Baby Products Going Green
With spring comes green, and in 2010 marketing executives are clear that green packaging and promotions grow product sales more quickly than in previous years. Nowhere is this trend more noticeable than with baby products, as increasing numbers of new parents choose natural products for their baby's life and health.
"Many parents, especially those who have chosen to breast feed for health reasons, are concerned about ways to tell the difference between the product and the package," says Dr. Robert Rodriguez, founder of Buddy Boutique, a supplier of healthy, organic, and easy-to-use breastfeeding and baby products.
Dr. Rodriguez, who has studied the behaviors of first-time parents since 1970, publishes and lectures extensively, providing expectant and new parents with ways to have happy, enduring families. He suggests the following guidelines to help Earth-conscious consumers make the best household choices for their infant.
Organic Diapers
The first decision most parents-to-be have to make, after breastfeeding, is about ecologically responsible choices for diapering. "Many parents choose organic cotton for its absorption and breathability. When it's in two-in-one style, a type of diaper with a moisture resistant exterior, such as natural latex, it reduces the need for disposables," says Dr. Rodriguez.
Most, however, will choose to have both natural fibers and environmentally friendly, biodegradable disposables on hand - and to use a green diaper laundry service if they feel overwhelmed.
Fabrics and Fibers
A baby's skin is sensitive, so Dr. Rodriguez recommends certified organic and untreated cotton or wool fabrics and fibers. Grown and processed without the use of toxins, cotton may be dyed naturally using plants or clays in an earth-friendly process. The need to provide natural, safe fabrics and fibers for babies spurred Rodriguez's development of Buddy Boutique, a top choice for organic, untreated clothing, blankets, and nursing cover-ups.
In cooler months, wool provides a warm, water and fire resistant breathable layer. Like sheep, wool naturally comes in a variety of attractive shades, textures, and colors. Certified organic wool is a favorable choice for clothing and bedding for babies. Mattresses for the bassinette and crib can also be constructed from all-natural latex, cotton and wool.
Paint
When a baby's on the way, one of the tasks the proud father-to-be often places on the priority list is a new coat of paint in a "perfect" shade for the nursery or master bedroom. Eco-friendly choices for interior paints should be labeled as no- or low-VOC choices. A VOC, or volatile organic compound, evaporates toxins into the air, and is particularly undesirable for newborn systems and expectant and nursing mothers. In fact, painting projects should be finished "well in advance of the anticipated arrival, and both mom and baby should not reside in any painted room until it's been fully dried and ventilated," says Dr. Rodriguez.
Flooring
Traditional and historic homes often have hardwood floors new parents may wish to soften with rugs as baby learns to crawl. Though not sold as organic baby products, washable area rugs made of natural fibers are an environmentally friendly choice for the, while the ability to clean rugs regularly cuts down on a wide variety of household allergens. Larger rugs may be taken to a "green" cleaner for seasonal care. In homes in which respiratory problems are an issue, additional attention should be placed on the use of low- or no-VOC padding, with preference placed on products without glues.
For parents concerned with baby's messes, natural linoleum, bamboo, or cork flooring, in a variety of colors and shades, comprise highly desirable replacements for vinyl.
Furnishings
The best furniture baby is sustainably harvested solid wood, such as maple, cherry, or mahogany, which can be finished with a non-toxic natural raw linseed oil, or with no- or low- VOC finishes. Top picks for nursing babies and mothers include cribs, layette tables, and rockers.
For more information, visit:
http://buddyboutique.com
Bryan Sullivan is the Executive Vice President of Write Away, Inc. - a public relations and marketing firm based in Weaverville, NC. He also often writes for regional& national publications about local history, farming, culture and food. He graduated with a degree in communications from Alfred University in New York State and then went on to attend culinary school in NYC where he graduated in the top percent of his class. He proceeded to work in high-end restaurants in New York City, Martha's Vineyard, MA and Naples, FL. Bryan currently lives in Asheville, NC with Liisa and their Black Lab, Annie. For more information, visit: http://buddyboutique.com