Having a baby changes everything, from the way you go about your daily routine to the way you think about the future.
It becomes more important to do whatever you can to ensure that your baby will enjoy a healthy environment today, as well as tomorrow.
Living green as a new parent means making eco-friendly choices when it comes to the practices, products and services that touch you and your baby's lives.
A baby will need about 2,000 diaper changes in the first year of life.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), disposable diapers produced 3.
4 million tons of waste in 1998, non-biodegradable waste that winds up in our landfills.
Even more concerning is a link between disposable diapers and a decreased sperm count in boys, according to a study published in the October 2000 issue of the Disease in Childhood medical journal.
Disposable diapers take a toll on the family budget, too.
Parents can pay about $1,500 for disposable diapers by the time a child stops using them.
Using a diaper laundry service for cloth diapers costs about 30 percent less, and a diaper service makes cloth diapers as convenient as disposable diapers.
When it comes to purchasing household products, it is important to not only consider the sustainability of the products themselves, but whether the company producing them follows eco-friendly manufacturing processes.
Several governmental and consumer advocate organizations provide certification for companies and products that pass standards of sustainability.
The non-profit organization Green Seal provides certification to companies that provide products and services that have been scientifically proven to be better for the environment.
With established standards recognized and used by the United States Federal Government, parents can feel confident choosing products with the Green Seal.
When furnishing baby's nursery, look for products with a Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) label.
The non-profit organization certifies products containing wood that have been harvested responsibly, with standards that ensure wildlife habitats are protected.
Bamboo is considered one of the greenest materials, as bamboo is easily replenished.
Bamboo is used not only for furniture, but for flooring, wall coverings, window treatments and tile.
Choosing Energy Star appliances and products is another option that is both eco-friendly and budget-friendly.
Mandates set up by the EPA ensure that products with an Energy Star label that cost more than conventional appliances must make up for that increased cost with increased energy efficiency.
In general, local products and services are also considered more sustainable than those that require lengthy and expensive transportation to reach your door.
Not only do they produce fewer gas emissions, they help sustain local economies as well, helping to ensure that your baby's future is both economically and ecologically green.
It becomes more important to do whatever you can to ensure that your baby will enjoy a healthy environment today, as well as tomorrow.
Living green as a new parent means making eco-friendly choices when it comes to the practices, products and services that touch you and your baby's lives.
A baby will need about 2,000 diaper changes in the first year of life.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), disposable diapers produced 3.
4 million tons of waste in 1998, non-biodegradable waste that winds up in our landfills.
Even more concerning is a link between disposable diapers and a decreased sperm count in boys, according to a study published in the October 2000 issue of the Disease in Childhood medical journal.
Disposable diapers take a toll on the family budget, too.
Parents can pay about $1,500 for disposable diapers by the time a child stops using them.
Using a diaper laundry service for cloth diapers costs about 30 percent less, and a diaper service makes cloth diapers as convenient as disposable diapers.
When it comes to purchasing household products, it is important to not only consider the sustainability of the products themselves, but whether the company producing them follows eco-friendly manufacturing processes.
Several governmental and consumer advocate organizations provide certification for companies and products that pass standards of sustainability.
The non-profit organization Green Seal provides certification to companies that provide products and services that have been scientifically proven to be better for the environment.
With established standards recognized and used by the United States Federal Government, parents can feel confident choosing products with the Green Seal.
When furnishing baby's nursery, look for products with a Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) label.
The non-profit organization certifies products containing wood that have been harvested responsibly, with standards that ensure wildlife habitats are protected.
Bamboo is considered one of the greenest materials, as bamboo is easily replenished.
Bamboo is used not only for furniture, but for flooring, wall coverings, window treatments and tile.
Choosing Energy Star appliances and products is another option that is both eco-friendly and budget-friendly.
Mandates set up by the EPA ensure that products with an Energy Star label that cost more than conventional appliances must make up for that increased cost with increased energy efficiency.
In general, local products and services are also considered more sustainable than those that require lengthy and expensive transportation to reach your door.
Not only do they produce fewer gas emissions, they help sustain local economies as well, helping to ensure that your baby's future is both economically and ecologically green.
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