But some choices can make a positive...or negative...effect on the environment.
So let's look at a few of them (I'm sure you can find many more!):
Breastfeeding
An obvious first port of call, this:
Here's a nice page I found which explains how many ways you save the planet just by sitting on your settee!
Another page shows us exactly how much we could save in terms of resources if all formula-feeding mothers breastfed their children for the first 12 months (based on the USA).
Nappies
8 million "disposable" nappies are thrown away every day in the UK - about 5000 for each child over their lifetime! There has been a great deal of discussion in recent years about Cloth nappies vs. throwaway nappies, and the arguments either way are well-rehearsed! If you think carefully about the way you do your laundry and the effects you have on the environment, then cloth nappies will be a positive choice for you.
Obviously, the greenest way to buy cloth nappies is to buy them second-hand (many forums out there and it can be cheaper, too) or to invest in organic cotton, or Hemp:Cotton blends.
Flintshire Council has made some efforts to promote Real Nappies (Real nappy week 2009), and also see the advice site for all of Wales, or pass on the phone number (Wales Real Nappy Advice Line - 0845 456 2477) to anyone you know who doesn't have web access.
I previously linked here to other council's sites and complained that our Council has no incentive scheme/ info pages but now they have provided exactly this...!
So here is the link to Flintshire County Council's info page about real nappies. You can claim an incentive of up to £75 to give it a try with a range of companies, including local advice agents and a laundry service. Do call the number if you have any questions, they are very helpful.
The leaflet & application form is available in this Pdf. file.
The choices are endless, which can make us go for throwaway nappies as the easy option. It's important, then, to take the plunge! Do use one of the many services out there who are willing to provide free advice & let you "try before you buy" - often very cheaply. Why not let Goggle do the searching for you? See also a well-made site; Go Real.
Sanitary Wear
One of the advantages of breastfeeding is that the women will notice her periods take a good while longer to return. Which saves you money, faff, discomfort and also reduces waste. When your periods do return, why not consider changing how you view "sanitary wear" to a more sustainable way. Options include (examples are linked here, but there are others - see this site to read more):
- Organic cotton tampons - currently stocked in Oxfam shops amongst their new/fairtrade goods (see also the Natracare range of maternity pads & breast-pads)
- Washable sanitary towels (often supplied by real nappy agents, read more on Mumsnet: here. Do also consider lovely soft washable breast pads.)
- Mooncup (£20 incl postage, and you only need one, or available at larger Boots stores.)
Clothes, Toys... Stuff!
Anyone who has had week-end visitors with a baby in tow will know how much "stuff" a baby brings along. As much of it is used for such short times, they are excellent candidates for reuse. Whether you buy new & pass it on, or buy it second-third-fourth-hand is up to you and the resources available to you. It can be very satisfying to spend a little time & effort sourcing great toys, clothes, or equipment secondhand.
Obvious places to look - your local toddler group, other mums you already know, car boot sales/local fayres, the NCT regularly hold a sale in the area, Freecycle, Ebay, etc.
Your local breastfeeding support group can be a good source of reused items - we can ask around for you!
Positive Green choices for toys will include recycled materials, fairtrade goods, sustainable materials (why buy a plastic toy for 50p if it will break in 1 hour?), and many other features, too. Take a look & see what's available. Why not set up a wish-list for gifts from all your family & friends?!
Some choices online: The Hunger Site, Traidcraft, Ethical Superstore and finally, a Green Directory - for baby things, and for toys.
Try a lovely recycled fabric "Mr No Face", from RagBaby.
If you have friends or relatives who are handy with needles, why not let them know that your child would love a jumper or hat for the winter!
Read more on this topic here: "Step away from the Amazon list!"
Sustainable Savings
There are several ethical choices for banking which will bring about positive changes - the money you invest for your child's future (e.g. the baby bond) will have 18 years to make a difference if you make that choice now. Rates can be better than you think - click here, or Moneyfacts here to begin your research.
Transport
Babies are very portable on buses, and small children like nothing better than a trip on the top deck! Invest in a sling (can you find one second-hand?) and you will glide everywhere with ease. Get your hands back!!
Alternatively, why not look into investing in a trailer which you can tow behind your bike? A baby and a toddler can be carried into town with ease, so your investment can be used for many years, and then be sold on.
Food & Drink
When your baby starts to eat solids, of course there is no reason why they have to eat processed, over-packaged food. You can reduce costs & food-miles by growing your own organic fruit & veg. You could also use your local farmer's market (Celyn Market, or Wrexham Market) to stock up on gorgeous produce which all the family will thrive on!
You may also qualify for Healthy Start vouchers, which you can swap for fruit & veg at some local grocers.
Breastmilk is the ultimate in Slow Food - it has Zero Food Miles! After such a good start, continue the great work by thinking of ways to reduce the Food Miles in your family's diet (some resources here on the Cittaslow Mold site).
In the end, all these small choices add up to a change for the good. They also set an example to your child, perhaps beginning a lifetime habit! Tell your friends about resources you have discovered so that we all have the information we need to make a positive choice.
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