Parenting is fun and rewarding. It’s a time for love, laughter, and dirty diapers! However, parenting also comes with some serious responsibilities. That’s why eco-friendly parenting is something that you might want to consider in raising your children.
In this article, we at Omega Pediatrics will discuss a greener way of parenting–eco-friendly parenting!
Raising a Green Baby: What is Eco-Friendly Parenting?
Eco-friendly parenting or green parenting is a sustainable way of raising children. Eco-friendly parenting uses green parenting techniques to raise a child. It teaches children how to be more environmentally aware and also trains them to practice and adopt a more sustainable lifestyle.
So, Why is Eco-Friendly Parenting Important?
We only have one planet and we must take care of our environment like we do our children.
Unfortunately, most of us don’t have a sustainable lifestyle but we desire for our children to adopt better principles in life. We understand this, and that’s why we’ve made this article available.
At Omega Pediatrics, we value the health of our patients. We want your child to grow in a healthy, green environment. That’s why we encourage you to incorporate eco-friendly lifestyle techniques when starting your new family.
To start with sustainable parenting, we can opt for environmental-friendly products to minimize your kids’ exposure to harmful chemicals.
5 Ways to Create an Eco-Friendly Nursery for Your Child
Eco-friendly parenting doesn’t start with teaching your child eco-friendly practices. It starts with an eco-friendly home and includes your baby’s crib and nursery.
Here are some tips to consider when buying your baby’s furniture for a green home:
1. Use Sustainable Furniture
Organic materials like bamboo and FSC-certified wood can be an alternative to regular wood. These materials are more sustainable since they are durable and long-lasting. This means you don’t have to keep on replacing your furniture!
Also, choosing furniture made from sustainable materials helps promote ethical and responsible production.
2. Use Organic Diapers
Choosing diapers made from materials such as cotton or bamboo can reduce your child’s exposure to harmful chemicals affecting their health.
These materials are grown without pesticides and chemicals, making them safer for your baby’s sensitive skin.
Plus, they’re usually softer and more breathable, helping your baby feel comfortable and sleep better.
3. Choose Non-Toxic Paints
When choosing the paint for your baby’s room, ensure they are non-toxic and do not contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Your child might contract health problems due to this.
You don’t want your children to experience headaches, nausea, and other respiratory problems just because of the paint used!
Instead, buy paints that are labeled as non-VOC or low-VOC. Make sure to have proper ventilation as well during and after painting.
4. Buy Energy-Saving Products such as LED
To reduce energy consumption, opt for energy-saving products to lessen your carbon footprint.
You might consider using LED bulbs for your child’s nursery because it uses 75% less energy than conventional lights. LED bulbs also last up to 25 times longer than regular ones.
Also, consider installing dimmers or using table lamps instead of bright lights to create a nice and cozy atmosphere in the nursery.
5. Work on a Minimalist Lifestyle
It may be tempting to buy every cute little thing you see, but it’s important to remember that your baby won’t need much early on.
Focus on getting the basics, like a comfortable mattress, a few soft blankets, and a car seat.
You can add more items as your green child grows and needs change. Keeping your nursery to a minimum will reduce waste and save money in the long run.
How to Choose the Best Eco-Friendly Baby Products & Toys?
Look for Organic Products
When shopping for baby products, choose those made from natural materials such as bamboo, cotton, or wool. These sustainable baby products are generally safer for kids and don’t contain pesticides or other harmful substances.
Avoid Plastic Products
Most plastics do not decompose. So, if possible, try opting for products made from natural materials for a more eco-friendly living.
Choose Wooden Toys
Wooden toys are eco-friendly and great alternatives to plastic toys! These are more durable and can also be passed down from one generation to the next!
Read the Label Before Buying
When buying baby products, read the labels thoroughly. Ensure the products are free from chemicals such as phthalates, BPA, and formaldehyde.
Opt for Second-Hand Items
If possible, buy second-hand baby products instead of brand-new ones, especially toys, and costumes. This doesn’t only reduce waste but is also a money saver. Especially since children easily outgrow their stuff.
Look for second-hand items online or at your local thrift store! You’ll definitely find eco-friendly toys that your kid will like!
Encouraging Sustainable Habits in Your Child
As your green kids grow, raising them with the importance of sustainability and reducing waste in their minds is ideal. Here are eco-friendly parenting tips and sustainable living habits that you may want to instill in your child:
Use reusable bags when shopping.
When shopping, always bring reusable bags and wax wraps to reduce plastic bags so that your kids will emulate you when they grow up.
Let them carry a water bottle when going out.
Encourage your kids to bring their reusable water bottles along to reduce single-use plastic waste. This also lets them drink more water and stay hydrated when outdoors.
Turn off appliances when not in use.
Many electronic devices are not turned off even when no one is making use of them. Tell your children to turn them off when not in use to avoid wasting energy. Teach your child how important it is to save our planet’s resources!
Join clean-up drives with your child.
Let your child be environmentally aware by educating them about pollution and cleanliness. This can be done by letting your child join local clean-up drives at a nearby beach so that they’ll be more aware of the consequences of a polluted environment!
Go cycling when going to school.
Cycling to school is a great social activity for your kid! Your children can cycle with friends and hang out with them afterward.
Daily cycling is also a great way to improve your child’s muscle strength, which will be beneficial, especially in their growing years.
Go on outdoor activities with your child.
Immerse your child in nature! Plan a hike or bike ride with relatives or other families in the community. Teach your kids to bike, trek, hike, and walk safely.
Don’t forget to let your kids wear the proper gear for a safe adventure. Your kids will surely love the adventure!
Green Education: How to Teach Your Kids About the Environment & Nature Conservation
Lastly, teach your child to protect the environment at all costs. Use these eco-friendly parenting techniques and let them appreciate nature by doing these fun activities with them!
1. Go on a nature trip with your child.
Expose your child to nature by visiting parks, zoos, and nature reserves! Point out the different animals and plants that you see. You can also encourage them to gather leaves, rocks, or other materials to create natural indoor spaces.
These activities can help your child get interested and curious about the world.
2. Teach your child how to plant.
Plant a garden with your child to instill sustainable farming principles in them. They will also grasp the importance of pollinators such as butterflies and bees and how they help the environment.
You can also talk about how planting your food helps in reducing carbon footprints and improving health because everything produced is organic.
3. Watch educational shows about the environment together.
You can watch nature events together or read a book about the environment. This good eco-friendly bonding time is both educational and fun! It can help the family spend meaningful time together while learning more about environmental issues.
You can also use this as a segway to tell your children how to conserve our resources, reduce waste, and protect wildlife.
4. Join environmental organizations.
Volunteer with your child at a local environmental organization or beach clean-up. This exposes the child to developing responsibility toward the environment. This is also an opportunity for your child to be surrounded by people caring for the environment.
Make sure to join them because what else could be a better example than their parents doing it? Talk about eco-friendly parenting and leading by example!
5. Explain the importance of reducing their carbon footprint.
Tell your kids why they should eat less meat, use public transport, and shop locally whenever possible. Explain the importance and how these small actions can go a long way to help protect the planet.
Eating less meat, for example, helps in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. On the other hand, using public transportation instead of riding your private car reduces pollution.
Start Them Young!
Do you want eco-friendly kids that are environmentally aware? We at Omega Pediatrics do so too.
So, let us raise a green baby! With eco-friendly parenting techniques, we can help instill these values in our children that, in turn, will help make the world a greener place to live in. Start an eco-friendly family today.
Every small action counts! That’s why, if we start early, we will be able to raise a generation of people who are environmentally aware and socially responsible. So, make eco-friendly choices today for a better tomorrow!
Want to know more about what eco-friendly parenting does to your child? You may consult with Omega Pediatrics.
We, at Omega Pediatrics, truly care about your family and the environment. If you wish to have a pediatrician that will treat your child with the utmost care, book an appointment with us!
