There’s a lot to think about when you embark on the parenthood journey, isn’t there? From what to do and when, to the products that you may or may not need – and then there’s the impact these products have on the planet. Luckily, Haakaa has made allowing parenthood to be just that little bit more sustainable a key part of our ethos, and this drive is baked into our DNA.
So, how can you go green in your parenting journey? And how do Haakaa products help you not only make a start in reducing your environmental footprint, but also continue on that journey?
The Pillars of Sustainable Parenting
At its heart, sustainable parenting revolves around a few key principles:
• Reducing Waste: Minimising single-use items and opting for reusable alternatives.
• Choosing Non-Toxic Materials: Protecting your baby and the environment from harmful substances.
• Conserving Resources: Being mindful of energy and water consumption.
• Educating the Next Generation: Teaching children the importance of environmental stewardship.
Today, we’re going to explore how choosing Haakaa products aligns with these pillars and how they can help create long-lasting habits that can be passed on to your children.
Haakaa: Who We Are, and How We Can Help
Haakaa, as you probably already know, is a New Zealand-based, family-owned brand. Our commitment to sustainability is shown by our choice of safe, natural, and non-toxic materials, including both food-grade and medical-grade silicone as appropriate. This dedication makes Haakaa the ideal choice for eco-conscious parents. Here are just a few of the Haakaa products that will empower you as you embark on a sustainable parenting journey.
- The Haakaa Silicone Breast Pump: The Original Gamechanger
The original Haakaa Manual Silicone Breast Pump is perhaps our most famous contribution, and one that changed breast pumping as we know it. Instead of relying on electric pumps with multiple parts, batteries, and cords, the Haakaa pump utilises natural suction to collect breastmilk. And best of all, it can be used hands-free! Here are some of the genuinely amazing benefits of this pump, whether you use our Gen 1, Gen 2 or the adaptable Gen 3 pump:
• Reduced Waste: No disposable batteries and no single-use pump parts to replace constantly. Made from durable silicone (food-grade for Gen 1 & 2, medical-grade for Gen 3), they’re designed to last.
• Energy Conservation: They require no electricity, making them ideal for on-the-go pumping and reducing your energy consumption.
• Maximised Milk Collection: They don’t just actively pump breastmilk – they can also be used to help collect let-down and leakage from one breast while nursing on the other, preventing the waste of precious liquid gold that might otherwise be absorbed by disposable, single-use breast pads.
2. Ladybug Silicone Breast Milk Collector: When Every Drop Counts
Similar to the breast pumps, the Ladybug Breast Milk Collector is a discreet, wearable silicone device that fits inside your bra to catch any leakage or let-down throughout the day. These handy little collectors are even made of 100% medical-grade silicone!
• The Zero Waste, Passive Milk Collection Alternative: Replaces disposable breast pads, preventing them from ending up in landfills.
• Milk Preservation: Ensures no breastmilk is wasted (especially when transferred to one of our handy Silicone Milk Storage Bags), contributing to a more efficient and less wasteful feeding journey.
3. Silicone & Glass Baby Bottles and Feeding Accessories
Haakaa offers a range of silicone and glass baby bottles, children's self-feeding cutlery, and the ever-popular Fresh Food Feeder.
• Non-Toxic and Safe: Made from soft, safe and non-toxic silicone or glass, these products are BPA-, PVC-, and phthalate-free, ensuring no harmful chemicals leach into your baby’s food or milk.
• Durable and Long-Lasting: Silicone is incredibly robust and resistant to breaks, meaning these products will stand the test of time and multiple uses. The high-quality borosilicate glass used in our Gen 3 Glass Baby Bottles is temperature-resistant and safe against thermal shock, making them ideal to have on hand. However, please note that even borosilicate glass can break if it’s dropped, so you’ll need to be a bit more careful with these.
• Reduced Single-Use Plastics: By opting for reusable bottles and feeders, you significantly cut down on the need for disposable plastic alternatives.
4. Versatile Cleaning Brushes and Storage Solutions
Haakaa’s commitment extends to practical items such as silicone cleaning brush kits and airtight silicone storage jars, meaning it’s more than just the bottles and pumps. Our range takes sustainability into account, even at cleaning time!
• Reusable Cleaning Tools: Our silicone brushes are durable and can replace countless disposable sponges or plastic brushes over time. That means no more plastic bristles falling off, while the stainless steel handles of our cleaning brushes are strong, sturdy, and will withstand the test of time. Silicone bristles also have the advantage of avoiding the risk of scratching the surfaces of your silicone products, so it’s win/win!
• Sustainable Storage: Haakaa’s Airtight Glass Jars with Silicone Lids provide an eco-friendly way to store breastmilk, baby food, or snacks, reducing the need for single-use plastic bags or containers. There’s also a wide range of silicone freezer trays with just as many compartment size options, from the Pineapple Nibble Tray to the Easy-freeze Trays, which let you store pretty much anything you need!
Haakaa’s dedication to sustainability goes beyond just our product lines. Our commitment is woven into our business practices, including in our eco-friendly packaging. We use recycled cardboard for all our boxes and paper void instead of plastic everywhere that it’s possible to do so, as well as food-safe dyes and inks. You may have noticed our packaging lacks the glossiness you may be used to from other sources – this is why! This also makes it easier for you to continue recycling, as our packaging can just be popped right into your recycling bin!
The Ripple Effect of Sustainable Choices
By choosing Haakaa products, you’re not just making individual green choices; you’re contributing to a larger movement. You’re teaching your children, by example, the importance of environmental responsibility. You’re investing in products designed to last and reducing the demand for new resources while minimising waste.
Sustainable parenting, as with any other drive towards sustainability, is a journey, not a destination. Every small step makes a difference, and that means being ready to always take the next one. By making eco-friendly choices accessible, practical and effective, Haakaa’s aim is to make going green with your little one easier and more rewarding than ever. And, as with you, ours is a never-ending journey, with our goal being to improve more and more with each step. Together, we can work to make life as a parent easier and greener.