When we become parents, many of us (if we didn’t already) embrace green living in the hopes of raising our kids in homes that are both safe and eco-friendly. If you’re looking to incorporate more green values into your own family life don’t know where to start, here are five important areas where the products you use can make a difference.
Consider low- or no-VOC paints for your home. If you are considering repainting your home, opting for low- or no-VOC paints can create a healthier environment for your family. Typical household paint contains up to 10,000 chemicals, 300 of which are known toxins and 150 of which have been linked to cancer. Some of the most harmful chemicals found in paint are volatile organic compounds, or VOCs. These chemicals aren’t something you want to spray on your body or keep inside your house. Fortunately, there are many brands of colorful, low- or no-VOC paint available. At the Prenatal Yoga Center, we have been using the Benjamin Moore Natura line for many years. Recently, we repainted our apartment and used the Benjamin Moore Aura line.
Recycle or reuse. I have really learned to embrace the idea of recycling and reusing everything from maternity and baby clothes to books and toys. That’s why I love hand-me-downs! Sharing products not only saves money, but reduces waste and your carbon footprint.
When buying new items, aim for sustainable materials. You can find maternity and baby clothing–as well as bedding– made from organic cotton or even bamboo, which is one of the world’s best sustainable resources. Pay attention to what is used in toys, bottles, and feeding products as well. There are several wonderful companies that manufacture their products from BPA-free and recycled plastics or sustainable wood with non-toxic paint. Some of my personal favorites are Green Toys, Dwell Studio, Green Sprouts, Haba, Plan Toys, and Wonderworld. Giggle also has a line of organic cotton bedding.
You can also find eco-friendly baby furniture. There are many companies that employ eco-conscious manufacturing processes that promote sustainability; we chose an Argington crib. Other companies to consider are Oeuf and Stokke.
Pay attention to what’s in hair and body products. Not only is it important to surround your family with eco-friendly furnishings, but also consider what products you put directly on your and your baby’s body. There are many skin and hair care products that have questionable ingredients you can steer clear of. Some of the “big ones” to avoid are: DEA-related ingredients, parabens, petrolatum, sulfates, BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole) and BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene). For a full list potentially hazardous ingredients in personal care products, click here.
Fortunately, there are many companies that are committed to healthy, eco-friendly and safe products for mama and baby! My personal favorites are: Nine Naturals, California Baby, Arbonne, Derma e and Earth Mama Angel Baby.
Choose diapers wisely. There are several diaper options available for a green lifestyle:
Cloth diapers. These come in a wide range of materials: cotton, bamboo, terry cloth, and even flannel. They are reusable (less waste!) and a cheaper option than disposable diapers; however, they are less absorbent. If you are going this route, you can use a diapering service, which will collect your used nappies, wash and fold them, and then return them to you. Of course, you can always launder them at home, too.
Biodegradable diapers. These are made from materials designed to break down quickly, and are also usually free of chemicals and post-consumer materials. Some biodegradable diapers, like gDiapers, can be flushed; many brands can also be composted.
Eco-diapers. Not all the eco-diapers are compostable, but most are free of chemicals, fragrances, dyes and latex. They are typically made from alternative materials like wood pulp, corn-based materials and bamboo.
