Weekly Tip - Sustainable Baby: Tips for Eco Parents
Welcome to Play It Green’s weekly sustainability tip article, where today’s topic is all about sustainable baby products. It’s perfect for parents who want to give their little ones the best while also taking care of the planet.
From nappies made from plant-based materials to toys crafted from sustainably sourced wood, there are plenty of options for eco-conscious parents to choose from. Not only are these products better for the environment, but they can also be better for your baby’s health. So, if you’re looking to reduce your family’s carbon footprint and make a positive impact on the world, keep reading to learn more about sustainable baby products.
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Sustainable Baby Products: A History
Throughout history, parents have taken great care in selecting products that are best for their babies. This is evident in the ancient civilization of Egypt, where parents used natural materials such as papyrus and linen to make baby clothes and nappies.
The oldest baby toy found 5,000-year-old toy chariot buried along with a child. This finding shows that even in ancient times, parents recognized the importance of providing their children with toys for play and development.
In ancient China, baby products were primarily made from natural materials, such as silk and bamboo. Chinese parents would use silk and cotton to make soft and comfortable clothes for their babies, and bamboo was often used to make baby feeding utensils and toys.
As society developed, companies started producing baby products on a larger scale, with materials ranging from plastics to synthetic fabrics. This led to increased pollution and concern over the impact of consumerism on the environment.
Not only that but from the 1950s, baby products were not only harmful to the environment but could be harmful to babies. From lead-painted toys to harmful plastics used in bottles, with side effects such as poisoning and hormone imbalances!
Today baby products are tested and regulated to make sure this doesn’t happen, but the environmental impact is still there.
Sustainable Baby Products: Environmental Impact
The environmental impact of baby products is significant. In the United States alone, disposable diapers contribute to over 3.5 million tons of waste in landfills every year, taking hundreds of years to decompose.
The production of disposable nappies also requires over 1.3 million tons of wood pulp, 75,000 tons of plastic, and 20,000 tons of petroleum-based materials annually.
In addition, the production of plastic toys and other baby products contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and pollution. As well as this the production requires large amounts of energy and water. It is estimated that the global toy market produces over 100 million tons of plastic waste every year, much of which ends up in landfills and oceans.
The transportation of baby products also contributes to environmental impacts, with emissions from transportation and shipping contributing to air pollution and climate change.
So what can we do to be more sustainable and what are sustainable baby products?
Sustainable Baby Products: Some Tips
Being sustainable when it comes to baby products is important for both the environment and your baby’s health. Here are some tips on how to be sustainable:
Choose eco-friendly materials: Look for baby products made from sustainable and eco-friendly materials such as bamboo, organic cotton, or recycled materials. These materials are often non-toxic, biodegradable, and less harmful to the environment.
Opt for reusable products: Instead of using disposable products like diapers, wipes, and bottles, opt for reusable options. This reduces waste and saves money in the long run.
Buy secondhand: Buying secondhand baby products is a great way to save money and reduce waste. You can find gently used baby clothes, toys, and gear online or at consignment shops.
Avoid unnecessary products: Be mindful of the products you buy and avoid purchasing unnecessary items. Instead, focus on buying products that are essential and will be used frequently.
Choose energy-efficient options: When it comes to appliances like baby monitors and bottle warmers, choose energy-efficient options. This reduces your carbon footprint and saves you money on energy bills.
By adopting these simple steps, we can all make a significant difference in reducing our environmental impact when showering. Not only that but being more water and energy-efficient will help you save money as well as the planet!
Sustainable Baby Products: Companies We Love
Ethical Superstore
The Ethical Superstore is a great choice for sustainable baby products. Buying products from the ethical superstore means you can be assured of their low impact and eco-friendly nature. They also make sure their supply chain is paid a fair price and that not one single person is exploited.
They also give lots of UK brands a platform to sell on, meaning you will be using local resources and cutting the carbon emissions of transportation. As well as this, their products are all Fair Trade, Organic and Eco friendly.
The Really Eco Baby Shop
Our next amazing sustainable baby products company is The Really Eco Baby Shop founded by two mums, Stephanie and Rebecca. They set out to sell useful baby stuff that was affordable and most importantly, really eco-friendly.
They are scrupulous about the products they choose. Furthermore, they promise that if a product is not eco-friendly, ethically produced, organic or recycled, they won’t sell it! The company has a whole range of eco-friendly baby products for you to choose from.
Sign up for their mailing list for 10% off.
Green People
For baby bathroom products, we love Green People’s Organic Baby Products. Green People carefully select combinations of herbs renowned for their soothing and relaxing properties to calm baby’s skin.
Their pure natural baby products are gentle on delicate skin. Not only that, but they are eczema friendly and free from harsh chemicals. The company also provides expert advice on the topic of newborn skincare essentials!
Sign up for their mailing list for 20% off
Sustainable Baby Products: It’s A Wrap
That’s it for sustainable baby products this week! Being a sustainable parent when it comes to baby products can have a positive impact on both your baby’s health and the environment. By incorporating sustainable practices into your parenting routine, you are not only doing your part for the planet but also setting a positive example for your child to follow. Together, we can create a more sustainable and healthy world for future generations.
If you’re passionate about sustainability and want to take your efforts to the next level, we encourage you to join the Play It Green community. For just £5 per person, per month, you’ll have access to a supportive network of like-minded individuals and resources to help you make even more sustainable choices in your daily life. As well as that you will plant lots of trees and regift to a charity of your choice. Together, we can create a brighter and more sustainable future for all.
