This document discusses why being a green parent is important and provides tips for green parenting. It notes that having children can motivate parents to produce less waste and be more environmentally conscious. Some tips include making less waste, reusing and passing down toys and clothes from other family members, learning with your baby about nature, shopping at thrift stores or participating in clothing swaps, and getting involved in local community activities like street parties or litter pickups. The document encourages parents to live simply and reduce consumption to be better role models for their children around environmental issues.

1. WHY BE A GREEN PARENT?Talk by Nicola Baird http://homemadekids.wordpress.com nicola baird/nct 1

2. Being green: scary or fun? http://homemadekids.wordpress.com nicola baird/nct 2

3. >> Keep life simple “You don’t need to buy everything brand new - especially if you’d never normally buy that many new things all in one go. If children realise that they can make things too, it’s an early lesson in not consuming.” Pip with Faith, 3 http://homemadekids.wordpress.com nicola baird/nct 3

4. Babies: best change motivators ever “Since having a baby I’ve become more environmentally conscious, just because there is so much potential for waste and I feel guilty about producing lots of extra rubbish.” Jude with Oli, 11 months http://homemadekids.wordpress.com nicola baird/nct 4

5. Tip #1 Make less waste “In Japan we have cheap baby items but many people feel throwing away is out of the question, recycling is better and reusing is the best.” Ryokowith Riki, 10 & Sumire,7 http://homemadekids.wordpress.com nicola baird/nct 5

6. Baby maths £200,000 = one child (0-21 years) So: £400,000 = two kids £600,000 = three £800,000 = four £1 million = five http://homemadekids.wordpress.com nicola baird/nct 6

7. >>Stuff with a story “I rediscovered the books and toys in storage at my parents’ house from my own childhood.” Stacy with Joji, 5 months “The girls wear smock dresses I used to wear. It brings back memories!” Tara with Olivia,10, Eve, 7 and Orla, 4 http://homemadekids.wordpress.com nicola baird/nct 7

8. Tip #2 Learn with your baby “Being a parent has made me 100 times more connected with the local community. I love this ongoing learning process.” Jo with Ben, 5, Sally, 2 http://homemadekids.wordpress.com nicola baird/nct 8

9. >>New ways of shopping/swapping “I’d never bought second hand clothes for myself, so I never thought about them for my baby – until I saw how fast he was growing. Now I use eBay for clothing, presents & equipment.” Clare with Connor, 3 and Finn, 6 months < PIC: Mums swap kids’ clothes and shoes. http://homemadekids.wordpress.com nicola baird/nct 9

10. Tip #3 Value local life “We’re realising that there’s a lot more to green parenting than being a green consumer…” Elaine/Gordon with Finn, 2 and Niall, 2 weeks http://homemadekids.wordpress.com nicola baird/nct 10

11. What can you do with little uns? “Running a street party was a very doable community activity with young children.” Gaby with Barney,9 and Toby,4 OTHER IDEAS Litter pick, toy library, car boot sale, stall, plant sale, quiz night, carbon conversation, adopting a street tree, etc http://homemadekids.wordpress.com nicola baird/nct 11

12. Improving where we livestreet party climate change march http://homemadekids.wordpress.com nicola baird/nct 12

13. Not got time? OrderHomemade Kids for your library to inspire someone else. Join a campaign group close to your heart, not just NCT, but also Soil Association, Friends of the Earth, Greenpeace, 10:10 etc. Be positive about other people’s child rearing – we’re all just doing our best. http://homemadekids.wordpress.com nicola baird/nct 13

14. http://homemadekids.wordpress.comhttp://aroundbritainnoplane.blogspot.com http://homemadekids.wordpress.com nicola baird/nct 14