A Parent Guide To Sustainable Living

A Parent Guide To Sustainable Living

- Sally J Hall

Bringing a child into the world is such an optimistic and exciting time – and also a time of choices for everything you do and plan for your new baby.

That’s quite a responsibility - and also exciting. You can ensure the choices you make are as sustainable and ethical as possible. And here at Magazine, we show you how! From simple swaps and choices to more radical options, you can ensure you protect your family’s future.

During pregnancy

There are many things you can do to have a more sustainable pregnancy.

GO ORGANIC

Diet is very important at this time and you need plenty of nutrients to ensure your baby develops well. Why not swap to organic food? It means you know that all your food is free from pesticides and fertilisers used in conventional farming.

Factory farmed animals are routinely fed antibiotics and sometimes growth hormones. You don’t need any of that in your body while your baby is growing and you’ll get used to a way of shopping that continues while breastfeeding your baby, and then when you start to wean.

CONSIDERATE CLOTHING

Choose your clothes carefully. Our feature on maternity fashion on page 20 offers ideas on how to choose garments that have a life beyond pregnancy.

Did you know that cotton is one of the most sprayed crops? Look for organic fibres and sustainable fabrics such as bamboo and hemp. There are great options out there and you won’t need to change your usual style or eschew the latest trends just because you have a bump to consider!

TAKE THE TRAIN