We love our planet, and there is nothing like raising children that gives us an increasing awareness of their environment. As parents, we want to instill values that benefit our children, contribute to a healthier planet, and, more importantly, leave a sustainable planet for future generations.

Either this is something you are acing (yay!), or you are new to this—it goes without saying that while incorporating more eco-friendly habits is a big win for the family.

Since sustainably produced products don’t cut corners in quality and production, they can result in higher costs—which may not always feel like they fit within your budget. The good news? Even small changes have a big impact.

Here are some crafty ways to add these eco-friendly hacks to your family routine:

Swap Out the Paper Towels

Say goodbye to pricey paper towels—make mealtime more sustainable with cloth napkins. Yes, they need to be laundered and washed, but cloth napkins are lightweight and can go in the daily/weekly wash.

DIY: Take those sturdy old clothes that may not be up to par to donate and cut them into squares for at-home cloths.

Eco-Friendly Cleaning Supplies

Switch to non-toxic, biodegradable cleaning products, or make your own—you probably have many of the ingredients already in your pantry, and it can take as little as four ingredients. An easy one? Mix water with vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils, and you now have your own non-toxic cleaner.

Shopping Secondhand Has Never Been So Chic

Not only are secondhand shops great to donate to—as you usually get store credit—but they are also a great way to shop for the necessities you would like to save on, such as school uniforms and those items that most kids outgrow after one season, like winter gear and backpacks. There is an extra benefit to secondhand for sensory-sensitive children and adults—secondhand clothing tends to be quite soft, causing less irritation on the skin.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle – Together!

Have you heard of the 3 R's? The 3 R’s in sustainability are Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. Here are some examples for each:

Reduce:

• Make less waste a household goal: Try buying in bulk or visiting some of the stores cropping up that allow you to bring your own jars and containers.

• Energy conservation: Make it a house rule not to have all the lights on, especially when no one is in the room.

• Lessen plastic where you can: Forget plastic play bins—our elements create an incredible play station.

Reuse:

• Repurpose glass jars: Instead of throwing out pasta jars, reuse them as dry food storage containers for items like popcorn kernels, beans, and rice. Just be sure to check for cracks and ensure the rim is smooth.

• Revamp the furniture: Use your art skills or check some Pinterest tips to renovate old furniture instead of throwing it away or buying new.

• Printer paper: For all the remote workers printing work papers, designate it to the arts and crafts table before the paper officially makes it to the recycling bin. Let the kids go at it on the non-printed side.

• Cardboard boxes: It’s time to get your fort on with your cardboard boxes! Use Stapelstein elements to help the boxes stay put, or add them to your new sustainable DIY playroom.

Recycle:

• Set up a recycling station for the whole family. To make it more fun, designate everyone (when age-ready) to be in charge of their section so they can learn to take pride in their part of taking care of Planet Earth.

Make Sustainability Fun & Educational

Make it fun:

• Read books & watch shows about nature: Foster a love for the environment through storytelling.

• Add sustainable play into your home: Not only do they last for generations, our elements are is produced in a climate-neutral facility from expandable polypropylene (EPP) – a lightweight, sturdy, odorless, and eco-friendly material.

• DIY green projects: Make bird feeders, repurpose old clothes, or start a backyard compost.

• Challenge your family: Set goals like a zero-waste day or a plastic-free week and celebrate progress!