Sustainable Living Tips for Busy Moms

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Sustainable living has been on my mind a lot lately. As a mom, I think about the kind of world I want my daughter to grow up in—one where nature is thriving, resources are valued, and we aren’t drowning in plastic waste. But let’s be real: life with a toddler is already full, and making major changes can feel overwhelming.

The good news? Sustainable living doesn’t have to be all or nothing. Small shifts add up, and many sustainable living practices actually make life easier (and more affordable) in the long run. I’ve found that incorporating sustainability into our daily routines—especially in ways that save time, money, or reduce clutter—feels good. And when I make it part of our family culture, my daughter grows up seeing these choices as normal.

If you’re looking for simple, manageable sustainable living tips for everyday life as a busy mom, this sustainable living guide will help you get started.

Why Choose Sustainable Living?

Before jumping into practical tips, let’s talk about why sustainable living matters. For me, it comes down to three big things:

1. Protecting Nature for Our Kids – I want my daughter to grow up with clean air, safe water, and beautiful outdoor spaces to explore. The more we take care of the planet now, the better her future will be.
2. Saving Money – Many sustainable living hacks (like reusable items and buying secondhand) reduce waste and save cash. Over time, these choices really add up.
3. Teaching Mindful Consumption – As a mom, I want to model intentionality. Do we really need this? Where did it come from? Will it last? These questions help create a home that isn’t overflowing with stuff—and help our kids develop an appreciation for quality over quantity.

With that in mind, here are some of my favorite sustainable living tips that are easy to implement.

1. Switch to Reusable Ziplock Bags

Snack time happens constantly in our house. Instead of going through endless plastic baggies, I’ve switched to Stasher Premium Silicone Reusable Food Storage Bags. They’re perfect for snacks on the go, toddler leftovers, and even freezer storage. Bonus: they don’t rip or leak like plastic bags!

2. Bring Your Own Grocery Bags

This one is simple but effective. I keep a set of BAGGU Big Reusable Bags in my car, diaper bag, and stroller so I’m always prepared. Many stores even offer discounts for bringing your own bags, so it’s a win-win.

3. Experiment with Homemade Kombucha

I love kombucha, and making it at home has been such a fun way to reduce waste while enjoying a fizzy, flavorful drink. I like experimenting with different flavor combinations, and it’s so satisfying to create something delicious from scratch. If you’re curious about trying it yourself, check out my guide on how to make homemade kombucha.

4. DIY Your Own Seasonings

Pre-packaged seasoning blends often come in wasteful plastic containers and include unnecessary fillers. I’ve started making my own spice blends, like this homemade taco seasoning and this easy immersion blender ranch dressing. Not only does this cut down on packaging waste, but it also tastes so much better!

5. Buy Used Books

We love books in our house, and I’m always looking to expand my toddler’s collection. Instead of buying new, I check secondhand book websites like ThriftBooks, AbeBooks, and local Free Little Libraries. Not only is this more affordable, but it also keeps books in circulation rather than sending them to landfills.

6. Buy Secondhand Clothes

Kids grow so fast, and I’ve found that secondhand clothes are the way to go. Whether it’s through thrift stores, consignment shops, or online platforms like Mercari and Poshmark, buying used saves money and reduces textile waste. My favorite place to look for secondhand clothes is Patagonia’s Worn Wear, which offers high-quality, durable outdoor gear for kids and adults. Sustainable living for beginners can start with something as simple as shopping secondhand.

7. Use a SodaStream

If your family loves sparkling water, a SodaStream Terra Sparkling Water Maker is a game-changer. It cuts down on plastic bottle waste, saves money, and lets you control how fizzy you want your drinks. I also love adding fresh fruit or homemade syrups to make it feel extra special.

8. Swap Disposable Water Bottles for Reusable Ones

This is one of the easiest sustainable living tips to make. A high-quality reusable water bottle keeps drinks cold (or hot!) and eliminates the need for plastic bottles. I always bring a CamelBak eddy+ Kids Water Bottle for my toddler and use my Hydro Flask Travel Tumbler for myself when heading out—whether it’s to the park, errands, or road trips.

9. Ditch Paper Towels for Reusable Cloths

I used to go through rolls of paper towels constantly, especially with a toddler. Now, I keep a stash of reusable cloths and kitchen towels handy for wiping up spills, cleaning surfaces, and even drying hands. Not only does this reduce waste, but it also saves money over time.

10. Start a Toy Swap with Friends

Toddlers get bored with toys quickly, but instead of constantly buying new ones, I’ve started swapping with other moms. Every few months, we trade gently used toys, giving our kids “new” things to play with while reducing waste. It’s fun, free, and keeps clutter under control!

Making Sustainable Living a Family Habit

The best part about sustainable living is that it doesn’t have to be perfect. Every little change makes a difference, and over time, these habits become second nature.

What’s one sustainable living hack you’ve made recently? Let’s share ideas and inspire each other to keep making progress!