mom-life

Trying to be that "environmentally friendly mom" (Keyword, "trying")

Realistic tips and tricks to try to be that environmentally friendly mom. Don't try to be perfect, just try your best!

Unwise Mom

15 Oct 2025 — 3 min read

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Some moms have color-coded recycling bins, organic gardens, and kids who actually like cloth napkins.

I… am not that mom.

I’m the mom who’s trying to figure out if this yogurt pouches go in the trash, the recycling, or some mysterious third bin that probably doesn’t exist.

But here’s the thing: being environmentally friendly doesn’t have to be all or nothing. I’m learning to make small, realistic changes that actually fit my lifestyle, and not some Pinterest-perfect fantasy where I have unlimited time and energy. Here are some tips that have helped me through the years, even in my pre-mom era.

🥤 1. Reusable Over Perfect

I used to think “eco-friendly” meant I had to give up everything convenient. Spoiler: I didn’t.

In theory I would love to go to the bulk food bins and bring my own cloth bags to purchase, but let's be honest. I'm lucky if I make it out to the grocery store, period. While I do try to purchase snacks and foods that are either in cardboard or glass containers, the reality is: kids love chips. Chips rarely come in the aforementioned types of containers so I've realized that I need to compromise. I try to buy the biggest bag of chips I can, and keep them shut airtight. When my kid wants to take chips to school, I portion them out in perfectly sized silicone containers (I also love these ones for a carrots w/ dip situation).

Is it easy? Not necessarily. At least once a week my kid leaves her container at school. Are they saving the planet single-handedly? Probably not, because I did buy a huge plastic bag of chips. But they’re saving a few cups and bags a week — and that’s something.

🧼 2. Find a brand you like/support

I have a friend who makes her own cleaning products out of vinegar and essential oils. While I love this friend, I can't deal with the vinegar smell, nor do I have the time or energy to be researching different formulas of DIY natural cleaner.

So after doing VERY minimal research, I decided to buy Blueland cleaning products and it's honestly been a game changer. Blueland creates everyday products like dishwasher pods, hand soap, cleaning agent - all without plastic packaging (which not only aren't great for the environment but can be damaging to our bodies). All you need is an empty container (I use dark glass apothecary-style containers for an aesthetic vibe).

The price is not bad at all, and I try to stock up when products go on sale. Here are my favorites!

🛍 3. Be Strategic with Trash

When we first moved into our current house, there were boxes showing up every day. Honestly, the delivery guys were not my biggest fans... but I also didn't want the trash/recycling guys to judge me either. So I decided to try to get creative.

I tried to find creative ways to reuse "trash" because you know what kids love possibly more than toys? Cardboard box forts. I used a box cutter and some heavy duty duct tape and got to work.

While cardboard is recyclable, I wanted to make sure we were really getting good use out of it, and this showed my daughter that adults can (gasp) be creative too. We played with this for DAYS before we finally threw it out, and safe to say, those boxes had a good run.

🧠 4. Ditch the Guilt, Keep the Intention

The truth is, parenting is already overwhelming. While I give you so many kudos if you are more environmentally friendly than me, I don't think we as parents need another impossible standard to have to live up to.

If all I can manage this week is remembering my tumbler, that’s still better than last week. If I swap one disposable thing for something reusable, that’s a win.