Green Parenting 101: 7 Easy Things You Can Do Today

More people are embracing the “green parenting movement”, though they may call it different things. Sometimes they say that they want a more natural and organic lifestyle; others say that they want to be more “environmentally aware” and make eco-friendly choices. 

However, green parenting isn’t just good for the environment; it can also protect our child’s health. Dr. Alan Greene, author of Raising Baby Green and Feeding Baby Green, says: "When you look at the illnesses that are increasing, we're not just inheriting them. It's the change in our lifestyles, which means there are lifestyle answers that can tilt the odds in our child's favor." 
    
Grow your own food 
Urban gardening is now a big trend, and makes it possible for people who live in small city homes to grow their own vegetables. You can use pots or old soda bottles, and even hang them on the wall to save on space.

Don't have a green thumb? No problem. Start with low-maintenance herbs, or young seedlings so that you don’t have to start from scratch. 

Buy organic and natural when you can
You have probably seen organic fruits and vegetables, free-range poultry or eggs, or organic milk from cows that were not fed GMOs or feeds. It may be hard to completely shift to an all-natural and/or organic diet, but you can focus on what’s important to you.

For example, you can get organic milk because it is a huge part of a child’s diet. You can buy fresh fruits instead of canned juices, and make your own longganisa or tocino so you can limit preservatives. Wash vegetables well to remove trace pesticides.
   
Use eco-friendly items
Check labels and packaging to see if it’s biodegradable and environmentally-friendly. As much as possible, look for eco-friendly alternatives or make them at home. These have less chemicals and are made from natural ingredients, and once they’re thrown away, they won’t end up in landfills or pollute the ocean.  
  
Avoid single-use plastic 
Bring your own straw and utensils to restaurants. Bring your own tumbler or mug so you don’t have to buy bottled water. Use cloth diapers more often, and invest in washable pads, cotton swabs, facial wipes, etc. Not only do you limit your trash, but you save money that you can put into your family travel fund.  

Practice recycling 
Instead of throwing things away, think of possible ways to re-purpose things. Empty milk cans? Why not use it as plant pot or as DIY toy drums. You can also give your items to someone who can reuse it. 

Use hand-me-down clothes
Did you know that old fabrics and textiles take hundreds of years to decompose? Instead of throwing clothes away, or buying lots of clothes that you won’t use, give away clothes and buy preloved items online. I normally get the items at half the original price, but they’re still in excellent condition because they were only used once or twice by the seller

Zero-waste palengke day 
Always bring containers and eco-bags whenever you go to the grocery or palengke. Imagine how many plastic bags we avoid throwing away just by bringing our own containers for meat, seafood, and vegetables. 

Going green is not easy, and most of the time it is inconvenient. But when we remind ourselves why it’s important, and who we are doing it for (our kids and future grandkids) then it’s all worth it. 

Let’s keep reminding ourselves of our "WHY's" of living a green lifestyle, what the sacrifice and efforts are all for. What simple step can you do today?
 

Reference

About The Writer

Gracie Maulion

Mommy Gracie is a hands-on mom, small business owner and a mom blogger. She is a frugal and intentional living advocate, and believes that there’s joy in simplicity. She is also the founder of Tipid Living. Discover her tipid tips and other mommy hacks at www.tipidmommy.com. 

The views and opinions expressed by the writer are his/her own, and does not state or reflect those of Wyeth Nutrition and its principals.

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Thinking of getting your family into the organic lifestyle? Register to parenTeam and get advice from the experts!   NOTE: Select ORGANIC from the dropdown menu, 'Where did you hear about us?'.