Small Steps, Big Impact: A Mother's Guide to Eco-Friendly Living Without the Guilt

As a mother of two, I constantly think about how I can be a more intentional role model and do better for my kids, for their lives as they grow into adults, and ultimately to be the go-to example to them. After all, our children learn more from our actions than from our words. I won't lie; a good amount of the time, I feel overwhelmed with guilt about everything from education and screen time to chores, allowance, and not spending enough quality time actually with them. The list goes on and on because, until you actually become a parent, you don't realize it literally feels like you're putting your most vulnerable creation out there in a fiercely demanding and harsh world.

We want them to be prepared, and we don't want to feel like we missed anything. But lately, with the work we've been doing at MTGS, I stop and think: what will be left in the world for them to enjoy? Is recycling plastic really worth it at this point, when China stopped all waste imports from foreign countries in 2018 and is now on track to beat U.S. sustainability goals by the end of this year? What can be done to really help stop the waste? What little wins can we have just from our home and everyday life?

The Research Rabbit Hole

When I feel overwhelmed and think I'm not doing enough things right as a parent, I start researching. I listen to friends or others via podcasts. With that, I wanted to share some easy wins for us to be more eco-friendly and to help with as much as we can without being overwhelmed by what we're NOT doing. Instead, let's focus on actionable steps that feel achievable.

The Recycling Reality Check

As I mentioned, recycling is tricky, especially plastics. Single-use anything is something we should really try to avoid. Even if you think, "Well, this is compostable plastic," it doesn't mean it's better since it's more difficult to break down PLA. What is PLA? Glad you asked. PLA stands for Polylactic Acid. Made from renewable resources such as corn starch or sugar cane, it's a natural polymer designed to substitute widely used petroleum-based plastics like PET (polyethylene terephthalate).

The answer? Reduce and reuse before recycling. I think this is doable advice and adaptable to wherever you are in life – whether at home, at work, or even on vacation. I can recall when we all had to adjust to remembering our reusable bags at the grocery store or most would charge a fee. Or, the idea of always using water bottles constantly. Now, there's a water refill station everywhere! Love that.

Simple Swaps That Make a Difference

So, what more can I do? Instead of plastic snack packs or bags, I buy more items in tin containers or use foil. The silicone reusable ziplock bags are great, but I try to designate each color or design to a specific type of food since sometimes the smells can be difficult to get out even after washing. For example, we use pink for fruit and green for vegetables.

Another easy win for me is replacing one-time paper napkins at dinner with cloth napkins. It really doesn't add a significant amount to the laundry already piled up from sports, daily use, and the usual messes that a typical load handles.

Instead of me constantly turning off lights when I realize no one is in the room, I started teaching my kids (and reminding my husband, nicely) the rule of thumb: if you're not going to be present in a room for 15 minutes, then turn off the light (for LEDs); otherwise, for incandescent light bulbs, turn them off as soon as you leave the room. However, if possible do try to change all light bulbs to LED as they are more energy efficient and cost effective. 

You're Already Doing More Than You Think

Here's what I found when I started researching: it turns out I'm doing quite a lot not only as a parent, but also as a busy, empathetic human living in Los Angeles. Do I try to walk rather than drive anywhere I can? Yes. Do I pick up extra trash whenever I'm on the beach? Yes. I reuse paper bags until they fall apart, and I always have reusable water bottles.

Another topic – why are kids more thirsty nowadays? We never even had the option to buy plastic bottles or have a reusable one when I was young. It's just really interesting how I drank way less water. Anyway, I digress.

The Quarterly Approach

Is there more I can do? FOR SURE. So, I decided to take little steps and pick something to focus on each quarter. An easy win for me is to plant more food that we can eat, figure out how I can compost in my neighborhood to reduce food waste, or teach more about water conservation to my kids.

The point is: don't get overwhelmed or hard on yourself. Take small steps that are doable in your schedule to make a difference and be more eco-friendly. Progress over perfection is what we're aiming for, and every small action contributes to a larger impact.

At MTGS, we understand that sustainability isn't about dramatic lifestyle overhauls; it's about making conscious choices that fit into real life. When we model these behaviors for our children, we're not just protecting the planet; we're teaching them that being mindful of our impact is simply part of being a responsible human being.

What small eco-friendly changes have you made in your daily routine? Share your wins with us! We'd love to hear how you're making a difference, one small step at a time.

Sources

*5 GYRES Science to Solution, The Recycling Truth, 

*Law Print Pack UK, PLA Plastic: What you need to know, Kate McCauely

*Today’s Parent, 4 Easy Changes My Family Made to be More Eco-Friendly, Jenn Cox

*US Department of Energy, When to Turn Off Your Lights