Applying everyday zero waste and eco friendly practices to my life during my very first pregnancy was a fun challenge. It kept my mind occupied on how I can make my house natural with non toxic alternatives for my baby. I wanted to do as much as I could myself because I’m a big advocate for homemade goods and DIY projects. I didn’t buy much the first or second time around, which helped to ease my chaotic mom brain!
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I don’t want to say this was impossible for me but it wasn’t a piece of cake, and I still had waste. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to recycle as much since our county decided to change what it accepts by about 75%. Most of the waste generated was, of course, food packaging. We still kept it down to about an 8 gallon bag or two every two weeks (the standard size trash can is 13 gallon), but it ain’t no quart size mason jar!
My first pregnancy it was easy to find eco friendly alternatives, thrift stores and hand me downs were simple, but the ‘zero waste’ part was HARD. I still had cleaning products I couldn’t just toss, I couldn’t stop eating Chik Fil A, and I was going through deodorant like it was nothing! The disposables in my life came to the forefront of my mind when tackling this challenge. And it seemed like there was plenty of room for improvement.
Although, that wasn’t even my biggest worry. I was more worried about all the STUFF my family, baby shower, and friends would bring into the equation.
Pregnancy and Zero Waste
Being pregnant brings a ton of gifts and spoils which I was grateful for because they were adorable and still useful to this day! My mom sent a couple bump boxes my way since I live out of state and she missed her baby girl. Most everything in these are eco friendly, natural and usually recyclable.
It seems like a never ending uphill battle some days, constantly purging and gaining. Not to mention when your family feels the need to send gifts you. Again very grateful for, but for this pregnancy (it’s my second) I’ve been very specific about what I want/need this time around.
It was really hard to vocalize my true desires and to tell them “no” in any way since they already lost me to a new state; I didn’t want them to lose the joy they get from buying me something.
Then there’s your own excitement and overwhelm because you look at all the articles and see all the “essentials” you (don’t) need but get anyways to be as prepared as possible.
I assure you.. no matter how many books, articles, blogs, gear you consume… nothing REALLY prepares you for a new baby.
Being Eco Friendly
The first pregnancy is always the more excessive because it’s a first of course.
The second pregnancy seems to be where I can really reduce my waste. I saved everything I used from the first baby, minus the larger items that won’t move with us. The only thing we needed was a bassinet (check! thank you facebook market place!) and pacifiers…that is if this child even takes them.
Our dog ate the last three we had! Plus, my first son took a pacifier for maybe 3 months of his entire life.
Zero Waste & Eco Alternatives
As we receive things, I try to rotate out what we really have no use for or won’t use again.
There are a few places I donate to when it comes to baby things:
Local crisis pregnancy center
Children’s consignment shop
Free on Facebook marketplace
As a last result, a locally owned thrift store
So far it has been a very successful, and unwasteful (not a word at all, HAH!) pregnancy.
When we do buy anything, its secondhand via the internet or a locally owned thrift store.
We’ve bought a secondhand bassinet for co sleeping via Facebook marketplace (45$ vintage score!), since my toddler has now converted his bed into the age appropriate version and sleeps in his very own room. Occasionally still sneaking into our room in the middle of the night for cuddles which we love!
Success is Simple
All in all, it’s pretty simple to have a zero waste pregnancy, especially when you’ve already implemented so many of the practices into your unpregnant (also not a word?) life.
If you keep it to a minimum, plan for the weather (this year it’s a summer baby so shorts and dresses I already had!) stick to the second hand goods, then you’ll be golden! Another obvious tip would be to stay positive and don’t be hard on yourself if you have a lot of waste or buy new things. It’s a marathon not a sprint!
Here’s a couple other posts I found really helpful!
Tiny yellow bungalow on zero waste pregnancy
Mandala birthing on zero waste pregnancy
As always, thanks for stopping by!
xoxo, Tayler
