This year’s global effort and theme to #BeatPlasticPollution on World Environmental Day (celebrated earlier this month) presented parents with a huge opportunity to play a role in ensuring a greener future for their children, given the important and influential role they play in families and within communities.
“We encourage all our parents to prioritise sustainability, embrace eco-friendly habits in their parenting journey starting with the small things like reducing plastics usage in line with this year’s theme”, says Ronald Govender DisChem Baby City FMCG Executive.
From the moment a baby arrives the use of plastic products in their day-to-day care is inevitable but by making conscious choices and opting for eco-friendly baby products, parents can reduce their environmental footprint and create a healthier world for future generations.
Govender proposes the following five easy steps as a start towards reducing plastic consumption and pollution.
- Recycled plastic
Consider choosing products or containers made of 100% recycled plastic. These products can range from, toys, and disposal nappy bags. Taking your household plastics for recycling is important for keeping plastics away from landfills. Avoid single use plastics, instead of using plastic bags to store or carry baby essentials, opt for reusable bags or containers made from materials like cotton or glass. These alternatives are washable and can be used repeatedly, reducing plastic waste.
- Buy in Bulk
Purchase baby essentials like diapers, wipes, and toiletries in bulk to reduce packaging waste. Look for bulk options instead of multiple small packages, you have a larger container or package, resulting in less overall plastic waste. Buying baby products in bulk reduces the need for frequent shopping trips, resulting in less transportation, fuel consumption, and greenhouse gas emissions. It also reduces the use of plastic bags and packaging for each shopping trip.
- Silicon baby products
Silicone baby utensils are eco-friendly due to their durability, reusability, and safety. They are durable and can withstand repeated use, reducing the need for frequent replacements and minimising waste. Being reusable, they also help decrease the demand for single-use plastic utensils, reducing plastic waste. Additionally, silicone is a non-toxic material free from harmful chemicals found in plastic, ensuring the safety of baby’s food.
- Washable reusable baby cloth diapers
Cloth diapers are becoming an increasingly popular sustainable option as they can be washed and reused. Cloth diapers are made of organic materials such as organic cotton or bamboo, which reduces a baby’s chance from getting any diaper rash, which keeps them comfortable and happy. The diapers can also be kept for future use or compose them or recycle them or pass them on to family members.
- Eco-Friendly Toys
When selecting toys, parents can look for eco-friendly options made from sustainable materials such as organic cotton, natural rubber, or wood. These toys are safer for babies and reduce plastic waste in the long run.
