BABIES
If you have little ones or one on the way, it is important to think about reducing babies surprisingly large environmental footprint. Here are some helpful tips to help you navigate parenthood in a green way.
DIAPER STATS
Disposable diapers are the 3rd largest consumer item in landfills.
In two years one child can create over 2,000 pounds of trash by wearing disposable diapers.
Eco-friendly diapers cannot biodegrade without sun and air. Even eco-friendly diapers locked in plastic bags will not breakdown.
It can take 500 years for a diaper to decompose in a landfill.
In the US alone over 250,000 trees and 3.4 billion gallons of oil are used to manufacture disposable diapers every year. - Small Footprint Family
Babies are exposed to up to 50 different types of chemicals if they wear disposable diapers and use disposable wipes.
Read more stats at: Small Footprint Family - Sustainability Starts at Home
LIFESTYLE
Too many choices lead people to feel overwhelmed. If there ever was a time in life that necessitates keeping things simple and streamlined, it is when you have a little one. Going green and making eco-friendly decisions eliminates so much unnecessary stuff.
Babies are much more sensitive to toxins and pollutants in the world. I was surprised to learn many of those toxic ingredients reside in our babies toys, products, and on their clothing. Here are some tips and tools on trying to keep life simple, clean and green.
ARTICLES
5 Simple Steps to Going Green for Your Baby | Fit Pregnancy and Baby
6 Ways to Go Green for Baby | Deena Blanchard MD, MPH | Huff Post | April 21st, 2016
Environmental Working Group Skin Deep Database - Check the safety of your products for you and your child.
From Doula to diapers: brining up a green baby | Kathreen Ricketson | Tree Hugger | July 11th, 2014
Parenting:What Does it Mean to Raise a Child in a Green World? | Leslie Pepper | WebMD
DIET | NUTRITION
Diet, Children and The Future | John McDougall MD | Forks Over Knives | October 9th, 2012
How to Raise a Vegan Baby | Lindsay Tigar | Parents
Is it Safe to Raise a Vegan Toddler | Hattie Hayes | Parents
Plant-Based Eating for Kids | Plant Plate
What My Plant Based Toddler Eats in a Day | The Colorful Kitchen
TOYS FOR BABIES
Bella Luna Toys - Wooden Toys - no plastic, no batteries - 100% imagination.
Eeboo - A nice boutique brand with great matching games | card games | puzzles | art supplies.
Holztiger - Beautiful craftsmanship and quality - wooden animals - available in the US from various retailers.
Mighty Nest - A great site for eco-friendly gifts & toys for kids.
Oompa - Simple, safe, natural, organic, sustainable toys - checks all the boxes.
Remo - For the musically inclined children.
Scandiborn - Beautiful, simple, Scandinavian design for toys.
12 Plastic-free Kids Toys For Safe & Sustainable Gifting | Emily Torres | The Good Trade
PURCHASING POWER
Choosing to support eco-friendly business and reducing consumption when having children is a huge step towards a greener world. Your impact can be two fold - your impact and the impact on the impressionable person you are introducing to the world.
Earth Hero | Baby + Kids Products
The Best Eco-Friendly Baby Gear of 2019 | Green Child Magazine | May 15th, 2019
MOVIES
Babies - A great film with hardly any verbiage that follows four babies in their first year of life. It is helpful to see how little babies need to survive.