Environmental tips: Raising your very own bio baby
BETWEEN the nappies and the tonnes of plastic packaging children's toys come encased in, having children can test even the most environmentally-aware of us.
BETWEEN the nappies and the tonnes of plastic packaging children's toys come encased in, having children can test even the most environmentally-aware of us.But there are ways to give your children everything they need without taking too much from the planet.
Shona Kitchener (29) and her husband, Jez, have always been interested in green issues, and so, for them, having a daughter, Maisy (now 17 months), was the chance to pass on their passion to someone else.
Their green parenting started early, with Shona opting to try natal hypnotherapy to deal with some of the more uncomfortable elements of being pregnant, as well as with some of her labour.
After Maisy's birth, they have continued to be green in a number of ways.
Shona, from Whittlesey, uses a combination of biodegradable disposable nappies and washable ones, and uses biodegradable baby wipes.
Maisy is vegetarian, like her parents, and eats organic food. Shona breastfeeds, which she said people often don't realise is an eco choice.
"I don't suppose people think of that as being a green option, but there's no one producing powdered milk, there's no transport, there's no packaging." she said.
Shona doesn't use traditional washing powders, but instead opts for soap nuts, a natural product which still get the whole family's clothes clean.
Where possible, Shona buys second-hand toys and equipment from events such as the NCT nearly new sales.
When they do have to buy things new, the couple opt for quality rather than cheapness, hoping that investing in more expensive items will mean they last longer.
"We did buy a new pram, but we bought a good one that we will be able to use for all of our babies," Shona said.
But it has not always been easy.
"I was surprised when I had Maisy how much more effort it was to be green," Shona said. "Everything is designed to make your life easier, but not necessarily greener. It is easier to pick the more convenient option, but that is not always the greener one."
So while Shona fully embraces green living, she urges other parents to try their best but not to be too hard on themselves.
"Do what you can," she said. "Don't feel you've let yourself down by not managing to do everything. Just remember that every bit helps."
n Shona and a friend are setting up a natural parenting group to help other parents come together, share tips and support each other. This will start in July. For more information, call 07779 893703 or e-mail her on mail@barefoot mummy.com
Some great top tips for eco mothers
"Shop in charity shops, particularly for clothes which children quickly grow out of."
Jill Foster, mum of Ewan (two- and-a-half)
"Try cooking baby food at home rather than buying it from shops. This way you can control what goes in so it's all fresh ingredients and no preservatives. You can also select locally sourced ingredients and organic if you want to be extra eco.
"Make large batches of baby food and freeze them using ice-cube trays.
"This makes life easy for you if you're in a rush, and it helps with portioning. As your baby’s appetite increases, increase the number of ice-cube portions you give them.”
Sylvia King, mum of Ethan (8).
“Hold eco-birthday parties with locally-made cakes and biodegradable balloons. Avoid disposable cups and plates.”
Siobhan Brown, mum of Bryony (two-and-a-half) and William (one).
“Use cloth nappies instead of disposable ones, and always use reusable bags when you go shopping.”
Tammy Ferguson, mum of Harvey (one).
n Tell us your top tip for being an eco mum and you could win an eco-mum gift set, containing eco baby wipes and the Organic Baby and Toddler Cook Book by Lizzie Vann. E-mail your tips to nyree.ambarchian@ pect.net. Names will then be placed in a hat and a winner chosen.
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Wednesday 17 March 2010
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