Green parenting, eco parenting, natural parenting. Call it what you will, but like planking and texting, these terms simply didn’t exist three generations ago. Back then, the home thrift skills learned during the Great Depression ensured that green parenting was the norm.
Somehow between then and now, the influx of products to make our lives more convenient has also made our lives more wasteful. Disposable nappies and wipes, baby food jars, formula tins and cheap plastic toys are all consumed in astronomical daily quantities. Common products used in and around the home expose our children to chemicals early in their lives. Our family budgets and the health of our children and environment are paying the cost of this throw-away culture.
Improved environmental awareness, and perhaps the GFC thrown in there for good measure, has provided catalyst for the growing trend towards green parenting, and what perfect timing. With Australia’s birth rate hitting a record 296,600 births in 20081, the need for a shift towards eco parenting is now.
For those unfamiliar with the term, green parenting is simply rearing a child or children with consideration of the environmental impacts. Green parents may be more likely to use cloth nappies, make their own baby food (often from home-grown produce), breastfeed where possible, wear their baby in a sling or carrier, dress their children in natural fibres (including second hand or handmade clothing), actively reduce their children’s exposure to chemicals and rely less on a large quantity of toys to entertain baby.
The benefits of eco parenting extend well beyond easing the pressure on our environment. Families who employ eco parenting principles usually enjoy better health and find they can easily survive on one income.
For ongoing inspiration and information on eco parenting, follow the Sustainababy blog (where you can subscribe to receive your FREE Eco Parenting Guide) and like us on Facebook to receive your daily eco parenting tips.
Good luck with your green parenting journey!
About the author:Laura Trotta (BEng (Enviro), MSc (Enviro Chem)) is an eco mum, environmental engineer and founder of www.sustainababy.com.au. She lives in regional South Australia with her husband Paul and son, Matthew.
__small.png)
