Top 10 Ways to Raise Your Sustainable Family

This list was put together just off the top of my head and could go on and on.  However, if you're looking for some ways to live a bit more sustainable, here's a good start. I'd love your additions in the comment section!

Top 10 Sustainable Living Ideas for your Family

1. Start with your baby.  It’s easy to bring in a lot of excess “stuff” when baby comes.  Looks for ways to reduce (avoid a lot of unnecessary baby gear), look to reuse as much as possible (cloth diapers, used clothing)), and find creative ways to “upcycle” what you already have around the house that you might just recycle.  For instance, baby wipes containers can be used for storage of many items around the house.

2. Skip plastic and work toward getting it out of your house.  Even with BPA regulations, we don’t know the harmful impact of BPA alternatives are right now. Glass, stainless steel, silicone, wood materials are a worthwhile investment.

3. Eat in season and try to rely on your farmer’s markets for your produce.  Less miles traveled, the food is fresher, it supports your local economy.

4. Try and eat as much organic as possible.  Memorize the “Dirty dozen” fruits and vegetables and make that a starting point.

5. Look for ways to reduce your water consumption: turning off water while brushing teeth and washing face, hang dry clothes, don’t shower everyday, purchase water savers in toilets and shower heads that turn off.

6. Compost your food scraps.  It will be your fertilizer for your garden.  It reduces waste in your trash.

7. Grow an organic garden.  It will save you money, it is great exercise, it helps you appreciate where your food comes from, and skip the pesticides.

8. Weatherize your home.  Keep drafts out of your home by sealing your windows and underneath your doors.  Insulate your heater coils. You’ll save money, you’ll be more comfortable, and you won’t be wasting money.

9. Invest in energy efficient household items.  Sometimes cities will offer rebate, look for good sales.

10. Purchase in bulk as much as possible but pay attention to how the bulk items are packaged.  A lot of bulk items that make items in “portioned sizes” use a lot of excess packaging.  All this extra packaging is unnecessary.

BONUS: Avoid purchasing any single use item as a rule of thumb.  It’s usually more expensive and all that packaging will be trash for a long time for one use.  

Peace,

Jen Starks, Owner www.ecologicalbabies.com ecologicalbabies@gmail.com 574.275.1235