As a parent, it can be hard to set positive examples for your children – whether you’re rushing around like Mr. Rush, feel like there's a million and one jobs to do like Little Miss Busy, or, like Mr. Worry, are just worried about the world your children will grow up in. Having young kids is a full-time job in itself though, and you can often feel like you’re swimming against the tide.
Whether you end up buying more new clothes because of an ‘accident’ while you’re out, or you use cling film to wrap sandwiches in the morning rush, sometimes anything goes when you need to get through those tricky moments.
Ecover understands how difficult it can be to balance living in a more thoughtful way with the daily challenges of parenthood. That’s why Little Miss Waste Less is here to show you five easy ways you and your family can reduce your waste, without having to take too much time out of your day.
Tin foil and cling film can be lifesavers when you’re trying to do packed lunches quickly in the morning, but if you’re looking for a reusable alternative, Little Miss Waste Less suggests beeswax wraps. They’re washable, pliable and can last up to a year. There’s also a wide range of reusable food bags and containers available in the shops, so there’s often a great alternative to single-use products. And when it comes to drinks, it’s worth investing in a few reusable bottles. They’re great for school lunches, but also for days out and long car journeys, and it means you can avoid buying drinks in plastic bottles, helping you to cut down on your waste further. You could even try a reusable bottle with a removable straw for a planet-friendly alternative to disposable plastic straws.
As children grow so quickly, it can be difficult to know how to prevent their clothing from going to waste when it’s no longer needed. Hand-me-downs are always helpful, whether they’re passed from one sibling to another, or shared with other friends and relatives. But when it comes to those items you simply can’t find a use for, Little Miss Waste Less has a few suggestions to help.
If the clothes are clean and in good repair, charity shops will always be grateful for donations, plus they can be a good source for picking new bits up too. Websites like thelittleloop allow you to rent from a selection of children’s clothes according to your style and taste, for as long as they fit into them. You can also download mobile apps like YoungPlanet, where parents can give away and request all sorts of children’s items for free. You should also see if there are any children’s clothes swaps running in your local community or even at your little one’s school – especially around the start of the school year when you need to update uniforms and PE kits.
Has one of your children ever lectured you on a world issue you’d never previously discussed with them? Chances are, they have at least once. Kids are only too glad to learn about and get involved in issues like climate change, so it’s a great opportunity to let them buy into any habit changes you want to make. Have a family discussion about what you’re going to do to waste less, whether it’s buying fewer plastic toys or switching off lights whenever you leave the room. You could even set up a reward system for the little ones, so they really feel part of the collective effort and take satisfaction in making changes for the better.
Little Miss Waste Less, the brand-new Mr. Men Little Miss character, was created for Ecover by Adam Hargreaves to help the next generation use #OneLessThing. Click here to read the new book with your children – it’s all about how Little Miss Waste Less helps her friends waste less with simple steps. Plus, with many parents feeling their children are more educated about and interested in sustainability than they are, she could even give you a few ideas, too!
Ecover’s household product range is an all-in-one cleaning solution for families wanting to reduce their waste. Made with plant-based, biodegradable ingredients, you’ll find everything you need in the range, whether you’re cleaning your clothes, dishes, home or hands. Ecover also has a range called Zero, with 0% enzymes, colourings and fragrances, which is specifically formulated for those with sensitive skin and is approved by Allergy UK. Plus, when you run out of your Ecover products, you can top up at more than 600 refill stations across the UK, or order a refill online here, to help cut back on your plastic waste – just like Little Miss Waste Less.
Read the new book with your little ones to discover how we can all waste a little bit less #OneLessThing
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