We’re all familiar with the whole idea of New Year’s Resolutions. In fact, we’ve probably all been guilty of making our fair share that we don’t stick to. But the usual fad diets and getting fit quick routines aren’t what we’re interested in here at Babycup (we believe in a healthy lifestyle ALL year round…with a bit of everything in moderation, of course). What we’re hoping to see a rise of this year are resolutions that not only benefit ourselves, but our planet too.

We love the Veganuary initiative (come back to read our blog next week for a few delicious recipes to inspire you!), particularly because we love to hear that so many people are interested in different ways of having a healthy diet and of exploring the impact of different foods on the world that they’re willing to step out of their comfort zone and give things a go. But today’s blog isn’t about Veganuary, instead, it’s about a step towards a single use plastic free 2019.

Even if you don’t consider yourself to be the most eco-friendly of sorts, chances are you’ve heard about single use plastics. Choosing reusable over throwaway and cutting back on what we buy and what ends up in a landfill was hitting headlines all through 2018, from the UK government announcing the scheduled ban of baby wipes in the near future, to festivals implementing a ‘no glitter’ rule (bio-degradable stuff excluded). Single use plastic is everywhere. We use it in huge amounts, every day, in packaging, straws, bottles and more and having so much of it cluttering our lives is harming the planet. The solution? Choose to reuse.

Here are some of our top picks for parents wanting to ditch single-use plastics in 2019…

Babycup First Cup

As soon as your baby starts on solids at around six months, a pack of Babycup First Cups is all they need, receptacle-wise, to see them through toddlerhood. No need for cupboards full of sippy cups for different ages and stages. No requirement to keep buying different drinking solutions. This is a great way to cut down on some of the plastic overload and streamline storage and shopping baskets. Better yet, all of our cups are BPA and Phthalates free, meaning the plastic we use is non-toxic – safe for your baby. Better on the purse, better for the kitchen cupboard, less products impacting on the environment and a healthy sipping solution that’s best for baby.

Little Lamb Nappies

Every baby bum is adorable, but one cushioned in a fluffy Little Lamb cotton or bamboo nappy is even cuter than your average!

All parents know that babies get through a tonne of nappy changes each day, but it’s easy to forget that these nappies are largely plastic and end up in landfills. Reusable nappies, like these ones from Little Lamb, are the obvious solution and as well as being better for the planet, they’re also considerably cheaper in the long run too.

Beeswax Wraps

So now you’re thinking ‘what about food that isn’t pureed?’ – good question. Clingfilm is often a household go-to, but this is one of the worst culprits of single use plastics. It’s time to make this pack your last and from now on, switch to reusable wraps.

Beeswax Wraps are beautiful, easy to use and (that all-important word again) convenient – all without harming the planet.

Choose from a lovely range of designs made from waxed organic cotton and low impact dyes. Both you and your little ones will love unwrapping sandwiches and snacks on impromptu picnics this summer!

Cheeky Wipes

Don’t fear the reusable wipe! The prospect may be unappealing to many but after a trial run, you’ll be a total convert. Besides, as mentioned above, disposable baby wipes are on the way out anyway, so you might as well get used to it now!

Cheeky Wipes reusable cloth baby wipes come in bundles perfect for nappy changes (expect to use one nifty wipe rather than five disposables. These are efficient!) and hand and face wiping too. If mums are feeling brave, you could even try their luxurious reusable soft cotton sanitary towels or 4 layer period pants while you’re at it.