8 Eco-Friendly Practices for Families: Going Green without Going Gray
So, you want to make your family's wellness routine a little more sustainable–but maybe you’re not quite ready to replace all your lightbulbs with beeswax candles just yet. That’s okay!
Sustainable wellness is less about overhauling your life overnight. It’s about taking small, meaningful steps that help both your family and the planet thrive. In this post, I’m sharing 8 ways to ease your family into eco-friendly wellness practices without pulling your hair out—and maybe even having a little fun along the way. I’ll be covering:
How I started implementing eco-friendly practices in my own home
Snack Attack: Greenify Your Goodies
Water Bottles: Love ‘Em, Refill ‘Em
Embrace the Plant Life (in More Ways Than One)
Go Green with Bath Time
Sustainable Clean-Up: Fun with Microfiber and Swedish Dishcloths
Mindful Wellness: Walks Over Wheels
Get Crafty with Upcycling
Sustainable Fashion Statements
How I Started Implementing Eco-Friendly Practices in My Home
When I’m passionate about something, I go all in—sometimes to a fault. When my kids were little, I threw myself into trying to make every aspect of our lives eco-friendly. I became borderline obsessive. Who was I, the eco-police?!
Then one day, it hit me: my passion for sustainability had become a source of stress. It wasn’t life-giving anymore. So, I took a step back, wrote down what mattered most to me, and started focusing on manageable changes.
I’ve always believed that if more households adopted even a few sustainable habits, it could make a big difference. If you’ve been thinking about bringing eco-friendly practices into your home, start with what feels doable—and enjoy the process! Below are some ideas to inspire you.
1. Snack Attack: Greenify Your Goodies
Kids + snacks = an unstoppable force. (Trust me, I have a teenage son who NEVER stops eating!) But all those wrappers? Not so great for Mother Earth.
Instead of reaching for individually wrapped treats, try:
Shopping bulk bins
DIY snack recipes
Reusable snack bags kids, teens & adults and reusable food pouches for babies/toddlers
If your kids love granola bars, make a family activity out of creating your own. Not only is it fun and messy (in the best way), but you’ll also avoid adding to landfills. And if they look a little funny? Just call them “rustic.”
2. Water Bottles: Love ‘Em, Refill ‘Em
Plastic water bottles are so last decade. Invest in a set of reusable water bottles, assigning each family member a color. Kids are more likely to drink water if they feel the bottle is theirs.
This small change reduces waste and saves money—enough to splurge on a fun family treat every now and then. A win-win! Here are a couple top selling options with great reviews:
Adults/Teens:
Owala FreeSip 24oz (these are my fav)
Kiddos:
3. Embrace the Plant Life (in More Ways than One)
Plants aren’t just for making our homes look more photogenic—they’re also fantastic for family wellness. Start with some low-maintenance houseplants that even your toddler could keep alive (succulents, we’re looking at you!). Not only do plants naturally purify the air, but they also offer a fun way for the family to bond over watering, repotting, and yes, even naming them. For more sustainable snacking, try planting herbs or veggies; it’s a family-friendly activity that’ll make mealtime way more exciting!
4. Go Green with Bath Time
If bath time looks like a scene out of a soap opera (with or without bubbles everywhere), you’re not alone.Next time you stock up, consider switching to shampoo and conditioner bars. They’re:
Plastic-free
Budget-friendly
Long-lasting
If your kids need convincing, call it “magic soap” or “wizard shampoo.” You’d be amazed at what a little creative branding can do! Several people in my friends and family circle (men and women) have started using bars the past few years so we’ve tested a lot of them. Here are our top 3 favorites that work well on all of our har:
The Earthling Co - they have my favorite conditioner bar out there!
Ethique - their shampoo bars are larger than other brands
Kitsch - overall great shampoo and conditioner
5. Sustainable Clean-Up: Fun with Microfiber
If “cleaning day” triggers groans across your household, make it more fun—and eco-friendly! Swap paper towels for washable microfiber cloths. They come in bright colors, are reusable, and perfect for tiny hands eager to help.
Once dirty, just toss them in the laundry. Easy, effective, and sustainable!
6. Switch to Energy-Free Family Fun
Instead of relying on screens or devices for entertainment, try activities that don’t require electricity. Have a family game night with board games or puzzles, host a backyard camping adventure, or stargaze with a cozy blanket.
Not only will you save energy, but you’ll also foster stronger family bonds. Bonus: unplugging from technology for a while can help everyone recharge emotionally!
7. Get Crafty with Upcycling
This is where my eco-friendly practices began. When my first born was a toddler, I quickly found out how they prefer random objects over toys. Turn trash into treasure with upcycling projects! Empty jars, boxes, or fabric scraps can transform into fun DIY creations.
Examples:
Use old yogurt containers as paint pots
Turn T-shirts into cleaning rags
Kids will love the creativity (and the “treasure hunting” aspect), and you’ll create memories without creating waste. I have lots of ideas on my Pinterest page.
8. Sustainable Fashion Statements
Kids grow like weeds, making clothes shopping feel like a constant cycle. Instead of buying new, try:
Clothes swaps with other parents
Shopping second-hand
Supporting eco-friendly brands
You’ll find unique, high-quality pieces without the fast-fashion guilt—and probably save money, too. You would be surprised how much tweens and teens like this as well.
Final Thoughts: Small Changes, Big Impact
Sustainable wellness doesn’t mean becoming the eco-police. Start with one or two changes that work for your family and build from there. Celebrate the wins—big and small—and enjoy the journey toward a greener, healthier lifestyle together.
Remember, making sustainability a family mission isn’t just about saving the planet. It’s also about creating lasting memories, sharing laughs, and teaching your kids the value of caring for the world they’ll inherit.