The small things you can do to reduce your impact will make a big difference
Recycle, save water, buy local, walk instead of drive, avoid chemical cleaners - these are just some of the tips suggested here to help you and your family reduce your footprint on our earth.
- Teach children about recycling by getting them to help you put rubbish in the right bin. Children learn through imitation and role play, so what better way to start teaching them about how to care for our planet than by doing it yourself?
- Turn the tap off when brushing their teeth. Children can be taught to value, respect and not waste our valuable water by not letting the water run.
- Use cloth or biodegradable nappies and wipes. More and more mums are using modern cloth nappies these days and that’s because they are easy to use, look stylish and are better for your baby’s skin and the environment. If you can’t be bothered with the washing then ensure you use an eco-friendly disposable nappy option.
- Don’t use your dryer, especially on sunny days. Instead hang out clothes on the line, the sun does wonders for your clothes and my three-year-old daughter loves to help me by passing me the pegs.
- Buy your food from your local farmers market or green grocer. Farmers markets are everywhere and if you haven’t been to one yet then you should check them out. Filled with fresh, locally produced fruit, veggies, bread, jams, chutneys and much more they are a great way to spend a Sunday morning. Your children will enjoy them too! Checkout this link to find your closest farmers market http://www.farmersmarkets.org.au/
- Walk to places more often instead of driving; it’s good for you, your baby and the environment.
- Use natural and organic cleaning and bath products instead of toxic, chemical cleaners that pollute our waterways.
- Go to op shops. You can find some amazingly gorgeous and unique baby clothes at op shops and they are a great money saver, particularly considering baby only wears them for such a short time.
- Breastfeed and you never have to worry about bottles, sterilising and formula. Again, it’s the best thing you could do for your baby and you save yourself a lot of hassle!
- Don’t waste the earth’s resources on mass-produced, plastic toys that contribute to landfill. Try to buy natural and eco friendly toys, join a toy library or buy toys from op shops.
* Tips courtesy of Melinda Bito, Eco Toys director. Eco Toys is a family owned business that is committed to providing safe, natural and non-toxic toys for babies and children. We are leading the way with our range of eco friendly and healthy toys including; organic cotton baby teethers, rattles, handmade dolls and beautiful wooden toys crafted from sustainable timber sources and safe, lead-free paints. www.ecotoys.com.au
Chat to other EB members in our Environment forum.
