Eco-friendly living: Tips for sustainable parenting

HOUSTON – Being an eco-friendly parent in 2024 is like juggling in the middle of the Houston Rodeo. We do our best to make it look easy as we choose mindful alternatives, yet society’s expectations loom over us like an crowd anticipating the moment you will drop a bowling pin. It’s daunting reading headlines insisting the only way to succeed is to be all organic and live zero waste lifestyles. As if we are falling short of being an amazing parent if I don’t compost every vegetable.

But let’s pause and take a breath, because sustainability isn’t about perfection, it’s about progress. As moms, we juggle diaper changes with recycling bins and grocery runs with reusable bags. Let me be the first to say, I cannot count the amount of times I have walked to the checkout line and realized I left all my reusable bags in the trunk. It’s a dance of commitment and compromise, where eco-friendly decisions, both small and big, are a win towards nurturing a healthier planet for our children.

Here are some heartfelt tips and experiences to inspire your journey towards sustainable parenting right here in Houston.

• Embrace reusables: One of the first changes my family made was ditching single-use plastics. We now have a drawer solely dedicated to reusable straws and two more just for lids. Recently, my son asked for a Stanley cup, but we settled on a smaller and lighter kids’ Hydropeak Voyager cup that’s perfect for his adventures. It’s not just about minimizing waste; it’s about instilling a love for sustainable choices.
• Connecting at the farmer’s market: Saturday mornings have become a cherished tradition for us at the Tomball farmers’ market. There’s something special about watching my niece waving hi to literally everyone and signing for “more” as my son eagerly picks out which fruits he wants for the week (blueberries are always on the list). Supporting local farmers not only ensures nutritious meals but also teaches our children about the importance of sustainable agriculture and community support.
  • Related: Find the freshest produce at these local Houston farmers markets

• Green cleaning solutions: With an crawling toddler and a curious eight year old, safe cleaning solutions have become essential. Homemade cleaners using a variation of lemon, vinegar and baking soda not only keep our home sparkling but also eliminate harmful chemicals. It’s a small step towards creating a healthier environment and if you have ever had a stain that you cannot get out.... baking soda! I’m telling you, this stuff is magic!
• Conscious choices: Choosing organic diapers was an easy one for us. A pack of Pampers Swaddler’s costs about $0.31 per diaper, while an organic alternative like Hello Bello, comes to about $0.35 per diaper. This slight price difference is worth it for us, knowing we’re choosing products that are gentler on my niece’s delicate skin and align with our commitment to a healthier planet.
• Meatless meals: Now, I know in Texas I may be shunned for saying this but even a meatless Monday can make all the difference. Eating less meat can significantly reduce your carbon footprint and promote healthier eating habits. We are a plant-based house hold and that isn’t to say my fiancé doesn’t enjoy a Chick-fil-a sandwich every so often or that my son won’t jump at the chance to eat a steak, but in our house all our “meat” products are Impossible. When cooked correctly, they’re actually extremely delicious!

Living sustainably in Houston isn’t just about making eco-friendly choices, it’s about having a mindset of responsibility and respect for our environment and our children. By turning our daily routines into eco-adventures, like hunting for the best farmer’s market finds or biking through our beautiful parks, we’re planting the seeds for a greener future.

What steps are you taking towards living greener? Let me know in the comments!