10 Easy Ways to Reduce Waste with Baby

As Plastic Free July comes to an end it got us thinking about easy ways we can reduce our  plastic/ waste everyday!

Soon single use plastics will be banned (think straws, plastic lids and plastic bags) so thinking of alternatives or starting to change your habits will make this ban less of a shock. We have noticed some changes at our favourite restaurants who have switched to paper or even no straws, candy spoons instead of plastic spoons for ice cream and discounts if you bring your own cup or travel mug.

At first it can be difficult and a little overwhelming to think of ways to help reduce waste and single use plastics, especially as a family with a baby or young children. The fact is when you are busy you want convenience, but making these changes doesn’t have to be hard. The best part is, even little changes can make a big impact!

Here are some of our 10 favourite ways to use a little less:

1. Straws: opt for no straw. If you love straws or your kids need them to prevent a mess you can bring your own reusable straw, or just start using them at home as a first step!
2. Plastic bags: bring your own bags or totes to the store with you, this will also help you save money since there is a fee for bags at most stores now.
3. Bring reusable containers: many bulk stores now will allow you to fill up any clean container you bring in. Collect your mason jars to fill up with your favourite treats or baking supplies! The store will weigh your jars before you shop, which keeps the grocery bill low. Plus storing in glass will help your goods stay fresher, longer.
4. Reusable Mugs: Bring a travel mug to your favourite coffee place, they dont mind and as mentioned before, most will give you a discount (cha ching! You are saving money!)
5. Reusable water bottles: Have your kids pick out a reusable water bottle with their favourite character on it. They will drink more water and you, again, will save on buying plastic water bottles. This simple change will have a huge impact!
6. Reusable lunch containers: Try packing lunch for your children and yourself in reusable containers. Have your children get involved and see if they can find something in their lunch that can be swapped for a reusable item. Also, using reusable baby food pouches are all the convenience for baby on-the-go but no waste!
7. Cloth diapers: check out our blog all about reusable diapers. If that isn’t right for your family, try reusable swim diapers. They are easy and not much fuss, you will be saving the landfills from those few swim diapers and that will add up!
8. Toys: Opt for eco friendly toys such as wooden teethers, wooden toys and biodegradable activities. Most of these toys are a safer alternative, so your baby isn’t ingesting harmful chemicals.
9. For the ladies: Ditch the tampons and plastic panty liners. There are many health benefits to avoiding single use plastics. Reusable menstrual cups are comfortable and convenient and panty liners with fun fabrics, can make your period plastic free.
10. Soaps: Have you tried shampoo bars yet? With a few on the market claiming to last 80+ hair washes and leaving your hair silky smooth this is  wonderful economical choice at reducing plastic waste in your household. Also, ditch liquid soap and visit your farmers market where you can pick up some homemade bar soaps. This will also help you support your local makers!

When in doubt remember your 3 R’s. Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. Have fun with it and involve your family. A little goes a long way! Have some tips to help families stick to their reducing waste goals? Let us know in the comments below.