Warmer weather characterises the spring school holidays, but this year the weather has included snow, hail and thunderstorms too. For those indoor days, here’s an activity to keep youngsters busy. There are enough materials in this eco-friendly hat making kit to make six different hats, including six recycled cardboard strips, a recycled pencil, feathers, biodegradable and phalate free water based paints, a pot of washable glue which is wheat, gluten and nut oil free as well paint brushes, tape, scissors, glitter and sparkles. £10.99 plus postage from ECOutlet.
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An old tractor tyre makes a fantastic sandpit for the younger set, and is a super easy recycling project. Old tractor tyres are easier to come by than you may think. I got hold of this one by putting a “Wanted” ad on Freecycle and a local smallholder was happy to part with it, I just had to pick it up. For this you need two strong people and a roof-rack on your car, or a trailer. The hardest part of this project is definitely getting the large tyre home, but once you’ve got that out of the way, it’s plain sailing.
Step-by-step instructions:
Step 1: Acquire an old tractor tyre. I recommend giving Freecycle a try, or if you know a farmer, ask him.
Step 2: Scrub the tyre well with a scrubbing brush and some soapy water.
Step 3: Dig out a section of lawn to fit the tyre into. Aim for getting about 1/2 of the width of the tyre into the ground.
Step 4: Once the tyre is in place, dig out the middle some more, go about a foot and a half down to make room for the sand.
Step 5: Fill with sand. You can buy sand specifically for sandpits from garden centres.
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Photo credit: paul goyette
Being eco-friendly is not just about saving the planet, it’s about creating a healthy environment for yourself and your children. Having a baby is a great time to start over and as a time of new beginnings, the perfect time to bring some positive green steps into your lives.
1. Breastfeed for as long as possible
Breast milk is the most eco-friendly way to feed your baby. There are no additives, and no packaging. Breast milk is perfectly formulated by nature to give your baby the best start in life, protecting her against allergies and illnesses and providing the right nutrients at the right time.
To protect your clothes from leaky breasts in the early days of breastfeeding, opt for washable breast pads. They’re just as effective as disposable ones, but far more environmentally friendly.
If you absolutely cannot breastfeed your baby, consider buying glass bottles rather than plastic to avoid potentially harmful substances leaching from the plastic into the milk that you feed your baby.
2. Eat organic
Choosing organic produce is the best way to avoid chemicals, pesticides and GM foods. Eat organic yourself to keep your breast milk free of these substances, and when you wean your baby, be sure to buy organic for her too.
Get yourself a baby cookbook like the Organic Baby & Toddler Cookbook and make your own baby food with locally grown organic produce.
3. Choose reusable nappies
Fabric nappies are getting more and more popular with parents who are concerned about our environment. There are so many options available, some with poppers, some with Velcro, and you can choose from washable all-in-ones or prefolds which involve a fabric lining with a waterproof outer cover. They’re easy to machine wash, or you can use a nappy service.
If you have decided that reusable nappies are not for you, then consider opting for greener disposables like Moltex or Bambo.
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