No plastic baby: 10 ways for a plastic-free childhood

Food, LIFESTYLE, Motherhood, Must haves

If we want to leave a better world for our kids, we need to start teaching them ways to make one.

Unfortunately, our generation has grown up around plastic. And today we live with plastic pollution and need to find a quick solution on how to keep our earth healthy.

Once you get involved with the topic and try to reduce your plastic footprint, you will learn that parenthood can be a real ‘tough nut to crack’ in this department. Single-use plastics (think bags, bottles, and straws…) are the major source of pollution. We actually dispose of 50 billion plastic bottles every year and had to ban plastic bags because of the damage they cause to the environment.

Plastic does degrade, but it can take around 500-1,000 years. And once it breaks down into tiny particles, you will find them floating through the ocean and endanger marine life.

Teaching your children the importance of eliminating plastic and being a great example from the very beginning is the best thing we can do for our future. Get your children involved and help them adopt new, more eco-friendly habits that they can carry very well into adulthood.

Here are 10 ways for a plastic-free childhood:

 

1. Reusable Straws

The UK is banning plastic straws and there are alternatives like metal, bamboo or even glass. The later not for babies and young children, please. Look at these cute rainbow metal straws for example, who would miss the boring plastic ones? Or how about this set of colourful silicone straws? Adding a big touch of fun to your drink!
Just make sure to clean them properly after each use.

2. Reusable water bottles

A reusable water bottle is a total must-have for everyone. Have it in the stroller for thirsty breastfeeding sessions or put it in your kids’ backpack to bring to school. Football training, days out… you name it.
Please do not buy plastic bottles from the corner shop and bring your own. Thank you!

3. Glass baby bottles

Have a look at the designs from Life Factory and you will be sold on the baby glass bottle idea. Trust us!
Made from shock-resistant borosilicate glass, very stylish, toxin-free and they can take boiling water. They are very easy to clean and you can find very cute matching bowls too.

Wrap snacks and lunches in paper or beeswax wraps

Image: Beeswax wrap

4. Wrap snacks and lunches in paper or beeswax wraps

No more snacks or school lunches in plastic zip bags. And no more juice boxes, because the water in that reusable bottle (check point 2) is healthier anyway.
For the sandwich, you can use paper bags or beeswax wraps, especially when they are this cute. Reusable beeswax wraps are toxic-free, biodegradable, antibacterial, and 100% natural.
Or how about these reusable stasher bags? Made from pure food grade silicone, they are specifically designed to replace single-use plastic bags. When they come to the end of their long life, they are also 100% recyclable. Yes!
And for babies, we love reusable food pouches. The healthy planet pouches are loved by mums all over the world.

5. Package-free products

Go for soap instead of shower gel and have a tote bag with you when you go shopping. Grow your own herbs – they have these cool LED-light-powered greenhouses at IKEA so no need to wait for the sun. Buy as much as you can from your local market and find a plastic-free shop near you where you buy stuff like nuts, lentils etc in bulk. Directly into your container.
Hot tip: Check the Plastic Free Shop!

6. Green toys

Always buy sustainable, ethical, Fair-trade, and safe toys for your children. It may sound a bit ‘off the ground’ but good quality toys that are made from natural raw materials are made to last. And you can be sure that no toxins and other bad stuff will end up in your child’s mouth and hands. Toys should be fun, stimulating, as well as safe.

7. Cloth wipes and nappies

The waste generated by nappies and wipes every day is enormous. Try to include clothes nappies and wipes when possible. We understand that it may be a bit unrealistic at times, especially when out and about and with other kids in tow. But start at home and see how you get along.
We love these cute ultra soft bamboo wipes. And for nappies, we recommend these. There is a really good cloth nappy guide for you as well.

8. Reusable coffee cup

Mama needs her coffee. And what we said about water bottles goes for coffee cups too. With all the coffee shops and easy takeaway options, many many cups are singly used. Millions actually. Help the environment and buy a reusable cup. Most chains started to give a little discount when you come in with your own cup. Way to go!

9. Recycle

It seems so obvious, but recycle together with your children. Show them where you throw out the paper, the food waste or the glass jars. Explain to them why we need to recycle. Recycling reduces the need for more landfills and it saves energy which reduces greenhouse gas emissions, which helps to tackle climate change. And tell them what can be made from recycled plastic, like shoes, chairs or bags for example.

10. No more plastic on the table

Long live the days of plastic tableware because many wonderful lifestyle brands are now offering bamboo or silicone alternatives. Non-toxic and very stylish. We love the Ekobo range that makes every minimalist’ heart beat faster.

Looking for more sustainable ideas – how about these great wooden toys or these clean skincare brands for teens.

 

Slider: Areaware

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