Raising the next generation without harming the planet

When we decide to have children or we’re involved in their upbringing we are obviously wanting the best for them in the future. It therefore makes no sense to bring them up in a way that
spoils the planet they are going to inherit. Why choose a lifestyle that will reduce their quality of life, with climate change, extreme weather, species extinction and depleted resources?

A greener lifestyle is often healthier, cheaper and more fun than one based on the consumer culture, following adverts and fashions and being in the pockets of the multinationals.

I advocate a low-carbon, reduced consumption, more natural way of living. And it starts, actually, with the decision about whether to have a child. The world is overpopulated and doesn’t need more people. Replacing two adults with one or two children is fine, but having more
than this is probably irresponsible, costs more, and uses far more resources than a smaller family. So I strongly support the right to use contraception and other methods for controlling family size.

However, once the kids are around, what is the best way to bring them up with a good balance of fun, enjoyment, good health and a small eco-footprint?

To start with, breastfeed if you can. This sets the child up with a better immune system, as well as a loving bond. For later on, baby food is easy to make at home.

Choose low-salt and no-added-sugar ingredients, and get a hand-held blender to make it into a puree for the first few months. Native American mothers would chew food up and give this to their babies from their mouth. I don’t necessarily advocate this, but it’s surely cheaper than buying baby food in cans! Organic ingredients are best as they have fewer pesticide residues and growing them adds to the biodiversity of the countryside rather than reducing it, as conventional agriculture does.

Then we come on to baby waste. At first it’s an obvious choice to have reusable nappies so as not to contribute to landfills with disposables. But to just use real nappies can be quite difficult. The new types of cloth nappy outers with throw-away liners are a great compromise, especially
when you’re at home with access to a washing machine and somewhere to dry them. Real nappy enthusiasts also promote nappy-washing services, as using them saves time, money and reduces waste compared with disposables.

But when a disposable nappy is the easy, convenient choice, at least use biodegradable ones. You can even try to home-compost them afterwards – I homecomposted my youngest child’s nappies and am currently composting some for a friend who wanted to know if they really were biodegradable.

Children need clothes, toys and books and these can be green too. Reusing through friends or charity shops is great, cheap and very ethical. Making friends through playgroup, nursery and school is a good way to be able to get hold of second-hand items and pass them on again
when your child has outgrown them.

If you want to buy new, there are some items which are organic, fairly traded, made of natural materials or easily recycled. They may not be easy to find, but it’s satisfying when you do and you know you’ve done the right thing.