Simple Habits Our Family Follows to Stay Environmentally Conscious

We believe that everyone can make a difference with small, manageable changes in their daily lives. Implementing these habits not only benefits our household but also helps protect our planet. Here are five straightforward habits we practice to stay environmentally conscious.

Reusable Diapers

Switching to reusable diapers for our youngest child has been one of the most substantial changes we have made. Did you know that around 20 billion disposable diapers are thrown away each year in the U.S. alone? They can take up to 500 years to decompose in landfills. In contrast, cloth diapers can be reused for multiple children.

Although the initial cost of cloth diapers can average between $300 to $500 (we didn't spend nearly this much), they save families around $1,500 over time. Besides being budget-friendly, they offer a variety of fun patterns and colors. We've noticed that our baby’s skin is less prone to diaper rashes, as cloth is gentler than plastic materials.

Colorful cloth diapers ready for use

Reusable Water Bottles

To keep hydrated and tackle plastic waste, we use reusable water bottles. In the U.S., about 60 million plastic bottles are used every day, and only 23% of them are recycled. Each family member has a personalized water bottle, which we take on outings, school trips, and sports events.

This habit helps reduce our plastic consumption significantly. By tracking our water intake, we’ve found that we drink on average 15% more water each day as a family. We even turned it into a fun competition during our hikes to encourage everyone to stay hydrated!

Reusable Bink glass water bottle ready for adventure

Sourcing Water from a Station

In addition to using our own bottles, we now refill our drinking water at a local station instead of buying bottled water. This simple act has not only cut our plastic consumption but also given us access to clean, filtered water.

By refilling our reusable 5-gallon water jugs, we save around 1,000 plastic bottles each year. Making this a family outing teaches our kids about resource conservation. We often tie the visit to the refill station with trips to local grocery or day-to-day errands, integrating fun with sustainable practices.

Bringing Our Own Shopping Bags

Each time we go grocery shopping, we bring our own reusable shopping bags. In the U.S., approximately 1 trillion plastic bags are used annually, with only about 1% recycled. Using our bags has drastically reduced the number of plastic bags we accumulate.

We keep these bags in our car, or near Mama's purse when brought in, ensuring we never forget them. If you'd like to incorporate the kids, have them enjoy decorating their bags with fabric markers, making each bag special. It’s not just a shopping trip; it’s a chance to share ideas about sustainability and the importance of reducing waste.

Large reusable shopping ready for a grocery run

Buying Clothing Second Hand

Embracing second-hand shopping has transformed how we think about clothing. The fast fashion industry contributes to immense waste, with 92 million tons generated globally each year. Shopping at thrift stores not only helps the environment but also saves money.

We often discover unique, high-quality pieces at places such as Once Upon A Child and The Salvation Army, that you won't find in standard stores. This practice has led to meaningful discussions with our kids about sustainability in fashion. Together, we enjoy the adventure of thrift shopping, making it a family bonding experience.

Creating a Greener Tomorrow

Making small, conscious changes can help create a positive impact on our environment. By using reusable diapers, water bottles, and shopping bags, sourcing water wisely, and opting for second-hand clothing, we take steps toward a healthier planet, all while helping us stay within budget as cost of living rises.

These habits empower us to show our children valuable lessons about sustainability and responsibility. As we continue our journey, we hope to inspire other families to adopt these simple yet effective practices.