Understanding how to be eco-conscious in this day and age is a concern for many parents. In fact, ITV once shared a story of parents who wanted to be eco-friendly for their children’s future. Aled Owen, a father from Carmarthenshire, made environmental changes to his family’s lifestyle after the birth of his first child. This included the installation of solar panels for energy and promising not to take planes for holidays. Owen wanted to ensure that he was caring for the planet so that his family could grow up in a better world.

Whether you’re willing to take extreme actions or are just starting out in your eco journey, a lot comes down to the purchasing decisions that we make. Anyone with young children will know that they need an awful lot of ‘stuff’, so it’s always worth looking for the sustainable option. Here are a few ideas to get started…

Clothing: Frugi

Toddlers quickly grow out of clothing. In terms of being donated, you may worry if they’re still good enough to be given away.  Frugi makes sustainable clothing for children made of recycled polyester. They are designed to last for years and through every activity, whether it be playing outdoors or splashing at the beach. You can rest assured that they will last for years to come and be good enough to be donated when your child outgrows them. Frugi is a brand dedicated to ethical fashion and product design, perfect for eco-conscious parents.

Pushchairs: iCandy

iCandy is a brand that has become very aware of its impact on the environment. They’ve been making products that stand the test of time and those that adapt to you and your child’s needs. This is so parents need not purchase too many items due to breakage or no longer being of use. iCandy’s pushchairs are adaptable and durable as they can be used from infancy to childhood with a few chair placement adjustments. They’re also multi-functional, as they can be converted from an ordinary pushchair to a travel system for any occasion. Lastly, their components—especially the tyres and canopy—are durable, made for off-road and outdoor use, so they’re not easily damaged. These pushchairs will survive toddlerhood, and can even be given away or donated after due to their robustness.

Pushchairs: Tiba + Marl

Tiba + Marl is a brand committed to sustainability by using eco materials like recycled polyester and compostable packaging. They also make products that are unisex, durable, vegan, and cruelty-free, such as the Tiba and Marl change bags and backpacks . These were made to intentionally not look like nappy bags, so they can be used for multiple purposes and until babies grow into toddlers and even pre-teen. Being unisex and having a classic design, these would be fit for your toddler no matter their gender or age. You can even use them yourself for work or running errands. These durable backpacks will be of use for a long time, reducing the need to purchase new bags.

Plastic alternatives: The Beeswax Wrap Co

In our post 10 Family-Friendly Tips for Eco-Living, we suggested packing waste-free lunches to cut down on waste. Beeswax wraps are one of the best options, as they are a reusable alternative to cling film. The Beeswax Wrap Co. was born out of the desire to use less plastic in the kitchen. The wraps are commonly made of cotton fabric infused with food-grade beeswax and rosin, providing grip and flexibility. They’re sustainable since they can be washed and air-dried for a whole year. It loses its grip then, but because it’s made of natural materials, it can be composted. They’re also available in colourful prints for your kids’ enjoyment. Beeswax wraps are an eco-conscious way to pack and store your kids’ food, whether for school or at home.

As the pressure on us all to become more eco-friendly increases, parents have a responsibility to create the best future for their children. Enjoy discovering these eco-products and be sure to comment below with any additional suggestions…

Written by Shane Willis for It’s Our Planet Too.