getting kids involved in gardening.
Remember, the road to green parenting doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Make it fun and easy for yourself and your children. You’ll feel good about what you’re doing to help the earth by choosing those eco-actions that feel good to you.
