Family Guide to Reducing Waste & Sustainable Living
Realistic tips for a lower-waste lifestyle.
Trying to live more sustainably might feel like a daunting task, especially for us urban dwellers. We are all so busy, it often feels as though we have to choose between convenience and sustainability. I know I did! But in truth, a few thoughtful changes made a huge difference for my entire family. As parents, nurturing a sustainable lifestyle not only benefits the planet but also sets an invaluable example for your children and, above all, keeps them healthy by reducing exposure to toxins.
Here’s how you can make your family's transition to reducing waste, toxins, and living more sustainably more manageable and *gasp* fun.
What does Sustainable Living Even Mean?
When we say “sustainable living”, we mean a lifestyle that aims to reduce our environmental impact by making choices that are mindful of the planet's finite resources. But the benefits go far beyond that. Being more environmentally conscious has ripple effects on your family’s overall health and well-being, from avoiding toxic products that can cause long term health problems to saving money by reducing food waste and over purchasing.
Here are some easy tips you can begin to implement right away. Don’t get overwhelmed by feeling like you have to change everything overnight. Rather, think of this list as a guide. Pick out which work best for your lifestyle and work on them one at a time.
Reduce Single-Use Plastics
Plastic Audit:
Start by conducting a “plastic audit” at home. Look around your kitchen, bathroom, and kids’ play areas for single-use plastics. Single-use items, such as water bottles, plastic bags, and utensils, can easily be swapped for sustainable alternatives.
Invest in Reusables:
Replace plastic water bottles with stainless steel or glass bottles. Encourage each family member to personalize their bottle for added fun (I love Mabels Labels - they even withstand the dishwasher). For snacks and lunches, opt for reusable snack bags.
Shop Smarter:
Make a conscious choice to minimize purchasing packaged snacks. Not only are they wasteful, but it’s really easy to make at-home versions that are healthier and cheaper. Try my homemade snack pouches to start. These are so easy, packed with nutrients, and you can make a whole batch in bulk to serve for breakfast or in school lunches. Prep fruits and veggies at the top of the week and add them to your snack bags. For the older kids and parents, start a weekly challenge to see make dinner out of what’s left in the fridge. You’d be surprised at how creative and good this can be with a bit of practice.
Start a Family Composting Routine
Composting turns your family's food scraps into nutrient-rich soil. It's a fantastic way to reduce your carbon footprint and learn about nature together. This took me forever to implement because I had convinced myself that it would be way too hard, but now that I’ve started it’s nowhere near as scary as I thought it would be and I cannot imagine life without it! Plus - you get organic, natural soil right at home to grow your own garden.
Start Simple:
Set up a compost bin in your backyard. I have the mini subpod. I love this one because the size is small and manageable. I just add my food scraps 2-3 times a week and have a bin outside for cardboard I save from packages.
Get Kids Involved:
The best part about composting has been involving my 2 year old. He loves to go “feed the worms”. It has become a fun activity for us to do together, while also providing an opportunity to teach him about the environment.
Set up an Efficient Recycling System
We know recycling is important, but we all get lazy. Set up a system so to make it simple and routine
Color-Coding Fun:
Create a colorful recycling station at home. Designate bins for paper, glass, and plastics. Use color-coded labels and encourage your kids to sort recyclables as a fun game.
Mindful Cooking
The kitchen is a room full of potential changes. Being more mindful about how you are cooking and dining habits can make a big difference. With some thoughtful planning, you can reduce waste and save more than you realize on your grocery bill.
Meal Planning:
Planning weekly meals can save you so much time with the daily grind, while also reducing food wastage and making grocery shopping more efficient. Check out my in-depth guide on how to meal prep here
Preserve Leftovers:
Use glass jars or beeswax wraps to store leftovers. This not only cuts down on food waste but also reduces your reliance on plastic storage options. But remember, if you are using plastic containers (like takeout containers), NEVER reheat food in them. They leach harmful microplastics into your food! I usually use last nights leftovers for school lunches.
A Fiscal Fast:
My husband is a natural cook and can pull something delicious together with whatever is in the fridge. He often likes to do what he calls a “fiscal fast”. This is when he goes into the fridge and pantry and pulls something together based just off what we already have. It’s a great way to get creative and use up that food that’s about to go bad. Not a chef? Throw what you have at ChatGPT - you’ll be amazed at what it comes up with. Lots of veggies about to go off? Roast them and blend with some broth for a delicious and healthy veggie puree.
Start a Friends Co-Op
With an infant and a toddler, I feel like my household is just constantly accumulating stuff! I try to be more mindful (only buying what I need, using lots of hand-me-downs for the baby) but it seems the “things” just keep piling up. One way I’ve addressed this, to much success, has been starting a friends co-op. I got together with a group of my mom friends and we constantly have baby products and kids clothes on rotation. This has been especially useful for baby products that you don’t have room to store but you also don’t want to have to re-purchase! I lent one friend my bassinet and stroller and then when I needed it for my second, she gave it back to me!
Takeaway
Transitioning to a lower-waste, sustainable lifestyle is empowering and educational, especially for kids. By taking these steps together, your family will not only contribute towards a healthier planet but also develop lasting values that prioritize resourcefulness and mindfulness. Start small, involve everyone, and reap the benefits!
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