Green parenting involves adopting a parenting style that causes minimal environmental damage. Being a green parent can be tough as it means doing away with a lot of the conveniences of modern parenting, but for those dedicated to reducing their carbon footprint, it can be very rewarding. Below are just some of the ways to become a green parent.

Breastfeed your baby (if possible)

Formula milk typically comes in disposable plastic containers and is processed in a factory. Breastfeeding is much more eco-friendly and a lot cheaper. Not all mothers can (or want) to breastfeed – if you think formula milk is the better option, it could be worth looking into more eco-friendly formula milk brands as a compromise.  

Make your own baby food

Instead of buying factory-processed baby food in disposable plastic containers, consider making your own baby food. DIY baby food will help you save the planet and save you money. You can find lots of organic DIY baby food recipes online. 

Choose cloth diapers

Disposable diapers typically contain plastic and are very harmful to the environment. In recent years, there has been a comeback in reusable cloth diapers. Such diapers can be washed and reused and are therefore much more eco-friendly. Do your research online to find the best cloth diaper brands. 

Avoid disposable wipes

Most disposable baby wipes are made from a mixture of cotton and synthetic materials like polyester. This makes them technically a form of disposable plastic. While there are some 100% natural disposable wipe brands on the market, the most economical option is to simply use a wet cloth or tissue paper where possible.

Drive less

Just because you’ve got a kid doesn’t give you an excuse to drive everywhere. When making short local journeys, get into the habit of walking. Infants can be pushed around in a pram or carried in a sling. Toddlers can be encouraged to walk or give a scooter. Drive only when you really need to. By using less fuel, you’ll be preserving fossil fuels and reducing carbon emissions. 

Use green cleaning products

Kids have a tendency to make a bit of a mess. Instead of reaching for those harsh chemical products, consider using bio-friendly cleaning products where possible. Such products are less likely to produce pollutants such as VOCs. You can shop for bio-friendly cleaning products online. You can even make your own organic cleaning products. 

Buy second hand

New parents often fork out lots of money on brand new clothes and baby gear. In a few years, you’ll have no use for any of this. Instead of buying brand new, consider buying used clothes and equipment instead. This reduces the demand to manufacture new baby gear while prolonging the life of existing baby items. You’ll find many baby clothes and items of equipment for sale online that have barely been used, making them as good as buying brand new. Such clothes and equipment will also be a lot cheaper than buying brand new.