How to become a eco friendly childminder?

[BlueberryPancake]

My objective this week was to reduce by bin size. I am looking after three children, two are in nappies (disposables) plus my two kids. I am trying to recycle everything I can, and reduce waste by composting, but I still ended up with three full bin bags ((the brabentia type bin bags). Can anyone share with me their tips for reducing waste?

We do a lot of junk modeling with the children, but I still end up with loads of packaging waste. Any tips there?

I could get out my old cotton nappies for the babies during the day, but the parents are providing disposable nappies, do you think it would be an idea to tell them I'd use cotton when the children are with me or is it too much trouble?

Thanks!

[RhinestoneCowgirl]

Well I would have been up for my CM using cloth nappies as that's what we used at home, had to buy disposables mainly for CM days. I would sound out the parents.

What kind of waste/recycling collections do you have locally? I still put around 2 bin bags of rubbish in the bin every week (no nappies any more) and we have glass, paper, tins, plastic, cardboard and compost collected weekly.

[BlueberryPancake]

yes same recycling here and we have a milkman so no plastic there. But I tend to put tetrapack in the bin and it's recyclable only at the tip, which is a drive away. Why can't we have tetrapac collection, I don't know...

We have lots of packaging waste, I try to buy things with less packaging like paper bags for mushrooms, but it's not always easy to find products with less packaging. especially for children I find.

[RhinestoneCowgirl]

Oh yes, recently got a tetrapak collection too.

I notice that when I shop at local green grocers I have lot less packaging than when I get veg at supermarket. At the supermarket it's getting harder to buy anything loose.

[BikeRunSki]

Shopping locally is good on a number of counts - less packaging as discussed so low environmental impact, and ethical in that it keeps money in the local economy. Also, could make it an activity for the mindees. Even better if you only buy seasonal stuff.

[RhinestoneCowgirl]

DD loves going to greengrocers with me (she is 3.5). She helps choose fruit, counts apples into the bag etc

[InMySpareTime]

We recycle pretty much everything, or pass it on for reuse. The 4 of us barely fill a carrier bag with general waste each week (but we don't have nappies).
I wouldn't push cotton nappies too hard if parents aren't keen, but would perhaps start to provide biodegradable recycled material nappies, and introduce it for new clients.
One giant cardboard box can have weeks of play value, and can be composted, recycled or used as mulch in flower beds afterwards.
After junk modelling, cardboard tubes can be reused as root trainer pots for seeds and small seedlings.
You can use flannels or fabric squares soaked in a mild antibacterial soap and water, to save baby wipe waste, if you are already used to laundering nappies these should not be too tricky to wash.
Most things that can't be recycled via doorstep collection can be recycled at local recycling centres. Could you separate them and bulk recycle them every so often?

[BlueChampagne]

Definitely offer parents the option of cloth nappies - they may have just assumed you wouldn't do them. Otherwise, cut open junk mail that comes in plastic 'envelopes' and use those as nappy bags. 'Disposable' wipes can't be that disposable as they survive several washes, then just need dipping in water to re-use.

What sort of waste are you left with? Could you, for example, buy big pots of yoghurt rather than individual ones?

Our CM gets fresh fruit and veg delivered from a catering service which comes loose in cardboard boxes, which are either returned or used as playthings! They also have a bread machine which must work pretty hard!

Good on you!