  |
|
|
|
Environmentally Ethical Baby CareHow Going Green Can Ensure Your Child Stays Healthy and Happy
Considering purchases for your new-born children? Think in terms of ethical cost for a healthier and sustainable environment for your child and the rest of the planet.
With the birth of your new-born baby, probably the last thing you are thinking about is the ethical impact of your child. But babies are one of the most demanding consumers, with a range of new items needing to be purchased to ensure your child can thrive in comfort and safety. Luckily, these purchases are also some of the most easy to make ethical. Where to StartThe first question to ask yourself is: do I need to buy all my goods brand new? For instance, a cot handed down through the family makes a lovely heirloom and can save both you and the environment an expense. Furnish with specially chosen, organic, hypoallergenic sheets for your child’s comfort with the money you save on the crib. NappiesWhilst it may seem old fashioned at first, washable nappies are in fact one of the most positive steps you can make in terms of environmental and fiscal investment where your child is concerned. Surveys carried out by consumer group WEN (Woman’s Environmental Network), demonstrate that not only is it kinder to the environment to wash nappies rather than buy disposables, it is also much cheaper in the long run, and, in buying organic, pesticide free cotton nappies you ensure that there are no chemicals or undisclosed plastics coming into contact with your child's skin. Bedding and BathingThings to consider when purchasing bedding for your child could be as simple as ensuring that sheets, clothes and other textiles were all sourced from fair-trade areas, ensuring that farmers, cotton pickers and warehouse labourers are getting a fair amount for the clothes that are keeping your baby warm. In terms of bathing, finding products that are right for your child’s skin is of the utmost importance. Chemicals that don’t harm adults may irritate a baby’s skin, and that is why there are a range of products formulated specifically for children. However, some of these products may have been tested on animals to ensure that the chemicals they contain do not have adverse affects. Check the back of the container of your shampoos and wipes to see if it has a “Not Tested on Animals” stamp to ensure that no innocent creatures were harmed in keeping your innocent child clean and happy. Extra TipsOther simple ideas you can use are to recycle glass jars that once had your baby food in, give your old baby clothes to others in your family to reduce the waist, and, most of all, be creative in toys and purchases to entertain your child, as some of the simplest of toys often develop and hold your child’s attention, for instance, we’ve all witnessed the phenomenon of a child being more entertained by a box than the toy that was in it on Christmas morning.
The copyright of the article Environmentally Ethical Baby Care in Green/Simple Living is owned by Steve Williams. Permission to republish Environmentally Ethical Baby Care in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
|
|
|
|
