A zero-waste lifestyle can seem ideal, but many new parents think that adapting to a more sustainable lifestyle can be a challenge.
With so many new things to buy, like diapers, pads, wipes, and other baby products, it almost seems impossible to live in an eco-friendly way. And that’s not all.
The cost of purchasing all the necessary baby equipment can be quite high. It has been estimated that disposable diapers are the third-largest consumer item worldwide and an average family will spend around $70 every month for this necessary baby item.
Fortunately, there are several ways that parents can save money and the environment at the same time. Here are some zero-waste parenting tips for new moms and dads.
Choose Reusable Wipes
Investing in reusable cotton wipes can make a lot of difference to the monthly family budget. These wipes are high-quality, eco-friendly, and can be easily moistened with a little water in order to efficiently clean a baby’s skin.
They do not contain any of the chemicals or fragrances found in prepackaged wipe boxes and they are perfect for the sensitive skin of babies.
They can be used on the baby to clean their hands, face, or bottom and although cotton is the most popular choice of material, other good choices include wet bamboo, fleece, or velour.
Being reusable means that those wipes can be easily washed instead of being disposed of after a single use and thus, parents save a significant amount of money.
Use Cloth Diapers
Most parents choose to cut back on other essential baby items to afford diapers for their newborns. The cost of diapers is among the highest when raising a child.
Thankfully, making the switch to cloth diapers can help decrease this monthly cost considerably. Furthermore, the use of cloth diapers can not only save parents money but can also ensure that no skin irritations, like eczema, will make their appearance on the baby’s skin. In disposable diapers, several harmful chemicals are being used and some of them have been linked to health issues, like obesity, and endocrine disruption.
For example, TBT is a toxic pollutant contained in many disposable diapers that have been related to both health conditions mentioned above.
Cut up Old T-shirts
A very effective tip is to look for old cotton t-shirts, towels, or bed sheets that are not being used anymore. Cut up the fabric in small pieces and place them in a basket near the baby’s changeable.
That way, they can be used as a cleanup tool whenever needed without purchasing new stuff. There are also creative DIY ways to make fancy baby clothes, like turning old shirts into baby dresses. By doing that, old clothes that would normally go to landfills can be reused.
There are several things new moms and dads can do to avoid waste when a new member comes into the family. The most important tip to have in mind is to avoid disposable baby gear as much as possible, and alternatively invest in reusable items, made of eco-friendly and safe materials.
Planning ahead will help new parents save a lot of money. and following some easy zero-waste parenting tips can also help to save the Earth.
