A Place at the Table @ Cafe au Play

The Sustainable Family, Green Tip #3: Toys for Baby

It's hard these days not to be drawn to the overwhelming numbers of plastic toys on the market.  They are colorful, make fun noises, and some even come with an educational tag, so most people see plastic toys as the norm.  But you wouldn't be so fast to purchase if you knew what was in that plastic.  Some plastics contain toxic chemicals such as lead and cadmium that are damaging to the brain and reproductive systems.  Soft plastics are even more potentialy dangerous because they contain phthalates that are extremely toxic.  Teethers, pacifiers, bath toys, dolls and most other soft plastic toys contain this chemical to make the plastic soft and suitable for baby's mouth.  Furthermore, plastic harms the environment through the manufacturing and incineration of PVC which sends chlorine, dioxins and other harmful chemicals into our biosphere.  And to top it all off, plastic never biodegrates.  Just think of how many plastic toys are filling up landfills or floating in the ocean.  Plastic is the bully on the playground that our kids would be wise to stay away from.  So, what are the alternatives?

Wooden Toys:  Look for unfinished solid wood toys.  These are safe for the environment and for baby.  Unlike pressed wood, solid wood won't contain toxins, sealant residues or urea-formeldehyde none of which are good for a developing child.  There are even wooden toys on the market that are made from FSC-certified wood or recycled wood.

Stuffed Animals and Soft Cloth Toys:  There are cloth toys available that are made from organic fibers such as cotton, hemp, or wool.  The colored fabrics are also nontoxic, and not chemically stained as are most conventional stuffed animals.  Cloth toys like these make a great alternative to those plastic teething rings.  Ultimately, these options are much better for a baby to put in his/her mouth.

Environmetally safe toys for baby can be found in many local organic baby stores around the Portland Metro Area. 

The Sustainable Family, Green Tip #2: Diaper "Doody"

    Did you know that over 18 billion diapers end up in American landfills every year?  Did you know that it takes up to 500 years for a diaper to decompose in a landfill?  Frankly, I think that stinks!  There are alternatives to those little plastic bundles and they are more convenient than you may think.       
   

    Cloth diapers.  My mother used cloth diapers for her children and she even laundered them herself.  Of course when we traveled she took along disposables for convenience.  She saved a lot of money and felt good about lightening her trash cans.  I'll admit, cloth diapers are not for everyone and there is little thrill in changing diapers let alone cleaning them.  But for those who are willing to give cloth a chance, there are diaper services out there.  These services will happily take away your week's load of dirty diapers, wash them, and supply you with more.  Organic cotton diapers are even available and the cost is comparable to the Huggies, Pampers and Luvs.
Green Warning: cloth diapers may not be the best sustainable practice.  Studies have shown that the amount of pesticides used to grow cotton, and the amount of water and bleach used for washing cloth diapers may be counterproductive to our attempts at living green.  Some studies have shown that climate and landfill capacity play a big role.  If you live in a dry climate with limited water and the landfills are not in danger of reaching capacity then you should buy disposables.  If the opposite is true, then cloth is the greener option.  However, organic cotton diapers are now available and if you wash them yourself there are green alternatives to bleach.  Ultimately, cloth diapers as a sustainable practice are dependent on many factors each of which you should consider.

Tidee Didee Diaper Service
www.tideedidee.com This diaper service is located in Portland and does all of the dirty work for you. 

Mother Nature's
www.mothernaturesbabystore.com A local business where you can buy cloth diapers in an assortment of colors.

Zoom Baby
www.zoombabygear.com They have organic cotton diapers in really cute patterns.

    Biodegradable Diapers.  Yes, they do exist.  If you find that cloth is too stinky to handle on your own, are concerned about the environmental effects of diaper services, or maybe feel sort of strange putting a diaper on your baby that was once used by another, then biodegradable is an alternative.  These diapers may still end up in a landfill but with a chance to decompose.  You can even compost them yourself.  And think of all the trees, plastic and hence oil you will be saving.  Most biodegradable diapers are chemical free and contain recycled wood pulp.  Stores such as New Seasons and Whole Foods have these in stock.  This is essentially a great option for parents who are hesitant about using cloth diapers but want a greener lifestyle.  The company gDiaper offers a very cool biodegradable product.
 
gDiaper
www.gdiaper.com
Possibly the best alternative to disposables that I have seen.  The company gDiaper offers diaper covers in several colors that have a replaceable diaper liner.  The liner is biodegradable and even flushable.  These are a little more expensive than buying the Huggies, but it's worth it.  Your baby will make a fashion statement in these.   

Abigail Cermak

The Sustainable Family: Start with Baby

Let's face it neighbors...without our individual practices of living green, our impact on the environment is not going to heal itself.  We are fortunate to live in Portland, Oregon where there are the resources to attain a sustainable lifestyle.  My weekly post, The Sustainable Family, will be a valuable tool for all who wish to tread a little lighter and live in harmony with the planet.  My suggestions will not only be good for the environment, but for our communities and our families as well.

Let's start with Baby.  If we instill mindful practices in and with our children, then we will see those same practices come to fruition in future generations.  For those of you new to parenthood, there are simple solutions to begin your sustainable family.  Buy local, buy organic, live green.  Following is a list of local businesses that offer organic baby clothing, natural baby furniture, and environmentally sensitive baby products from bath gels to diaper creams. 

Harvest Moon Boutique
www.harvestmoonboutique.com
They offer clothing and accessories made with organic cotton, soybean and bamboo fibers.  They also have environmentally safe baby bath products.  A family owned local business.

Go Natural Baby
www.gonaturalbaby.com
Here in Portland, Go Natural Baby sells fair trade, organic cotton, herbal dyed clothing and bedding for baby.  Check out their natural furniture as well.

Mother Nature's
www.mothernaturesbabystore.com
Located on SE Clinton, Mother Nature's has a great selection of earth friendly baby products.  They offer cloth diapers and wraps as well as wooden toys and teethers.

These are just a few of several stores located in the Portland Area.  If you just search the web for natural or organic baby products, you will find the resources are almost endless.   That being said, I welcome you and yours to a new green life.

Abigail Cermak