We’re closing out Earth Month, and I think we can all agree that we have a beautiful home planet. Caring for our Earth has been a crucial topic for quite some time, but the push to combat climate change really feels like it’s gaining steam. In particular, I recently feel like I’m seeing the word “sustainability” everywhere. Clothing brands, restaurants, and airlines, to name a few examples, are all adopting more sustainable practices.
What exactly is sustainability you ask? The basic focus of sustainability is living your life in a way that meets your needs without causing environmental harm that will impact the future. Peaceful coexistence between humans and the Earth. This really hits home for me as a new parent. I feel more motivated now more than ever to be eco-friendly, because I want my children and future generations to be able experience the beauty of this world just as much as I have. I’m still learning a bit about all of this, so I decided to reach out to an expert to help me give you guys some easy ways to up your sustainability game!
While sustainability may be a new buzzword for many, for my friend Tania Arroyales it’s not just a trend, it’s a lifestyle. We met as part of a new mom group on the Upper West Side. Right away, I loved her page and how she incorporated sustainability into new motherhood. Tania began her sustainability journey in 2014, arriving in New York City with just one suitcase. Over the next few years, she moved from not buying anything for a year, to buying only second hand, and then finally incorporating sustainable brands. Tania’s all about using her voice to raise eco awareness and even went into politics to learn more about policy and regulations. Pretty darn impressive if you ask me!
If you’re a new parent like we are, or even just someone interested in doing more for the environment, trying to be eco-friendly can seem so daunting. So below, I asked Tania to help me bring you all easy and simple ways parents can incorporate sustainable living in five different categories. Every little bit counts!
1. CLOTHING
As your Instagram handle is @sustainablystylish, I have to start out by asking: What are some of your favorite ways to incorporate sustainable clothing into your little ones’ wardrobe?
Fashion is definitely a big aspect of my account. When I got pregnant, I knew I wanted to transfer that same type of living to my child. I use the same 3 ways I dress myself for baby Sebastian.
1. Thrifted – I would say 80% of his closet is thrifted or second hand (pass me downs from friends)
2. Only sustainable brands- 10% of his closet and they tend to be basic items I need to last and I always size up to ensure they last.
3. Renting- 10% here is where I can have fun! I tend to rent trendier stuff for him from brands I would not feel comfortable paying the price for ($90 for a sweater, eek!)
2. FEEDING
Do you have a helpful eco-friendly product or hack for nursing moms? For those with bigger kids, what about a product or hack that you find helpful and sustainable when it comes to toddler food?
I think the biggest hack I found for nursing was reusable freezer bags/trays and mason jars for bottles. That way you are reducing your plastic intake. You can also reuse those mason jars for baby food or general storage later.
Now that Sebs is a toddler my favorite hack is the reusable squeeze pouches! So easy to use and again reduces your plastic waste. One area I struggle with is snacks! One way to be sustainable is making your own snacks, but right now I don’t have time for that. It’s hard to find companies that package with less. So, that’s an area I’m looking forward to improving in as he gets older.
3. DIAPERING
Do you have any advice for those who want to try cloth diapering? What are your favorite sustainable brands for those who need disposable?
I went back and forth debating cloth vs disposable and at the end of my research it turned out that cloth diapers aren’t that much better for the environment. I also looked into the logistics: 1) I don’t have a washer and dryer at home, so cloth would be a pain, or 2) I could hire a service but that can get pricey. So, I went with disposable. As with anything, no decision is perfect.
From day one I’ve used Coterie and Dyper. I went 100% Dyper for their ReDyper option! They now take back your dirty diapers and ensure that they are being disposed properly. It’s a partnership with Terracyle, which I love! When diapers say they are biodegradable or compostable – that’s great! But most of the us don’t have the means or services to actually compost (no you can’t just throw them away and hope they compost in the land fields). So being able to send them off is great!
4. PLAYING
What about favorite sustainable toy options? Do you have any hacks for repurposing an everyday household item into a fun toy for babies?
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SECOND HAND! As with clothing 90% of Sebastian’s toys are second hand. I typically find them on Facebook marketplace or my building actually has an area where people can put items they are donating. I’ve gotten most of his books and toys that way.
He does have new toys as well and we tend to but from sustainable brands like Green Toys or ensure they aren’t plastic – so wooden toys. Another great way to be sustainable is buying local, skip the Amazon (I know it’s so easy) and go to your local mom and pop books store, pharmacy, or local toy store. There are so many options here on the Upper West Side!
5. PREPPING
You did such a great job designing your nursery with sustainability in mind! Can you share a way parents can add sustainability into their nursery designs?
Thank you! My main goal was reducing waste and plastic. I ensured that if I bought something, I knew the next way I would use it. It’s a trick I use when thinking of buying in general. I think through the life cycle of the item. Will I be able to reuse it? Resell it? Can it be used repurposed as something else? So, when thinking about my nursery I repurposed what I had! My blue beauty desk became my changing table. And instead of buying a rocking chair I added my old couch. I also bought sustainable materials like wood, bamboo etc.
At the end of the day babies create a lot of waste so don’t get discourage! One small change can make a huge impact, so start small and each month add a new way of consuming.
And there you have it! Some easy advice and simple tips on how you can make sustainability a part of your everyday life. The wonders of our world are infinite. If we want to it to thrive, we can all do a part in protecting the Earth, no matter how small. As well as the links Tania provided, check out some of my personal favorite sustainable brands and companies for the whole family below!
My Sustainable Favorites
Albee Baby – If you are an Upper West Sider, you must check out Albee if you want to shop local. They literally carry everything you can think of for babies. Albee is a family owned store that’s been around for over 100 years – my mom used to shop there for me!
Allbirds – Comfy shoes made from recycled materials and all natural fibers like Merino wool, sugarcane and trees! My husband and I each have about three pairs.
Monica & Andy – Super stylish kids clothes. They have the absolute best gift sets for newborns. Also a great place to #shoplocal if you’re on the Upper West Side.
Native Shoes – Affordable and classic shoes for the whole family. These sandals are great for EJ’s chunky feet!
Pact – Simple basics for the whole family in 100% organic cotton. I love the loungewear, and my husband loves their shirts. (WEARING ABOVE!)
Primary – Great for kids basics. We are big fans of the kids PJ’s. They fit our very tall little one really well, and have matching family sets!
Stasher – We used to go through plastic bags like crazy, especially now with a baby. Stasher reduces that need with their reusable silicone storage.
Thrive Market – A membership based online market where you can trust that what you are buying is from brands that are sustainable, fair-trade, organic and non-GMO. They have pantry items, wine, supplements, pet care, baby items, toiletries, the freshest frozen meats and fish – if you couldn’t tell, we are obsessed!! With the membership, you get 25-50% off retail prices. Thrive also is all about giving back, and matches each paid membership with a free membership for a family in need. You can also choose to donate a portion of your savings to send food directly to families in crisis. Click HERE for 25% off your first order!