Today kids often grow up around a whole lot of plastic. Aside from their seemingly endless numbers of toys and care products, they also have mandatory school supplies requested by their teachers. Even the water bottles they touch their lips to everyday (yes the reusable ones too) are all too often made of plastic! But it doesn’t have to be this way. In fact, before plastic was popularized and mass produced for so many of our day-to-day products, our ancestors (yes, even our parents) used natural or sustainable resources to accomplish so much more of their daily needs. Clothes and tools were handed down, repaired, and repurposed. Food was grown or gathered more frequently from the ground they lived on, and of course, nearly nothing went to waste.
If we want to keep our children healthy and offer them a safe planet to live on, we are going to have to teach them how to be a part of healing the earth and preserving their health by avoiding harmful substances and excessive waste. One great way is by showing them how to reduce plastic use as much as possible. To help you get your family started, we have compiled our favorite tips on how you can go about introducing your kids to living plastic-free. So, let’s get to it!
First Steps
It might sound simple but committing to start is actually huge! Going plastic-free doesn’t have to happen overnight. It’s a process of using what you already have, donating what you can’t, and recycling whenever possible. If you’re worried about the health and safety of your kids, we totally understand and agree with you. So, go ahead and give away those plastic items when you’re ready and start replacing them with more earth-friendly and kid-friendly alternatives. As time goes on, you are likely to quickly find alternatives that you like just as well, or possibly even better than what you had before! And who doesn’t like saving money and having less trash to deal with?
Being the Change
Now comes the tough part. Getting rid of plastic waste and not bringing it back! Once old items such as toothbrushes, toothpastes, floss containers, soap bottles, and lotions, and are worn out, switch to plastic-free options. There are bamboo toothbrushes, plastic-free floss, and bar soaps and lotions too! Then, head over to the kitchen. Once you’re finished with all of the single-use plastics in your kitchen, such as plastic utensils, plates, cups, cling wrap, never buy them again! Donate reusable plastics that you would typically use for kids and opt for safe, harmful substance free reusable and sustainable options going forward. Swapping these kinds of items might be a bit of a challenge for you at first, but for kids it is generally a simple and welcome transition!
Educating Your Kids
Perhaps the most important thing you can do is to set an example and teach kids about the plastic problem. While it might be easier to help older kids understand by sharing the benefits of reducing plastic waste, kids of any age can learn and have fun through play! So, why not try to make a fun game out of it by having everyone in your household collect all of the plastic they use in a day? Get all the plastic together and each member of the family can see how much waste they created and what they were exposed to in just one day — even pets! Then, have a conversation about why this isn’t healthy and what you can do as a family to cut down on, or ideally cut out, plastics.
Sustainable Fun
Now here’s the really really tough part: getting your kiddos to part with plastic toys in favor of safe, sustainable options. This includes going plastic-free when it comes to craft materials too! Luckily, sustainable options like wooden blocks and cotton plushies can be just as fun! Even though they can decompose much, much faster, plastic-free options are usually built to last far longer than their plastic counterparts. To cushion the tough experience, you can phase them out, donate the toys to kids in need, or swap toys with friends or family members so they have new things to play with. As you replace the toys with healthier options, take the opportunity to encourage your kiddos to play outside more and enjoy the beauty of a plastic-free earth. Help them appreciate the nature around them to motivate them to keep it and themselves healthy!
Planting the Seed
More time outside means more opportunities to show your little one what mother earth is made of — literally! Instead of buying a plastic wrapped package from the store, whenever possible try to grow your own plants. Herbs, flowers, even fruits and vegetables! If you have a small space, don’t sweat it! Even a windowsill herb garden or some countertop chia sprouts can show your kids that we can make things on our own in the home that are safer and healthier. Another wonderful option is to take your kids to a community garden and have them plant something of their own that the whole neighborhood can enjoy. Take note of the progress and when the time comes, use the plants to cook together using your own creations! Of course, be sure to store any leftovers in safe and sustainable plastic-free containers for later.
Expanding Horizons
Now, it’s time to get your community on board! Go ahead and share the benefits of reducing plastic waste with friends and family by being an example of how simple and rewarding it can be! Start by inviting the kids friends over and only using reusable plastic-free plates, utensils, party favors, and decorations. This can be a great way to encourage their friends to get in on the plastic-free fun. Take it a step further by starting a movement in your social circles and your community by gently showing how fun, and even chic, sustainable and safe products can actually be!
Eat & Hydrate
Now this one is really important. Kiddos need a lot of water and nutrients to grow and thrive. And any parent knows breakable or lidless glass and ceramic drinkware or dishware is not going to cut it for most occasions. So, rather than a plastic tupperware and a trendy bottle with a plastic lid, get your child safe and sustainable items that they can use and grow with. Start by swapping out potentially dangerous water bottles that have unsafe materials that expose your children to microplastics. Pura Stainless has created the only truly plastic-free water bottle on the market, made of food service grade stainless steel and medical grade silicone. They are also the only bottles to receive the Made Safe® Certified rating. Kids need a truly safe option that is completely plastic-free that they carry with them through life. We recommend getting a Pura bottle for every member of your family to reduce waste, stay hydrated, and avoid exposure to harmful plastics.
At Pura Stainless, our mission is to provide families with the resources they need to live a safer, healthier, and more sustainable life. We hope these tips on introducing your kids to the plastic-free life help your whole family enjoy the benefits of reducing plastic waste. To learn more tips on sustainability, healthy living, and parenting stay tuned to our blog. To get Pura for your family, head to our website to shop the only bottle you will ever need.