Raising Green Families: Tips for Fostering Sustainable Habits at Home

At Mon Coeur, sustainability isn’t just something we sew into every garment—it’s a way of living that begins at home. While raising children comes with its share of mess and chaos (and laundry!), it also offers a beautiful opportunity: to model habits that nurture both people and planet.

Creating an eco-conscious home doesn’t require perfection—it starts with small, consistent choices that add up over time. Here are our favorite family-friendly tips for fostering sustainable habits at home.

1. Start with Simple Swaps

Sustainability doesn’t mean starting from scratch. Begin by replacing everyday disposables with reusable alternatives:

• Cloth napkins instead of paper towels

• Reusable water bottles and snack containers

• Silicone sandwich bags and beeswax wraps

Pro tip: Let your kids pick out their own eco-friendly lunch gear—it helps build ownership and excitement around the habit.

2. Make Energy Saving a Game

Turn off lights? Close the fridge? Power down devices? These small wins can become fun learning moments.

• Set up a “light leader” of the week to turn off lights when leaving a room

• Have a “five-minute shower challenge”

• Teach kids to unplug chargers when not in use

Bonus: Create a sticker chart or eco-points system with rewards like choosing the next family movie or a special outing.

3. Eat with the Earth in Mind

Family mealtimes are the perfect setting for practicing sustainability:

• Plan meals to reduce food waste

• Compost food scraps or start a small backyard garden

• Choose local and organic when possible

• Introduce more plant-based meals (Meatless Mondays, anyone?)

Involve little ones in grocery shopping or gardening—they’re more likely to appreciate where their food comes from.

4. Green Your Laundry Routine

We talk a lot about this at Mon Coeur because it's one of the biggest ways families can reduce their impact:

• Wash full loads with cold water

• Use eco-friendly detergents

• Air dry whenever possible

• Choose clothing made from organic or recycled materials (like ours!)

Check out our Laundry Tips for Parents for more ways to care sustainably.

5. Reduce Toy & Clothing Waste

It’s easy to accumulate more than we need—but being mindful about consumption can make a big difference:

• Choose fewer, better-quality toys made from wood, fabric, or recycled plastic

• Host a toy or clothing swap with friends

• Donate outgrown items or repurpose them into keepsakes (like memory quilts)

Bonus tip: Build a capsule wardrobe for your child to simplify dressing and reduce clutter.

6. Choose Non-Toxic, Low-Waste Cleaning

Harsh chemical cleaners can be harmful to little ones and the environment. Switch to:

• Vinegar and baking soda for everyday cleaning

• Refillable glass spray bottles

• Concentrated cleaning tabs or bulk soap purchases

Make your own “cleaning potion” together—it’s a fun science experiment and a step toward a healthier home.

7. Talk About It

Sustainability starts with awareness. Keep the conversation open and age-appropriate:

• Read books about nature, recycling, or climate heroes

• Watch nature documentaries as a family

• Celebrate Earth Day—or make your own monthly “Green Day”

The more your children understand the “why,” the more likely they are to grow into mindful, compassionate humans.

Progress Over Perfection

No one gets it perfect all the time (especially when parenting is involved). At Mon Coeur, we believe in progress over perfection—in making small, consistent choices that reflect love for our families and our planet.

So whether you're washing laundry in cold water or planting herbs on the windowsill, know this: you're raising a generation that sees sustainability not as a chore, but as a way of life.