/r/ZeroWasteParenting

Photograph via snooOG

For responsible parents who try to minimize the overall environmental impact of their children.

Being "zero waste" means that we adopt steps towards reducing personal waste and minimizing our environmental impact.

Our community places a major focus on the 5 R's: refuse, reduce, reuse, recycle, and rot. We practice this by reducing consumption, choosing reusable goods, recycling, composting, and helping each other improve.

We also recognize excess CO₂, other GHG emissions, and general resource usage as waste.

Just getting started? Check out the Zero Waste wiki!

Posting Rules

Related Subreddits

Think we could change or improve something? Send the mod team a message and we'll see what we can do!

/r/ZeroWasteParenting

4,395 Subscribers

9

RAOK: Box of Second Hand Baby Items

I just had my baby shower and was blessed with an over-abundance of items all within the same themes: clothes (of a variety of sizes), blankets, floor mats/baby gyms.

I asked that all gifts at my shower be second hand. I also asked that they mark their purchases on the registry so that there weren't duplicates. My guests followed half of those requests; the second hand half.

So I now wish to pass along my over-abundance to another family wishing to be zero waste.

Why not donate locally? Because my guests are on all the second hand gifting groups and I'm hoping to avoid hurt feelings ("Why is it my gift that is not the one they are keeping?").

We are having a boy, but the items are all gender neutral.

Shipping is on me in the Continental USA. Holler if you're interested.

2 Comments
2023/06/10
20:56 UTC

20

PSA: Once Upon A Farm is taking back pouches

The Once Upon a Farm pouches are the only consistent snack our toddler eats. I ended up getting a Terracycle baby food pouch recycle box but it's over $100. Now Once Upon a Farm is taking back their pouches using USPS medium size flat rate boxes.

https://onceuponafarmorganics.com/pages/pouchmailback?utm_medium=sms&utm_source=attentive&utm_campaign=Recyclops-Launch&externalId=5HLe3

2 Comments
2023/05/19
13:19 UTC

17

Zero Waste Baby Shower Registry

Hello! I want to have a baby shower but I would prefer if people donated their old baby stuff instead of giving me new baby stuff. Does anyone know how I could set up a registry so people know what is already being gifted to me? I would prefer not to end up with 10 high chairs or something crazy. I only know how to set up registries through stores and I just think that’s a waste when I know people have baby stuff they don’t know what to do with. I wouldn’t even mind if they found cute clothes while thrifting. Thanks!

24 Comments
2023/05/15
22:06 UTC

30

List for first time parents

We (24f, 30m) just found out we’re pregnant. We were not planning for it but this baby is far from unwanted. We’re both over the moon with excitement and just in a state of bliss since those two lines showed up. Neither one of us have children yet and it’s starting to hit me how much we need to learn in just 36 weeks. We are both on board with cloth diapers and nursing, but aside from that we are pretty ignorant as far as what the baby will need and what I will need/want as a first time mom. I searched this sub for a list of things that minimize impact but didn’t find any one specific list; so here I am reaching out to like-minded parents for some help. Maybe it will help future newbies too.

All responses appreciated, TYIA. I hope you all have a wonderful day!

39 Comments
2023/05/15
17:41 UTC

16

Pigtail ideas

My daughter has really fine short hair but I think it’s long enough to try tiny pigtails. I don’t want to use the small elastic bands because in my experience they’ve been one time use. Is there a less wasteful idea for hair ties when their hair is this fine?

9 Comments
2023/05/03
00:32 UTC

3

Waterproof Change Mat Cover?

My 2 year old has just pulled the plastic coating off of her change mat. With bubs number 2 on the way we were expecting to be able to use it for more years yet. Currently, any accidents will just absorb straight into the foam and be a pain to clean but I'm hesitant to throw out what is otherwise a perfectly good change mat.

Any suggestions of waterproof covers for change mats?

5 Comments
2023/05/02
21:03 UTC

15

Not a parent but...

It still confuses me as to, Why are we still producing plastics that we can't get rid of???? Insanity!

3 Comments
2023/04/29
23:41 UTC

30

How has parenthood changed your approach to sustainable living and online shopping?

Hey there, fellow parents! As a 35-year-old dad, I've been on this wild ride called parenthood, and let me tell you, it's been a game-changer. I've always considered myself eco-conscious, but ever since my little one arrived, I've found myself diving deep into the world of sustainable baby products.

Late-night research sessions became my new normal, as I spent hours reading reviews, comparing brands, and making sure the products I bought for my baby were eco-friendly. It's been overwhelming at times, but it's also made me more committed to making better choices for my family and the environment.

Parenthood has definitely shifted my priorities. I now lean towards buying second-hand items or supporting local, sustainable brands for my little one. It's been a real eye-opener, and I'm constantly learning about the impact our choices have on the environment.

So, I'm reaching out to you, my fellow parents! How has becoming a parent changed your sustainable lifestyle and online shopping habits? Do you also find yourself spending hours researching eco-friendly products? Have you become more conscious about the brands you support? Have your priorities shifted when it comes to buying online?

I could really use some help from the parenting community. If you have any tips, resources, or websites that you've found helpful for sustainable parenting and online shopping, please share them with me. I'm sure many of us would benefit from each other's experiences and knowledge. Thanks in advance, and I'm excited to read your stories and insights!

14 Comments
2023/04/26
17:52 UTC

5

Reusable Wipes Warmer

Does anyone use a reusable wipes warmer, tell me your thoughts and recommendations.

23 Comments
2023/04/22
21:05 UTC

8

Inherited a box of disposable plastic straws from MIL. Crafty ideas to put them to good use? I have a 2.5 yo

13 Comments
2023/04/21
21:01 UTC

17

Detangler recommendations for really thin toddler hair.

I have a 20mo kid with really thin hair. And it’s pretty new, up until like 18mo she was pretty bald. I do her hair every day otherwise it gets in her eyes, and I’m letting it grow so that she can decide what to do with it once she can talk (it’s easier to go from long to short than the other way around).
The thing is she wakes up with pretty bad tangles so we need some sort of detangler spray, my problem is most of may toiletries (Except for toothpaste) are either bought in refill stores or DIY, so idk what to get for her. Does anyone have any recommendations or recipes for a safe detangler?

11 Comments
2023/04/19
15:38 UTC

6

Old booster seats

2 Comments
2023/04/17
15:42 UTC

42

Need advice on encouraging children to make zero waste purchases with their own money

My oldest child is 5 and we are starting to discuss giving her an allowance. To be honest, right now I am somewhat against the idea because when she gets money (birthday, etc.) she tends to buy stuff that is junk- plastic toys she plays with once and never again, disposable items, etc. I do try to steer her away from those kinds of items in the store, but I feel conflicted. On one hand, it’s her money, she should be able to spend it how she wants, and it can also teach her important financial lessons about saving for what you really want vs. buying whatever junk you can afford for immediate gratification. On the other hand, limiting waste and minimizing plastic usage is important to me, and I want to instill those values in her as well.

So, how do you guys handle this situation? Do we let our kids find their own way into zero waste, or do we push them to align with our values from the beginning?

13 Comments
2023/04/14
01:55 UTC

5

You know those magic calligraphy fabrics you write on with water? Here's a recipe for a permanent ink that won't erase in a few seconds: 20 g of glycerine, 10 g of water, 0.12 mL of TWEEN 80 and 0.26 mL of benzyl alcohol. Add the ink to an empty marker and a few drops of water if not runny enough.

5 Comments
2023/04/12
15:26 UTC

92

“Sand” sensory bin from stale cheerios sitting in the pantry

7 Comments
2023/04/08
00:55 UTC

18

Zero waste Easter egg ideas?

Would love to hear your fun Easter ideas! Eggs, baskets, decorations, outfits, and whatever else you do

41 Comments
2023/04/01
15:12 UTC

6

What to do with completely knackered AIO cloth nappies?

We have about six all-in-one nappies from our stash that are just failing. The waterproof outer is no longer waterproof and they cannot function as nappies. But they're on their third kid so I feel that's fair enough!

Is there anything I can do with them or with the parts other than bin them? I am planning to cut the absorbent bit out and hem it as a booster, but what about the outer? I'm pretty crafty and handy, but I'm just stumped.

I should add, they plain white and a bit grey and stained so not especially aesthetic!

2 Comments
2023/03/26
16:21 UTC

18

Bath crayons

Im looking for bath crayon that dont have a plastic case I found the Honeysticks brand on Amazon, but a not insignificant number of reviews are reporting them as molding quickly and not coming off well Anybody have any recommendations? My kids love the plastic case Crayola ones we got for Christmas, but they're already almost used up.

7 Comments
2023/03/21
17:05 UTC

24

Kids party favors

Hey parents! Our oldest is turning four soon, and I don't want to put together bags of tiny plastic crap for the 10 kids at his party to take home. What party favors could we have that are cool and exciting for his fellow 4 and five year old friends, but that's also either consumable, or is actually a wanted/useful item?

I don't want to just skip the favors all together, because I don't want him to feel like part of the birthday ritual is missing. Help!

40 Comments
2023/03/21
03:10 UTC

36

TikTok showing a kids reusable party kit

13 Comments
2023/03/20
01:01 UTC

3

How to remove smell from plastic spice jars?

0 Comments
2023/03/17
14:46 UTC

14

Cloth nappy carbon footprint calculator

If you use or are thinking about using cloth nappies, check how much water, carbon, landfill and plastic you could save using this calculator. The figures are shocking

https://cubkind.com/pages/carbon-footprint-calculator

6 Comments
2023/03/17
06:08 UTC

6

cloth diapering question

Is it better to get compostable single-use bamboo liners or washable multi-use liners? I'm thinking both in terms of sustainability and waste generated/resources used to create and ship these items, as well as how to use them or remove them after use. TIA!

18 Comments
2023/03/15
16:02 UTC

5

Toothpaste

Has anyone researched or knows on any safety/ side effect issues of kids tooth paste? For ex One common kids tooth paste mentions on it only one component while same listed on some online sites mentions triclosan along with that one component . Triclosan is banned due to its side effects noticed later. Has anyone has observed or knows about it or source from where we can understand the components better .

7 Comments
2023/03/14
17:01 UTC

22

My boyfriend’s ex is saying their 4yo son will be bullied because I reuse takeout containers for his lunches

21 Comments
2023/03/14
13:37 UTC

21

Proud moment-seeing clothes I had passed along being passed along again

2 Comments
2023/03/09
16:21 UTC

5

small formula containers

5 Comments
2023/03/09
03:41 UTC

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