How to Be a Zero Waste Parent Without Losing Your Mind
In America’s “linear economy,” where products are designed for one-time use before they are thrown away, achieving “zero waste” is nearly impossible without a dedicated life. This is a particularly challenging proposition for busy parents who don’t have time to make custom-made yoghurt for picky kids who will simply argue it’s “weird.”
So let’s manage expectations by first calling these tips “low waste” or better yet, “lower waste.” We’re not going to successfully change all of our consumption habits overnight and produce one tiny wastebasket per week (especially if you live with little gremlins who need goldfish crackers on demand).
But while this may seem far-fetched at first glance, there are some relatively painless ways to reduce waste while raising babies.
Save the shine for school
One of our personal favorites, the proposal to ban “fun” art projects in your home is a breath of fresh air. (I didn’t personally do this, but got indirect relief when others explained this technique.) Consider a policy where art projects, including glitter, scent stickers, pipe cleaners, felt balls, and confetti, are reserved for school or friends’ homes. … You can still let your child walk around with scissors, paper (more on that below), and naturally occurring objects such as leaves and pine cones. Just imagine non-shiny floors and extra cabinet space.
Dispose of paper
It seems obvious, but: don’t throw away paper that has been used on one side only. Whenever kids come home with a bunch of completed school assignments, save what you need and store the rest in a paper box for use throughout the year. (It’s the same with cumbersome one-sided printouts from your office.)
Buy experience, not things
Does your child really need another Twisty Pet or 327 Lego pieces? Instead of the usual flood of toys on special occasions, consider buying them a membership to your local museum, aquarium, or amusement park. As they grow older, their experiences can move to concerts and sports. (Note: It is helpful to pass on the request to family and friends to do the same.)
Use reusable plastic bags and containers.
Using small plastic containers for your kids’ daily sandwiches and snacks (instead of fresh Ziploc) can go a long way in reducing plastic bag waste. After you carry your apple wedges, pretzels or Cheez-it with you, all they need is a quick rinse at the end of the day.
Make your own postcards and wrapping paper
Instead of spending $ 5 on baby greeting cards that last about ten seconds, help your wallet and our dumpsters by asking your child to make homemade cards. If anything, there really isn’t anything cuter or more appropriate for celebrating a five year old than a one-sided childish drawing of a birthday cake with infinity candles. (And a roll of brown meat paper is the perfect backdrop for a creative and functional brown paper designed for kids.)
Buy used (or don’t buy at all)
When it comes to toys, clothes, shoes and books (which babies grow in a few months), from a low-waste or financial point of view, it doesn’t make sense to buy new items. Browse your local thrift stores, yard sales, Goodwill, Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace, or create a toy and clothing exchange with friends to minimize the clutter and expense of all those Paw Patrol PJs and Magna-Tiles.
Use a scoop for the bulk material hopper
This does not mean removing the pirate loot passage at Costco (although we will not judge if you do). This means using the bulk of the grocery store to store all of the grains, nuts, legumes, flour, and snacks like sesame sticks and chocolate energy balls. (If you continue on the zero-waste path, you’ll find stores that offer everything in bulk, from laundry detergent to honey.) Bonus? Children love to use the spatula in grocery store containers.
Bring your bags to the grocery store
One of the simplest things you can do to reduce your environmental impact is to reduce your use of single-use plastic bags (which Americans use over 100 billion annually). Instead of putting two items in an oversized Target bag, keep your own supply of plastic, paper and cotton bags ready to use on every shopping trip. (Extra points if you really remember to get them out of the car before heading to the store.)
Make your own cleaning products
If you’re like me and the smell of strong bleaches irritates your nose and throat, you now have two reasons to make your own cleaners. Not only will you improve your breathing, but you will also reduce the wrapping around the house. Start small: Skip the store spray and make your own with vinegar, water, and a few drops of lemon-scented essential oil. Click here for more information on natural cleaning products .
Without broader support from business and government, the individual consumer will be forced to work with zero waste. But we can all make small changes to reduce our environmental impact.