"Many small people, in small places, doing small things, can change the world." This phrase, attributed to writer Eduardo Galeano, can serve as a beacon as you become more environmentally conscious and begin the path toward a sustainable life. Many families want to make more environmentally responsible decisions, seeking a fairer and healthier world, but they don’t always know where to start. It’s also easy to think that small actions can’t change anything in the face of a challenge as huge as climate change. But embarking on a sustainable life doesn’t have to feel overwhelming or complicated. On the contrary, making a few small changes in your family’s lifestyle can have a big impact on your health, your finances, and, of course, the size of the carbon footprint you generate. Would you like to start this journey? Then take our hand—because in the next article, we’ll guide you and your family on the way to becoming a more sustainable family.

10 keys to achieving a sustainable life

1. Give it a second use

Many families get so excited about the arrival of their first child that they start buying multiple items they consider essential to give their little adventurer the best. It's normal! Clothing, the crib, the stroller, the baby carrier, certain toys… A whole world of needs opens up before you. However, it’s often not until the baby arrives that you fully realize how little many of these products are actually used. Choosing second-hand options is a great sustainable alternative, as it gives a second life to products that are still in good condition. Plus, it’s kinder to your wallet—you can save a lot of money. There are platforms like or which make it very easy to find the things your baby might need.

2. Recycle

Plastic, paper, glass, organic materials, and clothing can all be given a second life. Although awareness is growing, we still have a lot of room to improve when it comes to recycling. And it’s true that recycling isn’t the solution to the problem of waste production, but it is a moral responsibility to think about how you can recycle what you’ve used if you want to achieve a sustainable life.

Why not make recycling a family habit? To do that, it helps to have recycling bins at home and teach children how to identify the symbols. You can add a fun touch with pictures and name tags for each bin to motivate your little one. Remember: you’re their mirror—especially when it comes to building environmental awareness.

3. Repair

How many times do you throw something away just because it broke and you don’t feel like fixing it? How often do you hear that it’s more expensive to repair than to buy new? Repairing what’s broken extends its lifespan, reduces waste, and helps prevent an even larger carbon footprint from the purchase of new products. The act of fixing has much more depth than it seems, don’t you think?

4. Do not buy what you do not need

We often buy things we don’t need—and with the arrival of a first baby, perhaps even more so! Before purchasing something, take a moment to consider whether you truly need it. This is especially common with clothing: fast fashion has imposed consumption models that are incompatible with caring for the environment. Choose less and better because, as the saying goes, less is more.

5. Save energy whenever you can

Bibs, pajamas, t-shirts, bodysuits… When you have babies and young children at home, the amount of laundry can reach heights you never imagined. Your washing machine is likely working harder than ever, so it’s important to choose the right programs. You can save a lot of energy and water when washing! If possible, try to hang clothes outdoors instead of using the dryer (which consumes a lot of energy), and opt for wash programs with a temperature below 60º. Additionally, it’s a good idea to use eco-friendly detergents, whose natural components are less harmful to the environment. Another option for a more sustainable wash is soap nuts. They’re a natural alternative: just add a few in a cotton bag. When they come into contact with hot water, the nuts release saponin, a natural soap.

Beyond using energy wisely when doing laundry, many other actions can help you live more sustainably: turning off lights when you don’t need them, using air conditioning and heating as little as possible, cooking several recipes at once (or in larger quantities) to freeze, and choosing showers instead of baths as children grow… You can probably think of even more ideas for mindful energy use!

6. Equip a sustainable changing station

At home, choose a more sustainable diaper-changing routine. First, equip your changing table with a mattress that has a removable cover you can easily put in the washing machine. For the , you can use reusable cotton wipes: with a little warm water and a wipe, you can gently clean your little adventurer's bottom. To take outside of the house in your , our water-based wipes are a very good alternative. Besides being ultra-soft, they are made of botanical fibers and are plastic-free. Regarding diapers, if you want to use diapers with a reduced environmental impact, our line of are an excellent choice. As comfortable and efficient as ever, they come in attractive and innovative paper packaging to reduce plastic waste. The remaining plastic content is offset through a partnership with Plastic Bank®, which removes much more plastic from the environment than our diapers contain. Additionally, the absorbent core is made of natural cellulose, meaning it is unbleached. Finally, all LILLYDOO green products are delivered with complete neutrality since CO2 emissions are offset by supporting climate protection projects. you can find more information about our actions to care for the planet.

7. Analyze the way you move around

Do you go to preschool on foot, by public transport, or by car? Have you considered using a bicycle? Especially in large cities, the car has become the primary means of transportation. This has a huge impact on the carbon footprint that you, as an individual and as a family, leave behind. We encourage you to look at how you get around and think about what you can do to improve those trips. You can do a lot to become a more sustainable family!

8. Bet on sustainable eating

Your food choices have a huge impact on environmental health. When shopping, try to choose more plant-based foods over animal-based ones—and even better if they’re seasonal and local. For fruit and vegetable purchases, use cloth bags instead of plastic bags. Baby jars and pre-cooked meals are practical resources, but they also generate more waste and often travel a long way before ending up on your table. Cooking more at home is the best option. It’s true that it requires good organization, but what you save—in every sense—is worth it.

9. Choose sustainable toys and activities

Babies and young children don’t need much to stay entertained. Choose high-quality toys made from durable materials such as wood and, if possible, produced locally. Around 18 months, you can enjoy fun and simple crafts. On the Internet, you can find countless ideas for using recycled items like cardboard, yogurt containers, and used papers… on , where we post some craft ideas to do with the little ones. Of course, outdoor play is the most sustainable leisure activity and offers the greatest health benefits for your little adventurer. Enjoy nature with your family!

10. Educate on sustainability

As we’ve already told you, you’re a mirror, so what you do will be reflected in your little adventurer. The more you incorporate small sustainable habits into your daily life, the more likely your child is to copy them and naturally integrate them into their own life. And above all, don’t worry! Every small action is already a step toward becoming a more sustainable family and living in a greener world.