Thanks to years of hearing about the importance of going green from various sources like school, ads, debates, and signs, you probably want to make eco-friendly choices. But how can you make your home more sustainable for your family when you're on a tight budget and short on time?
Many tips focus on buying green cleaning products, cutting down on waste, and choosing sustainable items for your family and home. Going green involves adopting more earth-friendly habits, and while it's challenging with a baby, you can still take steps toward sustainability.
With tons of information online about this topic, this article aims to address specific questions that I, as a new mom, had trouble finding answers to.
The Big Problem of Sustainability
Let's talk about the big sustainability problem we're facing. If you're worried about going green with a baby, I totally get it. The stats from the Environmental Protection Agency in 2018 showed that the average American family generates 4.9 pounds of waste per person every day.
That data is from a few years ago, so we don't have the most current numbers yet. But just think about how many diapers you toss out daily with your little one. Now imagine all the babies born in the U.S. in 2023... That's a lot of diapers piling up in landfills, getting burned, or ending up as litter.
Every minute, about 300,000 disposable diapers are being added to our waste problem. It's a huge amount, but it's also something we can work on together to make a difference. Let's team up and find ways to tackle this challenge!
Consider investing in sustainable baby products
We are fortunate to have access to eco-friendly baby products nowadays, even though they may come at a higher price. When you consider the long-term value and durability of sustainable baby items, they often end up being a smart investment, especially if you have more than one child.
Our range of sustainable baby products at Granola Baby includes reusable diapers, organic cloth wipes, glass bottles, natural rubber pacifiers, wooden toys, and versatile items that are built to last.
Here at Granola Baby, we share your concerns about the environment and the overuse of plastic baby products. That's why we've made it our mission to offer a selection of high-quality, eco-conscious baby toys and essentials that will stand the test of time as your child grows.
Why not try using eco-friendly cleaning products?
Cleaning is so important, and the products you choose can make a big difference for both the environment and your family's health. Many everyday products are full of harmful chemicals, even ones that are labeled as "safe."
But what can you do as an alternative? Eco-friendly cleaning products can be pricey! While you may not find them at rock-bottom prices, you can save money by buying natural soap, detergent, and cleaning products in bulk every few months or going in on a bulk purchase with friends.
As a new mom, I had a lot of questions in this area. Here are three common questions answered to help you out.
What are the best options for eco-friendly natural soaps?
You might be able to discover a soap maker in your area who values sustainability. Don't hesitate to inquire about how they make their soap and the ingredients they include. If you enjoy the quality and your skin reacts well, consider asking about any discounts available for buying in bulk!
Ingredients commonly found in soap that are not environmentally friendly or beneficial for your health include:
| Ingredient | Problems |
| artificial, perfume, or natural fragrance | Frequently made from petroleum and could lead to skin irritations, allergies, hormone imbalances, or breathing problems. |
| artificial coloring | Some heavy metals can be absorbed through the skin. |
| sodium lauryl sulfate | A popular foaming agent that may cause skin irritation |
| triclosan and triclocarban | These products are often used for their antibacterial properties, but it's good to be aware that they could be harmful as they are likely carcinogens and may impact various parts of the body including the eyes, lungs, ears, thyroid, endocrine system, and reproductive system. |
| parabens | They could potentially be carcinogenic and cause irritation, fertility problems, or hormonal imbalances. |
| ethanolamines | DEA, MEA, and TEA can disrupt hormones. |
| dioxane | A chlorinated solvent stabilizer that can harm your organs |
| formaldehyde | Caution toxin, may cause skin irritation and could be harmful to health |
Once you dive into the world of soap ingredients, you might be surprised at the number of chemicals that could be harmful to your family's health and the environment lurking in your current products.
The good news is that many people are aware of this issue and have created businesses that prioritize more natural and responsible ingredients. From small businesses that craft castile soap to those using coconut or palm oil with essential oils, there are plenty of options available.
The key difference between soap recipes often boils down to the availability and affordability of natural resources for the soapmakers. Coconut oil, for example, is a popular choice for homemade soaps due to its cost-effectiveness compared to other oils.
If you have dry skin or allergies to coconut and palm oil, an olive oil-based soap like castile might be a great alternative for you. And if environmental sustainability is important to you, make sure to support soapmakers who share your values and inquire about the sourcing of their ingredients.
Have you heard about eco-friendly laundry detergents?
Great news! There are plenty of homemade laundry detergent recipes available online. However, not all of them are safe, effective, eco-friendly, or budget-friendly. It's a good idea to research where each ingredient comes from before committing to a specific recipe.
For instance, one common ingredient in homemade laundry detergent recipes is borax, which is a natural substance that is either mined from open-pit mines or harvested from dry lake beds. It's important to note that borax can be toxic to young children and can accumulate in your body through skin contact, inhalation (it's dusty to work with), or ingestion.
A quick and easy homemade laundry detergent alternative involves using washing soda and baking soda. You can also add about a 1/4 cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle for softer and fresher laundry.
Did you know that dryer sheets can be harmful to your family's health and the environment? Consider investing in three to six wool dryer balls instead. These can be used for years - simply toss them in the dryer with a load of laundry. If you miss the scent, add a few drops of essential oil to one of the dryer balls.
Where Can I Find Natural Cleaning Products?
If you're looking to save some money, you have a couple of options for cleaning your home. You can either look up DIY cleaning hacks and recipes online or check out companies that specialize in eco-friendly cleaning products.
If you're really trying to stick to a tight budget, gathering the key ingredients for homemade cleaning solutions is a great idea.
When you choose to create your own cleaning solutions, you might be pleasantly surprised by how affordable they can be. There are tons of resources out there - from YouTube tutorials to Pinterest boards and cleaning websites - that can help you find recipes using natural ingredients. Just keep in mind that most recipes are tailored to specific cleaning tasks, so you may need a few different solutions for different areas of your home.
Some common ingredients for DIY cleaners include:
- white vinegar
- lemon essential oil
- grapefruit essential oil
- orange essential oil
- baking soda
- washing soda
- castile soap
Consider purchasing these ingredients in bulk online to save money in the long run. If a bulk purchase isn't feasible right now, you could always consider pooling resources with friends and family or saving up towards each purchase instead.
Consider purchasing products for your home that are sustainable and eco-friendly
Finding sustainable house products can be a little pricey, as responsibly sourced materials tend to come with a higher cost. However, if you're committed to making eco-friendly choices, being savvy about your spending is key.
Don't worry, you don't have to break the bank. You can either get creative and DIY, shop secondhand, take advantage of sales on sustainable items, or even create a wishlist for loved ones to chip in. There are plenty of ways to make it work without sacrificing your budget or style.
And if making things or shopping isn't your thing, that's okay too. You can start saving up for quality sustainable products or simplify your life by embracing a minimalist approach. Not only will you free up some funds, but you'll also declutter your space and focus on what truly matters to you!
Is it safe to use natural wax candles around my baby?
Many people adore candles for the cozy atmosphere, delightful scents, and warm vibes they bring to a home. However, it's important to be cautious as some candles contain harmful ingredients that could pose risks to you, your little ones, and your furry friends. Opting for natural wax candles, such as soy wax or beeswax candles, might be a great compromise.
Beeswax is a lovely natural option that burns warmly and releases a gentle, sweet aroma when lit. It burns cleanly, making it a safe choice for families with babies. Unfortunately, the bee population is facing challenges, so beeswax candles can be a bit pricey.
Soy wax, on the other hand, is a slow-burning wax derived from quickly growing soybean plants, making it a sustainable choice. It is biodegradable and produces minimal smoke, ensuring a safe environment at home.
While soy wax is not entirely eco-friendly due to the extensive process it undergoes from bean to wax, such as harvesting, cleaning, and extraction, purchasing soy candles made in the Midwest can lessen the environmental impact compared to candles produced in other regions.
Is there a way for me to find products that are truly sustainable and eco-friendly?
It's hard to find household products that are completely eco-friendly, but that's just the reality of things. However, understanding the environmental impact of your family's belongings and daily habits is a positive first step.
You can make a difference by making small changes like choosing sustainable products from ethical brands, fixing things instead of throwing them away, repairing torn clothes, buying used items, and embracing a simpler lifestyle. The best part is, these choices can also save you money in the long run!
Reduce Food Waste
Did you know that millions of Americans struggle to have enough to eat every day? It's sad to think about, especially when we realize that the average American family throws away around three pounds of perfectly good food each week, adding up to a whopping 168 pounds a year (source).
It might surprise you to learn that according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), food waste makes up a significant 24% of all municipal waste. That's a lot of food going to waste!
But don't worry, there are plenty of easy ways to reduce your food waste. By planning your meals for the week ahead, avoiding buying too much perishable food, and opting to eat at home more often, you can make a big difference. If you're feeling extra green, consider starting a compost bin or keeping some chickens (where permitted) to help with kitchen scraps. It's a simple way to avoid sending your food waste to the landfill.
Reduce Water Usage
Did you know that Americans also waste a significant amount of water? The EPA mentions that leaks in a typical household, such as running toilets and leaky faucets, can lead to around 10,000 gallons of water being wasted each year.
In addition, many of us are unaware of the quantity of water we use daily. While most of us believe we use less than 100 gallons per day, the actual average is closer to 2,000 gallons.
This total includes the water used in producing everyday items like clothing and phones, as well as the water required to grow our food. Considering these factors, we might be surprised at how much water we actually consume!
To monitor your daily water usage at home, you can check your water bill and take measures to reduce it. For example, you could consider re-wearing your jeans, handwashing dishes instead of using the dishwasher, and finding ways to reuse pasta water.
To put it simply,
When you begin making your home more sustainable, you'll discover many exciting paths to explore and challenges to overcome. Don't worry, your family will still use resources, and unless you're living off-grid with a zero-waste approach, there will likely be some impact on the environment.
But don't fret! You can still protect your family's health and reduce your environmental footprint by learning about the ingredients in the products you use and their production processes. Investing in high-quality, durable products will benefit your family for a long time. So, where will you begin this journey?
