Families For Life | 9 Ways to Live Sustainably as a Family
Trying to go green as a family can seem like a tall order. Experienced parents are all too familiar with the number of diapers and wet wipes they have demolished since day zero. Along the way, discarded toys, the endless laundry and taxi or car rides (efficiency is key when you have whiny toddlers in tow)all add to your carbon footprint.
But there are little ways we can all try to tread more lightly on planet Earth, and the great thing is the whole family can be involved too. What’s more, the kids will be familiar with the idea of sustainability since even preschools are ramping up efforts to spread awareness on the topic.
Baby’s coming!
It’s easy to go overboard when you (and your loved ones) are preparing to welcome a new member of the family.
1. Consider cloth diapers
These are reusable, which are great for the planet and your wallet. Some can last your kid for years and can be passed on to younger members of the family too.
2. Set up a gift registry
For anyone intending to send you a gift, direct them to your wish list. This way, you won’t end up with a ton of items that your baby doesn’t need.
3. Ask for hand-me-downs
Your friends are only too happy to declutter by passing on their pre-loved baby clothes.
The toddler years
This is the best time to start teaching children the importance of treating the environment with care – and most of the time, they’re only too eager to help!
4. Set up a recycling station at home
Have a bag or bin each for plastics, glass and paper, and get the little ones to sort out the thrash for you.
5. Get crafty
Make robots with boxes from your online shopping or get your children started on the art of origami with unwanted pieces of paper. These are great ways to spend downtime at home too.
6. The joy of giving
Instead of discarding old books and toys that are still in good condition, get junior to donate them to a charity or give them away to a younger child in the family.
All grown up
As the young ones start going to school and become more emotionally mature, they can take on a more active role in making sustainable living an everyday reality at home.
7. Time everyone’s showers
According to the Public Utilities Board (PUB), keeping your shower to 10 minutes can save up to 45 litres of water per person per day. Make the kids responsible for enforcing this at home.
8. Learn together
As a family, curate a selection of nature documentaries or shows on environment conservation and watch these together.
9. Quit gadget addiction
More screen time equates to more energy used. Impose a cut-off time for gadget use – this applies to you and your spouse too – and put your mobile phones and tablets away during meals.