Happy Earth Day: How Breastfeeding Supports a Healthier Planet
By Rebekah Scroggy, RN, BSN, IBCLC
When I became a mom, one of the first things that hit me was just how much stuff comes with having a baby. I was gifted—or told I needed—countless baby items, many of which my son outgrew in just a few months. (Looking at you, baby walker.) It was overwhelming. And once those things were no longer useful, I was left asking: What do I do with all this stuff? How can I make parenting more sustainable?
With Earth Day coming to an end, it’s the perfect time to reflect on how our parenting choices impact the planet. Earth Day is a reminder to embrace conservation and sustainability—but when you're healing from birth and caring for a newborn, how do you balance that with everything else?
In a recent conversation with Candace St. John, public health advocate and creator of Public Health for Parents on Instagram, we explored the environmental impact of infant feeding—and the surprising role that breastfeeding can play in supporting a healthier planet.
Breastfeeding: Good for Baby and the Earth
Did you know that breastfeeding can reduce pollution on a scale comparable to removing 75,000 cars from the road? That’s because producing, packaging, and transporting formula takes up significant energy and generates waste. By providing breastmilk, whether by nursing or pumping, you’re already making a meaningful environmental impact.
What if You’re Pumping or Combo Feeding?
Even if you’re not exclusively breastfeeding, you can still make eco-conscious choices. Whether you’re pumping, bottle-feeding, or doing a mix of both, here are some simple ways to make your routine more sustainable:
1. Go Secondhand
Buying gently used baby gear is a great way to cut down on waste—and costs. While safety is always the priority, many baby items are safe to reuse with proper care.
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Breast pumps: The FDA says that multi-user breast pumps (like those rented from hospitals or WIC programs) are safe to share as long as you use a new pump kit with tubing and flanges. If your insurance-covered pump doesn’t work well for you or breaks, secondhand pumps can be a solid alternative. Just make sure to follow cleaning guidelines and consult with a lactation professional if needed.
2. Choose Sustainable Materials
Switching to stainless steel or glass bottles is an easy way to cut down on plastic. These materials are durable, reusable, and may even help reduce microplastic exposure when heating breastmilk. It’s a small change that has long-term benefits for both your baby and the environment.
3. Think Long-Term Use
Look for baby gear that grows with your child or serves multiple purposes:
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Is your tummy time mat usable into toddlerhood?
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Can your high chair convert into a step stool?
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Can your breastmilk chiller double as a water bottle when your pumping journey ends?
At Ceres Chill, we focus on designing long-lasting, multipurpose gear that minimizes waste. And we’ve partnered with Good Buy Gear so families can find trusted resale options—including our Chillers—at more accessible prices.
4. You’re Already Making a Difference
It’s easy to feel like you’re not doing enough—especially on days when parenting is just about survival. But every intentional choice, no matter how small, adds up.
Whether it’s choosing to breastfeed, using eco-friendly bottle-feeding products, or picking secondhand baby gear, you’re helping shape a better future—for your baby and for the planet.
This Earth Day, take a moment to look at your little one and know: you’re already making a difference. Breastfeeding is one of the most powerful ways to protect their future. Take it further—ditch the waste, choose reusable, and chill sustainably with Ceres Chill. 💚🌍
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