Rethinking Your Family Routine to Make Sustainability a Natural Habit
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Time to Read: 9 min
The life of a family is a constant and unstoppable whirlwind. We're all trying to juggle while riding a unicycle on a tightrope keeping a bunch of balls in the air: work, soccer practice, school drop-offs, maybe some kind of social life (if you're really lucky). When you're just trying to make it from one morning to the next morning without tears or arguments, it's really easy for sustainability to slip down the list.
But hear me out: you don't have to do anything drastic or make big changes to live more sustainably. It's really about the small, everyday choices we make, and when you stack them up, they can make a big difference for the world our kids will grow up in. From backyard to kitchen table — and everything in between — let’s figure out how we can fit a little more sustainability into our family routines.
About Ahimsa
Founded by a pediatrician and mom of three
Stainless steel is the only kid-friendly material recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics
We are guided by a Scientific Advisory Council comprised of environmental and medical experts, guiding us in creating the safest products, following the latest science and promoting policy to protect human health and our planet
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Sustainable Habits for the Kitchen
Let’s kick things off right in the kitchen—the heart of every home. Meals are whipped up here, memories are shared, and honestly, a lot of waste happens if we’re not paying attention. You can easily turn your kitchen into a bastion of sustainability — without losing any flavor or convenience. The easiest thing to do is to stop using or buying plastic silverware and understand plastic cutlery’s harmful effects. It’s a huge waste, especially at home, when you have cutlery right there you can use (that won’t snap in half when you’re spooning a big helping of pasta salad).
Next on the list: food waste. According to the EPA, in 2010, food loss and waste was 31 percent of the food supply, equaling 133 billion pounds! That’s way too much, obviously, so let’s try to do our small part to make it better. It’s not just rough on the wallet; it’s a huge problem for the planet too. So, when you hit the grocery store, get smart about it. Stick to your list and avoid those impulse buys that usually get forgotten and wilt in the fridge.
Meal planning comes next. It sounds like just another chore to add to your already long list, I know, but trust me—a little work up front will save you stress later. Kids are more likely to eat what they helped plan—so get them involved! And it’ll save you from those stressful "what’s for dinner?" moments when pizza seems like the only solution.
Leftovers—don’t toss them! Turn them into something new and get creative. That roast chicken from last night? Tomorrow, it’s chicken salad sandwiches. Leftover veggies? They’re perfect for a frittata.
Now, about what we’re eating. Supporting local farmers by choosing seasonal and local produce is a win all around. You cut down on your carbon footprint, and enjoy fruits and veggies that actually taste better because they’re in season. Hit your local farmers market or check out the “locally grown” section at the store.
Packaging? It’s another big deal when it comes to waste. Shop from bulk bins when you can, and bring your own reusable containers and bags. At first, it might feel awkward, but soon enough, it becomes second nature.
For this I recommend one of our stainless steel containers like the Square. They’re made without any weird chemicals, they’ll last a good long time, and, best of all for sustainability, they won’t end up in a landfill after you’re done using them for Monday’s leftovers.
The tools you use in the kitchen matter too. Durable kitchenware made from bamboo or stainless steel is the way to go. And look for energy-efficient appliances when it’s time to upgrade. They might cost a little more at first, but they’ll save you money and energy in the long run. While our snack bowls are great for the kids, I use our stainless steel snack bowls for food prep too.
Greener Cleaning Practices
Alright, now that we’ve handled the kitchen, cleaning is the next spot where you can really step up your sustainability game. Stop buying weird, strong-smelling cleaning chemicals, and instead, go for friendlier and greener ways of cleaning up. Not only is it healthier for your family—especially those little ones who love toddling and crawling around and getting into everything—and it’s also better for the Earth.
Shelling out for expensive cleaning products loaded with chemicals? Forget it. What a few everyday items like vinegar, lemon, and baking soda can do would probably amaze you. Got soap scum in the shower or a sticky counter? These natural powerhouses can handle it all.
While you’re at it, dump those throwaway cleaning tools. Your eco-friendly besties here are microfiber cloths and reusable sponges. They’ll save you some cash over time, and they’ll also get the job done.
Single-use stuff like disposable wipes and paper towels? Okay, sure, they’re handy, but they create a crazy amount of waste. Reusable cloths for spills make things easier on your budget and the environment.
Let’s also pay attention to water use. Fill up a basin instead of running the tap constantly while washing dishes. And for laundry, wait until you’ve got a full load before you hit that start button. These small tweaks help you cut back on water, and, honestly, that’s super important.
Mealtime Essentials
Sustainable Living Beyond the Home
When you start down the path of sustainability it will grow like ivy into other areas of your life. You start seeing your world with a new perspective: how can I make this a tiny bit greener? How can I tweak this habit I have so it's a little better for the planet? How can I save a little money (and maybe a lot of trash) by changing how I approach my day?
Whenever you can, skip driving and walk, bike, or use public transit. Some parts of the country make this easier than others -- we don't all live in a walkable city center with plentiful parks and bike lanes. But if you can, you should! It benefits the environment, but it’s also a way to get some exercise and fresh air. For the whole family, it can even turn into a fun adventure.
Before grabbing something new, think about what you buy. Ask yourself: Do I really need this? Maybe you could borrow it, repurpose something you own, or find it secondhand? Online marketplaces and neighborhood thrift stores are full of hidden gems waiting for you to find them.
We can't skip the three R’s—recycle, reduce, reuse. Get the kids in on it, too. Teach them about composting and recycling, and get creative with old stuff. Storage containers can come from empty jars, and fun craft projects can start with leftover fabric.
Spend time outside. Exploring parks, hanging out in the backyard, hiking on trails -- nature is a great way to connect as a family. Have you thought about gardening? It teaches kids how food grows, and it’s also a great way to get them out of the house and out from behind their screens.
The best way to teach kids about sustainability is to show them. Involve them. Explain your choices, yes, but let them create their own ideas. The mind of a child is imaginative and isn't locked down with preconceptions and biases. You never know what insight they might have.
Sustainability With Ahimsa
Sustainability doesn’t have to feel like a huge burden. A sustainable life is really just about making the small, thoughtful choices that add up over time. Remember, every little step you take toward living greener helps both your family and the planet. Start small, enjoy the progress, and soon enough, it’ll feel like second nature.
Oh, and if you’re looking for a little extra help along the way, check out my Mealtime Guide. It’s full of handy tips, easy recipes, and ideas to make healthy, eco-friendly meals your kids will actually eat. Grab some healthy snacks, serve them up on our stainless steel plates, and discuss as a family how you want to be more sustainable together. Together, we can make the future brighter—one small step at a time.
Dr. Manasa Mantravadi
Dr. Manasa Mantravadi is a board-certified pediatrician whose dedication to children’s health drove her to launch Ahimsa, the world's first colorful stainless steel dishes for kids. She was motivated by the American Academy of Pediatrics’ findings on harmful chemicals in plastic affecting children's well-being. Ahimsa has gained widespread recognition and been featured in media outlets such as Parents Magazine, the Today Show, The Oprah Magazine, and more.
Dr. Mantravadi received the esteemed “Physician Mentor of the Year” award at Indiana University School of Medicine in 2019. She was also named a Forbes Next 1000 Entrepreneur in 2021, with her inspiring story showcased on Good Morning America. She serves on the Council for Environmental Health and Climate Change and the Council for School Health at The American Academy of Pediatrics. She represents Ahimsa as a U.S. industry stakeholder on the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) for the Global Plastics Treaty, led by the United Nations Environment Program. Dr. Mantravadi leads Ahimsa's social impact program, The Conscious Cafeteria Project, to reduce carbon emissions and safeguard student health as part of a national pilot of the Clinton Global Initiative.
She is dedicated to educating and empowering people to make healthier, more environmentally friendly choices at mealtime. Her mission remains to advocate for the health of all children and the one planet we will leave behind for them through real policy change within our food system.
More Mealtime Essentials
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I use stainless steel instead of plastic? Is stainless steel better for health?
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) released a report in July 2018 suggesting ways that families can limit exposure to certain chemicals at mealtime, including “the use of alternatives to plastic, such as glass or stainless steel, when possible.” The report explained that “…some additives are put directly in foods, while “indirect” additives may include chemicals from plastic, glues, dyes, paper, cardboard”. Further, “Children are more sensitive to chemical exposures because they eat and drink more, relative to body weight, than adults do, and are still growing and developing.” While stainless steel items meet the recommendation to avoid plastic products in children, Ahimsa® products have the obvious advantage of not breaking like glass.
Is stainless steel better for the environment than plastic?
According to the Steel Recycling Institute, steel can be recycled over and over and over again without losing its integrity and requires less energy to recycle than to make anew. Most plastic unfortunately ends up in landfills and it is estimated to take 700 years to decompose. Our special coloring process that allows Ahimsa® products to be fully metal is environmentally friendly, so it does not produce toxic run-off into the ecosystem.
Will Ahimsa products break or peel?
No. Our steel is durable, so it won’t break or shatter with everyday use, like glass. And it won’t peel, like other colored stainless steel products you’ve seen. We use a special process that allows the colors to naturally occur in the metal.
Which Ahimsa products are best for my little one(s)?
Our products are meant to last, you can use Ahimsa at ages 1, 8 and 18! We thoughtfully design our products to be safe for little ones and our planet while reducing consumption. Once your child outgrows the Starting Solids Set and can use regular cups and utensils, the training cup is the perfect size rinse cup in the bathroom, the infant spoon doubles as a tea stirrer and the bowl is great for snacks or as an additional compartment to our modular divided plate. Our plates are great for any age as they encourage choosing a variety of healthy foods at each meal and help visualize portion sizes easily. It’s the lasting beauty of stainless steel - grows with your child and reduces waste.
