As parents, it is safe to say we are always on the lookout for products that are better for our family. Whether you want to be more eco-friendly with your purchases, opt for more natural products, or even take the step to be more sustainable. There are many options available for you as parents to choose for your family that are not only better for you, but also kinder to the environment. Here’s more about sustainable family living.
Hygiene products
Hygiene products are part of daily life. The U.S. average is around $468 per household a year on the basics. This means there are a lot of products and packaging potentially going to landfill and many chemicals used in the process.
So, consider switching out your hair care products from bottles to more sustainable bars or shampoo, conditioner, and soap to cut down on the packaging used. Or, opt for recyclable refill packs to be more environmentally-friendly.
Bamboo toothbrushes are a great alternative to plastic ones too; they can then be composted when not needed anymore. Opt for natural toothpaste for your mouth when brushing your teeth and choose natural deodorant too.
Make upcycling part of sustainable family living
A change is as good as a rest, they say. So maybe instead of buying new furniture or accessories for your home, your family looks at ways to upcycle what you have to give it a new lease of life. If the issue is cosmetic and the item is still in good working order, then give it a fresh coat of paint, refresh the upholstery, or even repurpose it as something else to use around the home.
If you can’t upcycle the item, avoid sending it to landfills please! Donating it to a charitable organization can give the item to others who need it. Alternatively, donate it to family or friends who can still get use out of it. Giving household products a longer lifespan in whatever form they are in can contribute to its sustainability.
Capsule wardrobe
We’re not talking having the same eight items only in your wardrobe. Instead, think about having staple items that will see you through different seasons and outlast fashion trends.
It will be a good investment financially and ethically too. You can then choose pieces of clothing that don’t go out of style. But remember, if you want to practice sustainable family living, ask yourself whether you will wear it more than 30 times. If the answer is no, then carefully consider whether or not you still want to make the purchase.
Sustainable family living: Organic choices
If it is the chemicals you worry about, then opting for organic products will help you to eliminate those from your daily life. Buying organic means companies have to follow strict procedures to claim this accreditation, and you can be confident that fewer chemicals have been used in the process before it reaches your home.
You can buy most things organic now from food and drinks to clothing and household cleaners, all without compromising on quality or efficiency. If you are unsure if it is organic, ask the retailer or go direct to the manufacturer to check their credentials and organic status.
Do you support sustainable family living? What does that look like?