Scientists predict that by 2030, some of the effects of climate change could be irreversible, which means we have less than 8 years to create major change. Unless we can make these changes now, I will likely see the effects of climate change in my lifetime but this will be worse for younger and future generations.
As a Mum of 3, this is frightening. I know I am not alone in feeling a greater sense of responsibility as a Mum, to do everything I can in both my personal life as a sustainable parent and through the KeriKit environmental commitment, to help preserve our beautiful planet for our children. But it isn’t all doom and gloom because there is still time and we are not powerless. Continue reading for ideas and inspiration for how we can make small changes to be a more sustainable parent in 2022 and really make a difference.
Teaching your Children about the Environment in 2022
Knowledge is power and climate change is one of the most pressing issues that will affect our children, so we need to be teaching them about why looking after the environment is so important and why we should all have respect for it. There are so many benefits of spending time outdoors in nature with your children and this also presents an opportunity for your children to learn about nature and the impact of human activity. You could also take part in activities such as picking up litter together or creating a bug hotel to support biodiversity and show your children that they can get involved and have a positive impact on the environment.
Being an Environmentally-Conscious Role Model for your Children in 2022
As a Mum or guardian, you have a huge opportunity to help your children to be the best that they can be in life by being a positive role model in all aspects of life, including your commitment to sustainability. How you behave sends signals to your children about what you approve of, so there is little point in teaching your children all about the importance of protecting the environment if you yourself are not an environmentally-conscious role model.
One such example of being an environmentally-conscious role model for your children includes buying high-quality products that will last a lifetime. The long-lasting nature of our Amber luxury changing backpack is one of the reasons why it is a firm favourite amongst Mums (as well as the fact that it is a stylish accessory and has practical pockets for all of your baby changing essentials). Plus, to make your KeriKit purchase as sustainable as possible, we will plant a tree for every bag sold, to help offset the carbon of your purchase. Our bags last a lifetime, so if your journey with your KeriKit bag has come to an end, you can donate your pre-loved bag to Smartworks, a charity supporting women to get back into work, and as a thank you, we will give you 15% off your next purchase.
By making a commitment to be more sustainable, both in your parenting and purchases, you will become an environmentally-conscious role model for your children and can inspire them to do the same.
7 Easy Ways to be a more Sustainable Parent in 2022
Educating your children and being an environmentally-conscious role model are important parts of sustainable parenting in 2022, but we can also take the following steps to reduce waste and protect the planet…
- Use reusable nappies. It might seem easier to use disposable nappies, but with babies using an average of 6000 nappies before they are potty trained, once you get into a routine and are used to reusable nappies, they can save not just a huge amount of plastic, but also money. What’s more, reusable nappies are easily transportable, especially in our Kerikit Baby Changing Bags.
- Buy natural or eco-friendly laundry detergent. Natural laundry detergents are much kinder to the skin of young children and are also less harmful once they get into the water system.
- Try to buy second-hand furniture, especially when it is for your child as they will grow out of it and so do not need a brand-new product. Pre-loved items are likely to be good quality and probably cheaper than new, lower quality furniture.
- Cook instead of buying pre-prepared meals. Cooking from scratch will make you use less single-use packaging and is likely to be more nutritionally beneficial for your child. Even if you are on the go, you can still take a packed lunch for the whole family in your KeriKit bag.
- Get toys that are made from wood or other natural products and avoid those made from cheap plastics (even if they are free).
- Become part of a clothes swapping group – as children grow constantly, it makes no environmental or financial sense to have to keep buying new clothes. By buying pre-loved clothes or swapping the clothes that your children have grown out of for new ones, you will be resisting the urge to support the fast fashion industry and will also save money.
- Try to buy items for your children that are made from bamboo, such as clothes or nappies. Bamboo requires much less water consumption than is required to make than other fabrics such as cotton, whilst remaining a high-quality fabric.
Sustainable Parenting in 2022
Every little step to be more sustainable adds up and every little step counts. Your journey to sustainable parenting in 2022 isn’t just about you - get the whole family involved so that everybody understands what is going on and why. The first step to becoming a more sustainable parent in 2022 is deciding to make a change, so decide right now: what one change are you going to commit to making? Let me know in the comments below and let's support each other!
Love always,
Keri x
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