Being environmentally aware

Through small, everyday actions, parents can help protect the environment.
Photo : Danielle Landry
Having a child and making green choices can seem complicated. Yet, through small, everyday actions, parents can help protect the environment.
If the environment is important to you, parenthood can be a time to reaffirm your values. However, you don’t have to put pressure on yourself. Do what you can and what’s important to you.
Active and public transport
If possible, you can get around using active transport like walking or cycling (see Taking baby for a walk). In addition to being environmentally friendly, this type of transportation can increase your physical and mental well-being.
You can also use public transport (e.g., bus, train, subway) or carpool. For more information, see Travelling safely.
Nutrition
At the table, you can focus on seasonal and local foods as well as plant-based proteins such as legumes and tofu (see Protein foods and Legumes and tofu). These choices help limit pollutants related to producing and transporting meat.
The overpackaging of individual portions can also be avoided by buying regular sizes. The contents can then be put in reusable pouches or small containers (e.g., yogurt, purée).
Baby products
It’s possible to get a variety of items while being environmentally aware.
Buy truly useful items – While there are an impressive number of baby products on the market, very few are truly essential.
Opt for used items – Because babies grow rapidly, most of the items intended for them will only be suitable for a short period of time.
You can use second-hand baby items (e.g., stroller, crib, high chair). However, it’s important to make sure that they’re in good condition and meet current safety standards (see Babyproofing). If you’re thinking about buying a used car seat, see Used car seats.
Also, when you no longer need your baby items, you can give them to other parents or to organizations, if the items are in good condition.

It is possible to borrow games and toys in most libraries.
Photo : Jessica Gallant
Borrow toys and books and use them in rotation – Instead of always buying new toys or books, you can go to a toy or book library if there’s one nearby. You can also exchange books and toys with other families.
Give your child just a few toys and books at a time, and put the others away. That way, they’ll seem new to him when you pull them out of their hiding place!
Choose items that will grow with your child – Some children’s items can be adaptable, meeting your child’s needs as he grows. That’s the case for some car seats, high chairs, and clothing, for example. Sometimes those items are a bit more expensive, but because they don’t need to be replaced often, they end up being more cost-effective and environmentally friendly.
Prioritize washable and reusable items – You can also opt for washable and reusable items (e.g., nursing pads, diapers, washcloths) rather than single-use items that must be thrown out. Several municipalities offer subsidies for purchasing washable items.