Going Green: Baby on Board

By Lori Blake

The Go Green crowd is getting younger and younger all the time. Babies are prompting more parents, who were not necessarily eco-friendly in the past, to go greener. People who wouldn’t have so much as entertained the idea of cloth diapers are now choosing this option as a way to help the environment. Watching this shift in baby care from using organic food, organic clothing and toys, to using cloth diapers causes one to contemplate whether this is a trend or a true lifestyle change that is taking place.

Parents find that using organic baby food is not only an environmentally friendly idea, but it saves money too. Many use fruits and vegetables from their own gardens or the local farmer’s market. Add a little time in the blender and voila, you have a quick, easy meal without a bunch of baby food containers to dispose of. You also avoid the refined sugars, preservatives and artificial additives. For great information on making your own organic baby food go to http://planetgreen.discovery.com/home-garden/make-your-own-organic-baby-food.html. There is also a plethora of organic baby foods on the market if you do not want to take the time to make your own.

Overhauling your whole life at once isn’t necessary to do your part in improving our environment. Little changes can make a big difference. For instance, when it comes to clothing and toys for your baby, there are some smart choices that are good for the planet and better for your little one. Check out www.greatgreenbaby.com. You will find organic cotton onesies hand embroidered with your choice of words, so there are no chemical dyes to worry about. Shopping garage sales and used children’s clothing shops is another popular way to save some green.

Opinions are divided on the environmental impact of disposable vs. cloth diapers. Your baby will use approximately 6,000 diapers before toilet training and disposable diapers take between 200-500 years to decompose. On the other hand, washing diapers takes water, energy, chemicals and of course, your precious time unless you use a diaper laundering service which may be cost prohibitive. To look at your options go to www.gdiapers.com or www.diapers.com/GreenBaby.

Because babies tend to put everything in their mouths, it is a good idea to go as natural as possible when it comes to toys. Handmade blocks created from untreated, reclaimed wood using non-toxic, solvent and metal free ink make a toy that is fun and safe. Many companies are making wooden rattles to replace their plastic counterparts.

Even baby showers are going green. Skip the disposable dishware and use pretty dishes that can be used again and again. It is a bit more of a hassle, but well worth the effort. Book showers are becoming increasingly popular. Each person attending the shower buys a favorite childhood book with a personal note to the baby. It is not only a more sentimental gift, it is also a gift that can be passed down from generation to generation. It won’t be just one more thing to toss in the garbage when your child outgrows it. Instead, it becomes a timeless treasure that will be enjoyed over and over again.

Our busy lives sometimes prevent us from spending the time we need to find
the best quality, non-toxic options for our baby. To help in your continuing quest to go green with your baby try this website: http://healthychild.org/marketplace/retailer/.