Daily anti-waste reflexes

I’m thinking about what I really need!

“The childcare industry has a knack for making us believe that babies need a whole lot of stuff to be well,” notes Laure Caillot, “Zero waste” consultant. Before getting equipped, we therefore take the time to think about what is essential for the first few weeks: a bed, a bathtub or a basin, a baby sling or a baby carrier, diapers, cloth wipes, soap, socks, a dozen bodysuits and pajamas, a thermometer, and two glass bottles (unless you choose to breastfeed). For the rest, we advise as needed …


I avoid the disposable

To reduce your ecological footprint, use either a washcloth and lukewarm water, or washable cloth wipes (preferably organic) and liniment. “The ideal is to do it yourself by mixing half of lime water, available in pharmacies, and half of olive oil. It’s very easy and economical, ”explains Bénédicte Moret. Next step: switch to cloth diapers. An accessible challenge with a little organization and motivation.

“In order not to run out, we plan to have a stock of around thirty layers and we make a dedicated machine per week, preceded by a pre-wash,” says Bénédicte Moret. A profitable investment since the diapers will be used for about three years and can be reused for a second child.

I buy used, but not just any old way!

“What is the point of buying new clothes and shoes that baby will only wear a few months?” Asks Laure Caillot. Second-hand items will do the trick very well. Between flea markets, garage sales, Facebook groups, social economy stores and specialized sites such as Once Upon a Time, Les Petits Phoenix or of course Vinted, you can easily find what you are looking for. On the other hand, we look twice before setting our sights on second-hand childcare equipment. If it does not respect the standards in force, it can be dangerous for the child. If we are expecting a second or third child, we start by taking stock of the things we can recover from the eldest child, checking that they are in good condition and still up to standard. All the new material that will not be manufactured will be as much resources and waste saved for the planet! If we don’t have what we need, we go around our friends to see who can lend us what. Many will surely be happy to help us and also to clear their cupboards.

 

I prefer modular and durable equipment

“If we have to buy new, we favor as much as possible upgradeable equipment that adapts to the age of the child,” recommends Flore Berlingen, president of the association Zéro Waste France. Thus, with a convertible model, no need to change your baby bed for a junior bed after 2 years! And for baby’s health and the environment, we ban plastic and favor healthy and sustainable materials: glass baby bottles, organic cotton soft toys, untreated wooden cubes …


I am baking some cakes

Stop industrial cookies, yes homemade: marbled or yogurt cake, cookies, chocolate fondant… It’s easy to find quick recipes. You can bake several cakes on Sundays and store them in airtight containers for the week. We take the opportunity to reduce the sugar and fat content, and to use good quality products. In addition, the children will be happy to help us prepare them!


I opt for solid cosmetics

No more washing gels and other moisturizing milks sold in plastic bottles. Make way for solid cosmetics! No frills, they are sold in bulk or packaged in biodegradable cardboard. A good point for the environment! It’s true, they are often more expensive to buy than the liquid versions which contain 80% water, but they are more economical in the long run: a bar of soap lasts on average twice as long as a bar of soap. classic shower gel bottle. Best of all, solid products are generally healthier. As they do not contain water, in principle they do not require any preservative. Please note: some non-organic brands use chemical ingredients in their formulas. We therefore take the time to check the labels, and we favor products with neutral pH, without perfume or essential oil.

 

In video: 6 anti-waste tips

I help the kids to have the right reflexes

Since good habits start early, children are taught to turn off the lights when they leave a room or to turn off the water while brushing their teeth. Small, silly gestures, but essential to respect the environment. And we show the example!


I have broken toys fixed

Instead of throwing his fire truck at the broken ladder, we find a replacement part on toy-rescue. There are instructions to 3D print the spare part or have it printed by another person if you do not have the material. And before giving the toy to his child, we check its solidity. The initiative is offered by a manufacturer of 3D printers. It reduces the number of toys thrown away each year in France (over 40 million anyway!).

I choose an eco-friendly invitation

“The best waste is that which is not produced,” recalls Bénédicte Moret. To reduce the amount of papers that end up in the trash every day, why not opt ​​for an electronic birth announcement. Convenient and economical! Another option: to use a seeded paper, that is to say a paper which has been incorporated seeds of wild flowers or aromatic herbs, that is on the site Growing paper. The principle ? We plant the 100% biodegradable invitation in the ground, we water, and the seeds germinate to make room for arugula, carrots or poppies …

 

I make large amounts to freeze in portions

Is it time for food diversification? To avoid resorting to over-packaged industrial preparations, there are not 36 solutions: we are back to home-made. No need to complicate your life: just cook a carrot and mix it with the rest of the Sunday chicken, and you’re done. You can also take advantage of the weekend to prepare large quantities of vegetable purees which are then frozen in portions.

I rent the childcare material

Manduca, Ergobaby, Néobulle… We hesitate between several baby carriers? “Rather than risk buying a model that will not suit us and will remain at the back of the cupboard, it is better to first hire and test several with our baby,” insists Flore Berlingen. Renting is also a good alternative for items that you use less often, such as the travel cot or the hiking baby carrier.


I prefer “experiential” gifts

For birth gifts, the list is not a must, but it is highly recommended if you do not want to end up with thirty soft toys or two bottle sterilizers on your arms! And above all “We do not forget to include ideas for intangible gifts, such as babywearing lessons, hours of babysitting or ready-made meals delivered to your home,” suggests Laure Caillot.

 

Leave a Reply