‘How my daughter taught me to live a sustainable lifestyle’

I used to think sustainability was about big decisions—the kind that made headlines. Corporations pledging carbon neutrality, governments setting ambitious net-zero targets, and businesses revolutionising supply chains. Working in corporate sustainability, these were the conversations that filled my days. But then, I became a mother, and suddenly, sustainability wasn’t just a professional pursuit—it became deeply personal.

Holding my newborn daughter in my arms for the first time, I felt a shift within me. It was no longer about abstract policies; it was about the world I was leaving for her. The choices I made—what she ate, what she wore, what kind of world she would grow up in—were suddenly weightier. Sustainability was no longer an agenda; it became a way of life, woven into the very fabric of my motherhood.

The first wake-up call

Ask any new parent, and they will tell you—babies come with an astonishing number of things. From clothes they outgrow in weeks to mountains of plastic toys, from endless baby wipes to single-use packaging, the sheer volume of consumption is staggering.

At first, I felt overwhelmed. The market is flooded with options, each promising to be the safest, softest, or most innovative. But I quickly realised that buying more wasn’t the answer. Instead, I started questioning: Do I really need this? Can I find a sustainable alternative?

I initially considered switching to reusable cloth wipes and cloth diapers but soon realised that convenience was also an important factor for me. Instead, I opted for biodegradable wipes and bamboo diapers—choices that balanced sustainability with practicality. They cost more, but they allowed me to reduce my environmental footprint without adding stress to my already busy days as a new mother.

Food, culture, and conscious eating

When it was time to introduce solids to my daughter, I was reminded of my own childhood. Growing up in India, we ate fresh, home-cooked meals using ingredients sourced from local markets. Food was simple, nourishing, and waste-free.

So, I chose to do the same for my daughter. Instead of store-bought baby food packed in tiny plastic tubs, I turned to homemade recipes—softly mashed lentils, millets, seasonal fruits. Not only did this reduce waste, but it also connected her to real, unprocessed foods from the very beginning. It wasn’t just about sustainability; it was about tradition, culture, and instilling an appreciation for food in its most natural form.

Convenience versus consciousness

Let’s be honest—modern motherhood is exhausting. Between work, sleepless nights, and the never-ending to-do list, sustainability sometimes feels like an extra burden. There were moments when using a disposable diaper felt like the only feasible option, when the allure of a quick packaged snack was too strong to resist. And that’s okay.

Sustainability isn’t about perfection; it’s about balance. I remind myself that every small effort counts. If I can choose biodegradable diapers, if I can say no to a plastic toy here and there, if I can teach my daughter to love nature, to respect resources—then I am making a difference.

Next generation of conscious citizens

Motherhood has made me reflect on the kind of world I want my daughter to inherit. It’s not just about reducing waste or making eco-friendly swaps; it’s about raising a child who grows up with respect for the planet.

So, we spend time in nature. We watch birds, feel the texture of leaves, play in the sand. She may not understand sustainability yet, but she feels the earth beneath her tiny feet. One day, I hope she will choose to tread gently on it.