25 Tips For Eco-Conscious Parents Starting Their Zero Waste Journey
The decision to reduce your household waste and shop ethically is an exciting one,
but it can also be quite overwhelming.
One of the hardest parts is the isolation when nobody around you feels any concern about plastic pollution and climate change.
This results in most people turning to strangers online for advice (which is great because the online community is wonderful).
But what if you're not confident enough to do that?
I asked 24 eco-friendly mums to share one piece of advice for parents starting out on their sustainable living journey and here is what they said (plus one bonus tip from me).
Tap to pin this to your eco Pinterest board to find other struggling parents:
25 tips to help eco-conscious parents starting their zero waste journey
Don't try to change everything at once. Pick a few things to focus on and change them. Then, once those things are established, pick a few more things to change - Helen
Find a way to limit what other people bring into your home for baby - Anna
You can get pretty much everything second hand on Facebook marketplace - Katherine.
Listen to everyone's advice, then do it your way. The journey is different for everyone - Abbie
Slow down and make the changes part of the fun. Cook together, do gardening together, pick litter together, go to the charity shop together - Tara
Don't be shy to chat about it to others. Find the balance of making it your normal conversation without coming across as pushy. The biggest thing we can do is raise awareness - Rebecca
Don't beat yourself up if you get overwhelmed or mess up. Remember it's a journey not an ending - Helen
Keep focused on why you're doing it and whenever you remind yourself there will be a sense of joy and purpose - Ellie
You don’t need to buy loads of eco products; it’s more important to focus on creating change at a higher level by emailing companies and joining campaigns - Joanne
A flower does not grow overnight. This journey requires patience and inspiration. Connect with likeminded people who are making steps and find them whenever you're doubting yourself - Camilla
Kids are truly more content with fewer choices so bare down with the toys and spend more time outside instead - Jess
Cloth diapers are not as difficult as you think. Get 2-3 dozen so you're not doing laundry every day - Emma
Think about where everything you buy will end up once you finish with it and if it’s landfill, being burnt or in the sea then ask yourself if you really need it or find an alternative - Heather
Remember to learn how people (usually overseas) are affected by issues, not just the environment or animals - Hannah
You don't have to do it perfectly. Find what works for you and make changes at your own pace - Rosie
Do what you can, let go of eco-guilt and continue to learn - Naomi
Buying new things for babies is so overrated! - Sophie
Decide on three items you're going to focus on, rather than everything - Laura
Don't compare your eco wins to people on social media. You only see a snapshot of their life - Kate
Check Ebay, Preloved, Depop and Gumtree before you buy something you need. Rotate toys so they keep feeling new - Ellie
Slow down and don't pressure yourself. Use up what you already have and don’t throw away the existing plastic in your home - Laney
Ask around about cloth nappies because people might have some they aren't using anymore - Jo
Go easy on yourself and focus on the wins instead of what you can’t change - Sofia
Teaching your child compassion for the natural world is a wonderful gift - Beth
Eco anxiety is incredibly common and can make you feel isolated. You aren’t alone - so many of us feeling the same. Hop over to Instagram, we have such a friendly, supportive community over there - Sustainably Lazy
I also have an article on coping with climate change anxiety. Always see your GP if you're concerned about your mental health.
I hope these tips have given you something to think about. If any of them stand out to you let me know in the comments below.
I’d love to hear any other tips you have for parents trying to live an eco-friendly lifestyle.