Parenthood makes being environmentally friendly more challenging according to research

MUMS and Dads in the UK say the pressure of caring for their baby conflicts with their green credentials. 78% of parents believe that the pressure of parenthood makes sustainability more difficult and 31% state parenthood has made them less eco-friendly.

The new research paints a picture of heightened environmental anxiety when parenthood hits. 63% know they are more sustainable than their parents ever were but time pressures (72%) and feeling overwhelmed (61%) when a baby comes along compromises their decisions to do what's right for the environment. And when it comes to adopting new routines or buying eco-friendly essential babycare products, 54% say they don't know where to start to make the right choice.

Despite these challenges, 75% of parents say sustainability is important and 70% are willing to make sacrifices where possible to be eco-friendly.

The research was commissioned by leading baby brand MAM to coincide with the launch of its carbon-neutral soother range, MAM Original Pure.

Lisa Parkhill, managing director of MAM, said:- "We know parenthood can be overwhelming and having the added pressure of protecting the environment when juggling lots of challenges can get too much. But it is the little baby steps we choose together that makes a big difference. As a brand, we've made big strides to be more sustainable. It's taken almost a decade of intensive research and new scientific breakthroughs to bring to market a high quality, eco-friendly carbon-neutral soother. 63% of people asked didn't know sustainable soothers existed. Now, we can soothe parents' environmental anxieties at the same time as soothing and calming babies."

Innovations at MAM has resulted in the business incorporating safe, renewable raw material sources that are 100% traceable along the supply chain in terms of environmental and social standards. MAM is also committed to extending its carbon neutral credentials across other products in its portfolio in 2024, and by 2025, they are expected to be using 50% renewable energy at their plant in Hungary.

The MAM Original Pure comes in a unique steriliser box which is great for use on the go. The box and soother are made of bio-renewable material which can be traced back 100% to renewable raw materials. 76% of the MAM packaging solutions are already made from recycled, renewable or responsibly sourced materials and MAM aims to increase this to 100% by 2025.

Sterilising the soother could not be simpler or greener either; by simply adding water and microwaving the steriliser box for 3 minutes, up to 77% of CO2 emissions are saved compared to other methods.

Justine Roberts, Founder and CEO of Mumsnet who carried out the survey, said:- "Having children brings the future of the planet sharply into focus, so it's no surprise that the majority of parents are willing to make sacrifices in order to be more eco-friendly. But the pressures of parenting can sometimes make sustainable choices more difficult. Anything brands like MAM can do to make those choices easier is a good thing; for parents and for the planet."

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Liverpool Philharmonic is bringing music into the community this Christmas

STUDENTS from Liverpool Philharmonic's In Harmony programme will be spreading some Christmas cheer next week with a series of musical performances in the community.

In Harmony is Liverpool Philharmonic's community based music education programme that uses orchestral music making to improve the life chances of North Liverpool children and their families by increasing confidence, wellbeing, skills and resilience.

As part of the In Harmony Community Week, participants will be bringing their music back into the community on an Anfield Tour. The ensemble will be performing a 15 to 20 minute set of Christmas music at a variety of community and public settings offering a chance for those in the local community to engage with music.

On Tuesday, 12 December 2023, participants from the In Harmony programme and Liverpool Philharmonic musicians will be visiting Daisy Inclusive, Rowan Garth Care Home, Priory Medical Centre and Homebaked community hub. Also on Tuesday, members of the In Harmony Chamber Stars group will be performing a short concert at Saint Francis Xavier, Church. On Thursday, 14 December 2023, members of the community will be able to catch the musicians as they perform their Christmas hits outside Break Road Asda, Breck Road Library and Anfield Stadium.

In Harmony Community Week will also include a series of performances at Schools. Events include interactive mini classroom concerts for students and teachers and a School yard performances for families at School drop-off and pick-up times. In Harmony participants also have the chance to perform a short concert to their parents at Lighthouse Liverpool in Anfield and North Liverpool Academy Youth Hubs in Everton.

In March 2024 In Harmony will celebrate 15 years in North Liverpool. Since 2009, the programme has benefited over 2,500 children and families in Everton and Anfield and over 300 professional musicians, artists, teachers and staff.

Learn more about In Harmony on the Liverpool Philharmonic's website.