It’s not easy being green if you’re a parent

According to recent research supplied by Baby Dove, sustainability ‘goes out the window’ after having a baby -an opinion held by more than two-thirds (64%) of parents in the research, and more than a quarter (27%) feeling that that being eco-friendly is impossible. 

A lack of advice may be fuelling the issue with three quarters (75%) admitting they do not feel informed on how to be a ‘green’ parent. The new research also found parents typically spend almost £2,000 on non-recyclable or non-reusable products, including nappies and baby wipes, in the first year of a child’s life. While two-thirds (67%) of parents would like to use more environmentally friendly options, almost a third (32%) have found it to be too difficult. 

Expensive products (42%), the time it takes to prepare and wash reusable options (39%), and a lack of availability (31%) has ultimately left many parents feeling they have no choice but to continue using single-use items such as nappies and baby wipes (60%). 

The statistics showed that despite parents not always choosing ‘green’ options, they are still conscious of the impact of their purchasing choices. Two-thirds (64%) worry about the amount of landfill their child’s waste and wipes contribute to, and one-third of parents also admit to feeling judged by others for using single-use baby products. Parents agreed it would be easier to be more eco-friendly if products were cheaper (65%) and more widely available to purchase in-store (38%). More than two-thirds (69%) of parents said they would use biodegradable wipes if they were available. 

Stacey Solomon, TV personality and mother-of-three is supporting BabyDove’s sustainability campaign. Stacey comments: “As a parent, I am so aware of every choice I make impacting the future world my children will live in when they grow up. With three children, it’s a constant cycle of wiping bums, loads of washing, and making snacks, so it's important for us to be as conscious as we possibly can in the choices that we make. I want to lead by example for my kids, making small changes like using refillable bottles, and finding things around the house that I can upcycle instead of throwing away can make a big difference. My youngest pickle is one and any parent knows how easy it can be to rely on single-use products, even when we know we shouldn’t. It was one less thing to think about when I discovered BabyDovehad created Biodegradable Wipes which biodegrade in just six weeks, the same as an orange peel. Importantly, they’re affordable and hassle-free without compromising on quality and gentleness on baby skin.” 

Eco-friendly baby products: 

Baby Dove Biodegradable Wipes - Available at retailers Amazon.co.uk, and Boots Made with 100% naturally derived plant fibres, the BabyDoveBiodegradable Wipes are hypoallergenic and have been dermatologically and paediatrically tested. Working to gently cleanse baby skin, these sustainable baby wipes leave skin feeling instantly cleansed, moisturised, and baby soft. 

Eco by Naty Nappies - Available Waitrose, Holland and Barret and Amazon! As disposable nappies goes, Naty is a good environmentally friendly option. They are made of biodegradable materials, they are free from genetically modified ingredients, use ‘corn-based’ film to keep them free from oil-derived plastics. Free from bleaches, chlorine, and other nasties that may irritate the skin. Vegan certified. 

Locally Eco Emporium, theecoemporium.com based in Oakham, is an eco shop stocking zero waste products, up-cycled furniture local crafts and artwork & handmade, vintage, and pre-loved Jewellery and clothes. Products range from Super Soft Reusable Baby Wipes Fleece, reusable breast pads, to hand-made needlecord baby dresses. Coming Soon - Rutland Refill www.facebook.com/Rutland-Refill Rutland Refill is an exciting project, run by the owner of Eco Emporium, Jenni Penfold who’s idea it is to run a zero-waste community shop. The business will be a charity and will pivot around community involvement. Jenni’s entrepreneurial spirit is leading the way in this venture, to show support, please visit her Facebook page. 

Re-usable Nappies - Peterborough Nappy library. 

Peterborough Nappy Library promotes cloth nappies and their many benefits to local families. They offer free support, postal hires to mums and dads who want to try it, and chat online or by email (unfortunately at the moment they can’t offer face to face meetings). facebook.com/PeterboroughNappyLibrary 

Refill Revolution - Oundle, Stamford and Market Harborough Refill Revolution is a reduced waste shop in Market Harborough, Oundle, and newly-opened in Stamford; offering plastic-free alternatives, household liquid refills, and dry foods available to buy by weight, all packaging free. They also offer cloth nappies starter kits.