As a new parent, it's easy to feel like you're constantly surrounded by stuff—and most of it seems to come in the form of packaging and disposable items. It can be tempting to just go with the flow and not give it much thought, but the truth is that all of that waste quickly adds up. The good news is that there are lots of ways to reduce the amount of waste you produce as a new parent, without sacrificing your sanity or breaking the bank. Here are three tips to get you started.
- Invest in reusable items instead of disposables.
One of the simplest ways to reduce your waste output is to invest in some key reusable items instead of their disposable counterparts. For example, instead of using paper towels, invest in some good quality cloth towels that can be washed and reused over and over again. You'll save money in the long run, and you'll feel good knowing that you're not contributing to landfill waste every time you clean something up.
- Buy in bulk.
Whenever possible, try to buy things like diapers, wipes, and formula in bulk—you'll save money and generate less waste from packaging. If you have storage space, consider investing in a chest freezer so that you can stock up on frozen fruits and vegetables when they're on sale—that way you'll always have healthy food on hand, and you won't have to worry about tossing out rotting produce that you didn't get around to eating.
- Make your own baby food.
Commercial baby food often comes in single-serving containers that create a lot of waste. Instead of buying pre-made baby food, try making your own at home using fresh, whole ingredients. It's easier than you might think, and your baby will love the taste of real food! You can even make extra and freeze it in ice cube trays for future meals.
Reducing your waste output as a new parent is easier than you might think! By investing in some key reusable items, buying in bulk, and making your own baby food at home, you can make a big difference without sacrificing your sanity or breaking the bank. Do you have any other tips for reducing waste? Share them in the comments below!