Meet an Eco Parent!
This is the second blog post in our very special monthly "Meet an Eco Parent" series, which gives you a chance to meet a parent from the UK who considers themselves an 'eco parent' or a 'green parent'; those parents who really think about sustainable impacts when raising their children, and are dedicated to their families and to the environment.
Thank you to Jenny for answering these questions!
Meet Jenny, from NW London, UK
Follow Jenny on Instagram - @lilmisshangry
Tell me a little bit about yourself and your family.
I am currently on maternity leave with a 2.5yr old girl and 6 month old twin boys. My husband (Matt) works full time with monthly work trips to Amsterdam for 3-4 days each time. Our families are helping us while the boys are so young.
What does a day in your life look like?
Matt wakes up and gets our toddler ready for the day. I wake up and get myself ready before the boys wake up and start their day. Usually our toddler will be at nursery for the day. I would feed and play with the boys until nap time, then I would do some chores or prepare lunch. Repeat until dinner time. Matt would pick up our toddler and we will eat together. More play time, then prepare for bedtime for the children. Once they are asleep, it is time to wash dishes, marinade food for the next day, start the washing machine, and get myself into bed. At the weekends, we try to host friends or go to friend's places. Once the twins are older, we will aim to take them to soft plays.
Would you describe yourself as an ‘eco parent’ or a ‘green parent’?
Eco parent
What is your top eco hack for babies / kids / family?
Cloth wipes. Just add water and they are ready to go. The whole family uses them.
Do you have any advice for parents hoping to avoid plastics (and other materials with toxins) in baby / family products?
Use cloth nappies, cloth wipes with just water, wooden toys, prepare food rather than purchase ready made food.
Do you talk to other parents about your own sustainable choices?
Yes, but only to people who are receptive to these conversations.
What is the biggest challenge that you face as an ‘eco’ parent?
Time. Need to do laundry more often and take time to buy/ prepare food. Also upfront cost - it is not always financially possible to purchase the items needed.
What are your favourite eco friendly baby / family products?
Weleda nappy cream, cheeky wipes, cloth nappies (alva, Charlie banana, motherease and mama koala).
Do you have any advice for parents who want to raise an ‘eco’ baby / child?
Speak to other Eco parents to get reviews from people who have used the products in daily life. Do what works for you - your mental health is important too.
What is the best thing about being a parent?
Seeing the kids develop and learn, and seeing the changes in myself.
Has being a parent changed you?
Yes, I am a lot more patient and less selfish.
How do you pass along advice for sustainable living to your family / child(ren)?
I encourage them to use less products and/ or Eco alternatives.
Anything else you’d like say?
It is not all or nothing. Give yourself a break and use disposable / convenient items when needed.