It’s no joke, babies grow fast, and they need a lot of stuff to support their early stages of growth and development. The sheer volume of clothes, diapers, and other baby products likely makes any environmentally conscious parent or parent-to-be cringe.
A recent study found that having a child increases a parent’s carbon footprint more than any other human activity—24 times more than the act of owning and driving a car and 73 times more than eating a diet that includes meat.
Diapers, alone, are a huge problem. A child goes through 5,000 to 6,000 of them before they are potty trained, so it’s easy to see how diapers are the third-largest single consumer item in landfills in the United States. What’s even more depressing: a diaper takes 500 years to fully decompose.
There is an alternative. While not as convenient, there are many types of cloth diapers available today, from the original, which is folded and pinned, to all-in-ones that are much like disposable diapers (except they need laundered). Cloth diapers can be reused up to 200 times and are also a big money saver.
So many baby products are used just briefly—think bouncing chairs, changing tables, baby carriers. When possible, buy and sell used items like these to help create a circular economy. Consider repairing and sharing things, too. Check for places that take donations, such as A Caring Place, or online listings, such as Freecycle, craigslist, and Facebook Marketplace to find, sell, or upcycle baby stuff.
Raising a happy, healthy child can be easier on the planet (and on you) if you start with a few simple changes. It can seem intimidating, but a recent study found that if the world became carbon neutral today, this year’s generation of children would have one-tenth the carbon impact of their grandparents.
Four Eco-Friendly Suggestions
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So. Many. Toys.
Icon by Jessica Dunham
Babies’ and toddlers’ brains are developing quickly, and they’ll want new toys to play with as they are growing. Buy toys made of natural and recyclable materials whenever possible. Or consider a toy subscription, such as Tiny Earth Toys, which exchanges new toys every two months for the ones sent before. Create a toy swap with parents at work, in your neighborhood, your friend group, or family.
- Ask for experiences instead
When there is a birthday party or a holiday where gifts are exchanged, ask for experiences, like a day at a farm, pool, or park. The person gifting the experience can go along or not, whatever you both prefer, just let them know this is a way for you to raise a more sustainable child.
- Feed the babe
Breast is best when it comes to milk options, because it produces no waste and emits no greenhouse gases. Once the kid is eating solid foods, avoid anything with excessive packaging. Choose reusable containers for snacks and pureed baby food instead of disposable ones.
- Natural items
When buying any baby products, try to choose those made 100 percent from natural products such as rubber, bamboo, wool, or wood. Try to find items that are free of chemicals, chemical softeners, and artificial colorings—all bad for the environment. Avoid plastics as much as possible.
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