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Some Thoughts on Raising "Green Babies" and Green Living
The Diaper Dilemma
You've probably heard the debated subject of the environmental impact of disposables vs. cloth diapers. Did you know that the average baby will use approx 6,000 diapers before toilet training? In addition typical disposable diapers take 200-500 years to decompose! There are those that argue, washing cloth diapers takes water, energy, and detergent (not to mention time). The good news is a recent study found, home-washing cloth diapers has only 53 percent of the ecological footprint (carbon footprint) of disposable diapers. A "carbon footprint" measures the amount of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases that are emitted by a human activity or accumulated over the full life cycle of a product or service.
Cloth diapers: Reusable diapers aren't what they used to be (I hear this from parents and grandparents all the time). The days of diaper pins are long gone and there are some great options for your baby. Go for fitted cloth diapers with snap closures for convenience and longevity. Minimizing diaper rash with quick changes and natural creams. Use either removable or flushable liners and when washing at home us a lower temperature and a non-toxic detergent (there are many great options). With a new baby around you'll probably notice a lot more laundry piling up anyway, why not just add some diapers in there too? In all honestly I am very impressed with how east they clean up! It really is very simple. Our friends at FuzziBunz had this to say about cloth diapers and carbon footprints. "We believe that FuzziBunz diapers will help your family reduce their carbon footprint for several reasons: 1) FuzziBunz diapers are reused, so there are no repeat manufacturing processes; 2) there is no need to waste gas/energy by going to the store to buy diapers; 3) there is no repeated packaging waste; and 4) you create less garbage, which means the trash pick-up is lighter and your family's landfill waste is minimal".
Biodegradable diapers (if you not completely sold on cloth diapers): Made with plant-based plastics (also known as bioplastics), these diapers are made without chemicals and are compostable. While these diapers tend to take up time and space in landfills as well, there are other options to compost them at home. The resulting compost should not be used in gardens growing edible food, but are great for flower beds and trees. Try using a composting toilet, an earthworm system, or a highly active and properly conditioned composting area.
Flushable (Hybrid) Diapers: gDiapers, have removable inserts that can safely biodegrade when flushed (or composted). They are also a great alternative when traveling for convenience if you like to use cloth diapers while at home.
Organic Cotton:
Cotton whether it's grown organic or not, provides approximately half the worlds fiber needs. So what's the big difference between organic and conventional cotton? Organic cotton is grown without pesticides, herbicides, insecticides, chemical fertilizers or any other chemicals.
The benefits of organic clothing include better health for consumers and farmers and environmental conservation, furthermore when it comes to our children, the benefits of organic agriculture are priceless (and most important). These benefits include less exposure to toxic and persistent pesticides in the soil they play in, the air they breathe, the water they drink, the foods they eat and the clothing they wear!
According to the Organic Trade Association, Organic cotton is grown using methods and materials that have a low impact on the environment. Organic production systems replenish and maintain soil fertility, and build biologically diverse agriculture. Third-party certification organizations verify that organic producers use only methods and materials allowed in organic production. All cotton sold as organic in the United States must meet strict federal regulations covering how the cotton is grown. This is why we feel organic cotton clothing is a huge benefit to our children.
On the flip-side, conventional cotton is one of the most chemically-dependent crops, sucking up 10 percent of all agricultural chemicals and 25 percent of insecticides on 3 percent of our arable land; that's more than any other crop per unit. According to the USDA, in one year alone over 50 million pounds of pesticides were used on U.S. cotton fields. WOW!!!
Although organic cotton brands at this point tend to run a bit higher in price, the pros most definitely out way the cons. Most importantly becoming aware is truly the point we want to make. In addition, at Green Baby Bliss we don't believe it is practical for a family to run out a purchase a new organic cotton wardrobe for there little one . Why not implement a few essential pieces and then go from there. Pass these gifts on when your child out grows them. After all don't we simply want to raise happy healthy children together?
BPA Leaching:
Since the majority of parents will use some sort of bottle or sippy cup for their child as they grow, I believe the information regarding BPA leaching is a very important one. I have found through my own personal research that the following information is very important to all parents, friends, and family. Please understand that I am neither a doctor nor a scientist, just a mom. This information should be used as a bases to make your own decisions about what is best for your family.
Bisphenol-A (BPA) is used in the production of epoxy resins and polycarbonate plastics. The majority of all bottles and sippy cups are made up of plastics that use the chemical BPA. Research has shown that BPA leaches and transfers into beverages which are then consumed. Furthermore, beverages which are heated in products containing BPA or bottles that are sterilized by boiling are at an even higher risk of leaching BPA. Additionally, overtime the more a bottle or sippy cup is used the more it leaches BPA and becomes more dangerous.
The most alarming problem with BPA is that studies have shown that over exposure of the chemical can lead to prostate cancer, breast cancer and even plays a role in the obesity and diabetes epidemic. Research also shows that BPA can cause early puberty and a decrease in male fertility.
Major bottle manufactures argue that these products are perfectly safe. The American Chemistry Council and the U.S. Government also agrees.
Ultimately the decision is up to the parent whether they want to expose there child to such a serious risk. What is the solution for your child? Products that are not made of plastics with BPA are the safest way to go. These include brands such as BornFree, which manufactures there products using Polyamide (PA), a BPA free product.
BornFree manufactures bottles and sippy cups for babies and children. Green to Grown also produces a very high quality BPA-free bottle. Klean Kanteen makes their leak proof sippy cups out of stainless steel (which is BPA free). Boon Inc. not only manufactures a BPA free sippy, but plates, utensils, and bath toys as well!
Our goal in bringing up this subject is to provide your family with some healthy choices. Our thought on it is, why take the risk? With so many health concerns that we cannot control in our environment, why not do the best for the ones we can.
Natural Skin Care
My little girl was born with very sensitive skin from the start. When it came to body washes and lotions there were very few that didn't cause her skin to break out. It was very easy to get sucked into the constant advertising of baby powders, creams, and lotions. Due to the sensitivity of her skin, I became a serious label reader to say the least. I also spent some time researching some of the most common ingredients you find in these mainstream products. Whether your little one has sensitive skin our not, I believe it is very important that all parents know what is potentially being absorbed into their baby's skin. Below I have discussed some common chemicals found in many baby skincare products as well as some suggestions for keeping your little one safe and toxic free! Please note that this information is what I have discovered through my own research. It is very important that you consult your pediatrician with any questions or concerns you may have.
Our skin acts more like a sponge than a barrier therefore it's very important that we are aware of what we put on it! Many companies along with the FDA state these chemicals are safe, and many of them are, but in small doses. Unfortunately no one really knows how certain chemicals affect us over a time, or how they react with our bodies when combined. Some very common ingredients found in baby products include Dinbutyl Phthalate (DBP), Diethyl phthalate (DEP), Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and it's variation Sodium Laureth Sulfate.
Phthalates are known as "endocrine disruptors" because they mimic the body's hormones and have, in laboratory animal tests, been shown to cause reproductive and neurological damage. Both Sulfates (SLES) are inexpensive detergents commonly used in hair shampoos, bath and shower gels, and bubble baths. SLS is probably the most dangerous ingredient used in skin and hair-care products. Because SLS cleans by corrosion, it dries the skin by stripping the protective lipids from the surface so it can't effectively regulate moisture. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate is used throughout the world for clinical testing as a primary skin irritant. Laboratories use it to irritate skin so that they may then test healing agents to see how effective they are on the irritated skin. In addition, some studies have shown that SLS penetrated into young children's eyes prevented them from developing properly and caused cataracts to develop in adulthood.
Simple Steps:
- Make Sure "Natural" is really natural, always read labels. Look for "Phthalate Free" and "Sodium Lauryl Sulfate Free". It may sound funny but if a label is full of ingredients you can't pronounce, it most likely full of chemicals.
-Choose organic products. Organic ingredients are those grown without synthetic fertilizers or pesticides, which is healthier for the planet and healthier for our baby's bodies and skin.
- Stick to all natural fragrances or no fragrance at all (this will also help with allergic reactions to your baby's skin).
- Look for containers that are recyclable. Avoid containers that bear recycling code #3 and the letter "V", which refers to polyvinyl chloride, or PVC (AKA "the poison plastic").
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