Checklist: Eco-friendly parenting
Posted
Thursday, May 24, 2007 10:25 AM
Going green? Good idea. Check out these easy ways to take care of baby and the environment.
[ ] Make your own baby food. (Wash your fruits and veggies, steam or boil,
throw 'em in the blender, hit puree, strain, and serve!) Not your
scene? Try organic store-bought versions. You’ll find a ton of options
from Gerber and Earth’s Best on the
shelves, or hit the freezer section for a frozen baby meal from Plum
Organics or the Brooklyn-based Happy Baby. (Frozen baby foods may have
more nutrients intact.)
[ ] Use
non-toxic cleaners, and take measures to avoid contact. Dilute your chosen
suds (non-toxic or not), give all surfaces a clean-water rinse after
scrubbing, wash sponges and cloths thoroughly, and allow the area a few
hours of ventilation.
[ ] Try an
earth-friendly sling made of organic cotton and hemp. (Crops of hemp
enrich the soil and decrease run-off.)
[ ] Buy
toys made from organic fibers, wood, or other natural materials. Can’t
avoid the influx of plastics? Just be sure to donate them when baby’s done
-- many major hospitals accept used toys made of hard plastics.
[ ] As for
the diaper: Cloth or disposable? It’s a tricky question, and some moms are
even getting fed up and going diaper-free! (We aren’t so brave.) Check out gDiapers -- this new company makes a biodegradable,
flushable insert that fits inside a breathable liner.
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