Eco-Friendly Choices For Your New Baby

In a recent survey, 93% of people said that they were concerned about the environment. Most people said that they were taking individual steps to being greener, making sure that they recycled, used reusable bags and avoided single-use plastics. Although 79% people considered that it was down to the government to tackle the big environmental issues head-on, the survey showed that people were also aware that being eco-friendly is down to the individual. When you are having a new baby, it is a good time to start making greener choices both for their future and for the planet. 

Eco-friendly baby toys

70% of people would prefer to buy goods that are sustainable. Making this choice when you are buying toys for your new baby may seem like a small step, but it can make a big difference for the planet. Look for toys and gifts that are produced without harmful chemicals, especially if you are buying items like teething rings or rattles that often end up in your baby’s mouth. You should also check that any toys that you buy are BPA-free. BPA (Bisphenol-A) is an industrial chemical that is often used to manufacture plastics. It has also been linked to many illnesses, from diabetes to certain types of cancer. It is also considered that BPA can cause infertility in both men and women because it alters the function of the endocrine system. 

Diapers and wipes

The average baby gets through an incredible 2,200 diapers in its first year. When disposable diapers are used, they end up buried in landfill sites. In fact every year, 20 billion diapers are added to landfills in America, this amounts to 3.5 million tons of waste. Diapers take 500 years to biodegrade and the pathogens that they release end up in the water. There is a simple answer to this - whenever you can, use reusable cotton diapers. These will last for years and won’t end up in landfill. There is also the same problem with baby wipes - they are generally not manufactured to biodegrade. Using bamboo wipes is a good alternative. They are free from parabens and gentle on sensitive skin. 

Going organic 

70% of Americans occasionally buy organic food. There is no denying the fact that organic is better for the planet. It is produced without using synthetic ingredients, harmful pesticides and fertilizers. According to the Organic Trade Association, organic farming creates richer soil and reduces pollutants that end up in the groundwater. This decreases the amount of pesticides that will ultimately end up in the water that you drink. Some research has found that organic foods have a higher nutritional value than non-organic foods. Studies have shown that they contain higher levels of iron, magnesium, phosphorus and vitamin C. For your baby, this can be extremely beneficial. 

The eco-friendly choices that you make for your baby can be good for their health. In the bigger picture, they are also a way of taking responsibility for the planet.