I am writing this post not as an expert in sustainability, but as a mother of three striving to become more sustainable.
If you’ve been reading my content for a while, you will know that I am a huge believer in starting where you are at. Small changes inevitably lead to big results over time.
My own reasons for starting our journey to becoming more sustainable were threefold:
- I wanted to be a role model to my children and teach my children about the importance of taking care of the environment so that they could adopt (and then pass down) good habits.
- I was sick of all the waste we produced as a family of 5 – whilst we have recycled for years, we had so much plastic to recycle each week.
- Cost was also a huge factor: throwing out expired food seemed extremely wasteful, especially with rising food costs.
How we got started
Our own journey to becoming more sustainable started approximately 6 years ago. We took things step by step to avoid becoming overwhelmed:
5 swaps we made:
- We swapped flimsy lunchboxes for durable bento style boxes. Whilst they are more pricey, they last the distance.
- We stopped buying plastic water bottles and now take our Kleen Kanteen drink bottles with us everywhere.
- We swapped out cling film for beeswax wraps.
- Instead of taking the car on short journeys, we either walk, cycle or take public transport.
- We instilled good habits around turning off lights and electronics when they aren’t in use
10 sustainable living tips for families:
Reduce single-use plastics:
Encourage the use of reusable water bottles, shopping bags, and containers to reduce plastic waste.
Conserve Energy:
Teach children to turn off lights and electronics when not in use, and to conserve water by fixing leaks and taking shorter showers.
Support Local and Organic Agriculture:
Buy fresh, local produce and products that are grown organically to reduce carbon emissions from transportation and support sustainable agriculture practices.
Use Public Transportation or Carpool:
Consider taking public transportation, carpooling, or biking instead of driving alone to reduce carbon emissions.
Reduce Food Waste:
Plan meals, save leftovers, and compost food scraps to reduce food waste and its impact on the environment.
Shop Second-hand:
Buy second-hand clothing, toys, and furniture instead of buying new items, to reduce waste and conserve resources.
Use Reusable Cleaning Products:
Choose reusable cleaning cloths, mops, and other cleaning products instead of disposable options to reduce waste and chemicals in the environment.
Plant a Garden:
Encourage children to get outside and get their hands dirty by planting a vegetable or herb garden.
Support Renewable Energy:
Advocate for renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power, and invest in renewable energy for your own home if possible.
Educate with books:
Teach children about sustainability and the importance of taking care of the environment, so they can continue these practices into adulthood
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