5 Tips for Zero Waste Parenting

Guest Blog by Allisha Heidt, Founder of Chickpeace Zero Waste Refillery

Have you looked at your recycling bin and thought - how did this get so full? The answer might be: children. With all of the packaging waste that comes with buying goods for children, it’s no wonder our plastic problem is so bad.

As an entrepreneur and busy mom of 2, I know first-hand how easy it is to choose convenience over sustainability. From plastic toys, diapers, to Ziplock bags – your household waste is probably more than you'd like it to be. However, I have some good news for you, there are simple changes you can make that will cut down your waste and won't break the bank.

1. Invest in Tupperware. From plastic bags to single-use packaging, school lunches can be wasteful. Invest in reusable containers or take a look at what you already have in your kitchen and consider making snacks at home. We love to stash our package-free goodies in glass jars, upcycled containers, and cloth bags from The Market Bags.

2. Buy in Bulk. Not only will buying in bulk reduce your single-use packing, it will save you money. The beauty of buying bulk is the freedom to purchase only what you need. At Chickpeace, we strive to make sure our prices are competitive with the Big Box options.

3. Get Outside. Nature is the best playground. Spending time outside means your kids can learn to use nature as a means of fun and play. No money spent and so much fun to be had! Our family’s favourite places to explore are the bird sanctuaries. Luckily, both sanctuaries in Kelowna are next door to beaches so there’s lots of cool things to check out. We pick up garbage, throw rocks in the lake, and find tons of little nooks and crannies looking for critters.

4. Learn to Sew. This simple skill will extend the lifespan of your clothes and save you money too. Sew those sock holes, frayed elbows, and treat yourself with the savings.

5. Save your Kitchen Scraps. Save your veggie scraps for delicious and nutritious homemade broth - great for the immune system and the planet. Simply grab a freezer-safe container or bag and start saving your old veggies and cuttings in it. Keep them in the freezer until you're ready to make broth. I like throwing the veggies in the crock pot with 3L of water, 2 tbsp of apple cider vinegar, and all my favourite spices. Set it to low temperature for about 12 hours, strain, and you’ve got delicious broth to make soup with - this can also be frozen in ice cube trays or freezer safe containers, leave room for expansion.

Remember, everyone's journey towards zero-waste living looks a little different and you don't have to make all the changes at once. We started with buying in bulk and slowly started making other changes. Do what works for your family and don’t worry about being perfect.

Small steps towards being more sustainable are steps in the right direction.

For more tips on reducing waste in your home, check out GO's Zero Waste Page and blogs like Green Your Laundry Routine and Do-it-Yourself Cleaners.