By Jackie Edwards
Nannies play a vital role in many American homes, and the Economic Policy Institute estimates that about 211,675 nannies work nationwide. Because they influence many daily routines, including meal prep, laundry, crafts, cleaning, outdoor play, and even travel, they can help eco-friendly families do their share to protect the environment. A 2026 study published in the journal Social Work found that eco-friendly child care not only reduces the current environmental footprint but also cultivates a culture of eco-friendliness that will endure for the next generation. Moreover, involvement in prosocial activities and enjoying out-of-home recreational activities are linked to a higher likelihood of eco-friendly care. The study is a vital reminder of the influence nannies’ everyday choices can have on the planet’s future.
Small Habits Make a Big Difference
US households have many opportunities to reduce waste and energy use. Research shows that over one-third of food in the US goes uneaten; food is the largest single material sent to municipal landfills. Electricity is another major source of waste, with standby, or “vampire,” power accounting for up to 10% of home energy use. For this reason, many homeowners are choosing to power their homes with renewable energy. Businesses worldwide are making similar changes. For instance, some English wineries use solar energy to reduce their environmental impact and fight rising energy bills. Nannies may not be in charge of major upgrades, but they can reinforce everyday habits, such as teaching kids to turn off lights when they leave the room or pointing out features such as solar panels, windmills, and solar lights. Kids who enjoy learning about science may enjoy creating home projects such as making their own pizza box solar oven, creating a solar-powered night light jar, or putting together an inexpensive solar-powered toy car.
Suggesting Useful Changes
When discussing topics such as storage, the budget for activities, and use of space, nannies can make gentle suggestions about implementing manageable changes. Efforts as seemingly small as reusable snack containers, a colorful recycling station for kids, or a small raised bed garden can keep kids entertained while also making environmental care a key value. One of the most important steps to take is reducing single-use plastics and other waste. Another is to choose washable bibs, cloths, and craft aprons and to consider the use of cloth nappies and reusable wipes (only if families are comfortable with doing extra laundry, of course). Nannies don’t have to change everything at once; consistency matters more than perfection, and small changes can develop into more substantial ones as kids grow, mature, and begin to make their own decisions.
Lowering Carbon Footprints in the Kitchen
Food is one of the easiest areas for nannies to improve, since they are often in charge of preparing children’s meals. To reduce waste, they can start by being creative with ingredients (especially perishable ones) that are already in the fridge or pantry. They can also show kids the value of reducing waste by serving them realistic portions, allowing children to ask for more instead of overfilling their plates. Leftovers can be stored safely in labelled containers and transformed into new dishes like soups, casseroles, or salads. Nothing gets children more interested in food than preparing it. Nannies can teach children to make simple dishes and use leftovers creatively. Kids can use safe tools and equipment such as silicone muffin molds, mini spiralizers, measuring cups and spoons, small tongs, and safe, kid-friendly knives for cutting fruits like bananas or melons. As they grow in confidence and maturity, they can learn to cook food and use a mixer and other more sophisticated equipment.
Using Outdoor Time and Play
Best-selling author Richard Louv, who wrote the landmark book Last Child in the Woods, notes that modern children are experiencing a profound cultural and physical separation from the natural world. This can have serious impacts on their mental health and ability to de-stress naturally and focus. Louv also argues that the best way to motivate kids to create a greener world is to immerse them in nature’s beauty. He notes that fewer dire warnings and more time jumping, running, and resting in green areas are far more powerful in creating the kind of connection that translates into greener ways of living.
Nannies spend many hours in a home, so their everyday choices significantly affect a home’s carbon footprint. Those with close relationships with their employers can suggest gentle changes kids love, such as setting up a colorful recycling space for daily use. Nannies can also make the most of the stress-busting, mood-lifting effect of being outdoors, helping kids forge a relationship with nature they can value for a lifetime.