Going Green
Author: Jeannie Fleming-Gifford
Every parent wants the best for their child. Isn't it good to know that some of the best things for baby are also the best for the environment? It's a good time to “go green!”
It's not hard to do and it can even save you some money.
Breastfeed: In addition to the multitude of other benefits for your baby (provides protection for your baby from infection, helps baby's brain to optimally grow, is the easiest food for baby to digest, and may even help to protect babies from acquiring allergies later in life), it also will reduce your use of bottles/plastic materials. If breastfeeding is a challenge, you will also be able to find several organic baby formulas on the market. In terms of bottles, be sure to shop for bottles free of bisphenol A (BPA).
Cloth Diapers: They may be the perfect fit for sensitive baby bottoms. With a newborn using as many as 12 diapers a day, cloth diapers will save you plenty of money and are an easy way to make a big difference in the environment. Take it one step further by purchasing organic cloth diapers. If you are not up to cloth diapers, don't despair; there are also several brands of disposable diapers that will minimize the impact on the environment. Look for diaper brands that are “plastic-free” and can even be flushed or composted.
Eat & Shop Organically: Whether the food is for you, or the bedding and clothes are for your newborn, there are plenty of options in the marketplace. Instead of ordering online (which means shipping impact as well as additional costs), be sure to consider the opportunities to buy local products and foods within your neighborhood.
Reuse: Babies grow like weeds (luckily, they are much cuter!). With this growth, you will find that you are quickly moving through different sizes of infant clothing. Instead of filling drawers with new outfits, check out the local baby resale shops and/or swap with family and friends.
Going green with baby...it's best for your baby and the environment.
