Here at Ergobaby, we love Mother Earth. We’re always looking to fulfil our corporate responsibility to sustainability, whether it’s reducing our carbon footprint by working remotely or creating carriers used with earth-friendly materials and practices, we believe that we need to play a part in creating the world we envision for our children.
Sometimes living sustainably can feel unattainable. Or too difficult. Especially as parents. Is there a way to have young kids and still reduce our waste? YES!
The Goal of the Zero-Waste Movement: A Circular Economy
Take -> Make -> Use -> Repair -> Reuse -> Recycle
Zero waste isn’t about money. It’s not necessarily about spending less (although that can be a great side-effect). It’s about reducing the amount of waste you produce.
To get started, think about the Five R’s.
Refuse
Reduce
Reuse
Rot (Compost)
Recycle
Some other versions also use the words repurpose, resell, and repair, but the idea is the same: we need to be reminded that we don’t have to accept everything, buy everything, or throw everything away.
Here are some examples.
REFUSE
As parents, we are constantly sold all the things we need to raise a child. And not only are we being sold a lot of things, but we’re also GIVEN a lot of things by family and friends who are excited for the new baby coming along.
Here are a few ways to politely refuse what you don’t need and have a lower waste baby shower, holiday, birthday etc…
- Ask for experience gifts (membership to a local museum, zoo, gymnastics classes, etc…)
- Ask for second-hand books
- Ask for gift cards to a store for a large gift you’re saving up for
- Make a wishlist and let people choose off it
- Ask for homemade goods
REDUCE
One of our biggest tips is to buy products that last. Whether it’s clothes, toys, baby products etc…sometimes paying a higher price point for a product that will last longer or transitions through multiple phases of baby’s development is 100% worth it. If you’re on a budget, buying second hand through Facebook Market, OfferUp, or other resale sites (Mercari and Poshmark are great for clothes ( is another great option!).
Here are some of our favorite products that last:
3-in-1 BOUNCER
From first breath to first steps and all the in betweens, your little ones are your every moment – your heart living and breathing outside your body. And sometimes, taking care of yourself is one of the best ways to give your best to your little ones. Your health supports your little one’s holistic growth. Family wellness begins with you.
Evolve Bouncer is there for the moments you need for you. When you can’t have your little one safe in your arms – this is another safe place for them. From a cozy newborn lounger – to a relaxing infant bouncer – to a functional toddler seat – the 3-in-1 bouncer is built to grow with your family. With 3 distinct heights, and a timeless, lightweight design, Evolve simplifies your life, so you can focus on what matters most.
3-in-1 HIGH CHAIR
Once upon a time you bonded skin to skin and through tummy time. Your little one is moving on up and joining you at the table, but creating memories and connecting with them doesn’t have to stop because they are growing. The shared connections at the table or over the kitchen counter can be some of the sweetest moments in a family’s day.
The Evolve 3-in-1 High Chair helps you share the magic of everyday moments together. From infancy through the toddler years (and beyond), your little one can join you at the table to eat with the family, get crafty, or do school work. It doesn’t stop there. As they grow into budding sous chefs, they can stand tall on their kitchen helper to get in on all the action. Thoughtfully selected and beautifully designed materials ensure the ultimate in support, function, and safety through every stage of growth.
SHOP ERGOBABY Evolve high Chair
Omni Breeze
Omni™ Breeze brings breathability in baby carriers to the next level. Rated #1 in Airflow* when tested with comparable carriers, the Omni™ Breeze uses SoftFlex™ Mesh fabric to maximize airflow, keeping you and your baby comfortable and dry all day. The Breeze is ideal for families living in warmer temps or who like to venture outdoors or on longer trips. The Breeze provides four convenient carry positions (inward, forward, hip & back) and adjusts to ergonomically grow from newborn to toddler with no inserts required (0-48 months; 7-45lbs).
Omni Dream
The Omni™ Dream Baby Carrier is Ergobaby’s softest cotton carrier that does it all. Made with SoftTouch™ Cotton, its brushed fabric was made to keep you and your baby cozy. Its upgraded, premium features provide ultimate comfort & convenience on adventures big and small. This versatile carrier is perfect for families living in cooler temps or that are more focused on soft and cozy snuggles. The Dream provides four convenient carry positions (inward, forward, hip & back) and adjusts to ergonomically grow from newborn to toddler with no inserts required (0-48 months; 7-45lbs).
AERLOOM
Made to move, stretch, and fit your daily life, this first-of-its-kind carrier redefines comfort. Ultra-lightweight with built-in airflow and constructed from FormaKnit™ fabric for the ultimate fit.
Made from post-consumer recycled polyester, Aerloom is as good for the earth as it is lifestyle. Newborn ready and safe up to 3 years.
Here are a few tips to reduce waste as your kids get older:
- Bake their own snacks (Reduces plastic and also ensures you know what they are eating!)
- Grow your own fruits and veggies
- Minimize food waste by saving leftovers and meal planning
- Reduce water use by turning off the tap or taking shorter showers
- Reduce energy use by turning off appliances when not in use
REUSE
There are a lot of options for purchasing second-hand before buying new.
- Borrow from friends
- Hand-me-downs
- Thrift store shopping
- Baby Resale Stores
- Ebay, Facebook Market, OfferUp etc…
- Toy swaps with friends
- Borrow books from local library
- Choose eco-friendly, reusable products like cloth diapers, washable wipes, reusable paper towels and reusable water bottles
REPURPOSE
If you can take an old dress and repurpose it into an outfit for your kids, that’s amazing! But you don’t have to be crafty to repurpose. Save cardboard for coloring, building forts, or building doll houses. Kids love getting messy and creative!
If you purchased something in a container that’s reusable, wash it out and use it again! (I personally love buying things with beautiful packaging because I love to wash the labels off and keep the jars. I’ll put snacks in there, use them as vases and more!)
ROT AND RECYLE
Composting is one of the easiest ways to reduce your carbon footprint. Food waste is actually one of the highest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions! There are a lot of ways and resources for composting. If you have a yard, it’s as easy as sectioning off an area, throwing your food scraps, green waste (lawn clipps, leaves etc…) and mixing it up every once and awhile.
If you DON’T have a yard, you can still compost!
Lomi is a really incredible product that is making composting a reality for families in homes big and small.
- Lomi turns your food waste into plant food in Less than 4 hours.
- It’s the only carbon negative appliance in your home.
- Carefully designed for any kitchen space.
While the price point is high, it’s worth saving for and adding into your home. Their website says, “You’ll be shocked at how much less waste you produce each week” and I agree. It keeps insects and smells out of your home AND helps fight climate change. Win win.
Last but not least, shop sustainably! Buying second hand is always a great option, but shopping small and sustainable is right up there. Here are a few brands we love:
Eco-Friendly Baby Clothing Brands
Eco-Friendly Baby Product Brands
Cloth Diapers vs Disposable Diapers
According to Coterie, a sustainable diaper company, “With today’s technology, all disposable diapers (no matter the brand) need some synthetic components to function—otherwise moisture would seep through and they’d fall apart during use. No disposable diaper is 100% biodegradable or organic yet, and even reusable diapers require energy and water to produce and wash. The only completely natural, zero-impact choice would be no diaper at all, but as you can imagine, that could get messy.”
One report from the Environment Agency in the UK that compared the manufacturing, disposal, and energy costs of both diaper types said, “The environmental impacts of using shaped reusable nappies [cloth diapers] can be higher or lower than using disposables, depending on how they are laundered.”
Doing laundry the eco-friendly way would involve full loading the machine rather than running multiple small loads and using low temperatures and eco-friendly detergents to reduce the negative impact on the environment.
This image from The Bump shares the pros and cons of cloth diapers vs disposable diapers.
At the end of the day, whether it’s diapers, toys, or the perfect way to recycle, you’ll have to do what’s best for your family. But the best way to start is simply, start! Start wherever you can, as big or small as it may be and sooner than later, you’ll find these practices to become a natural part of your everyday rhythm!
