Greening the Baby

So one of the things I struggle with is how to be green while raising a child. I think anyone who is environmentally minded and has children faces this dilemma.Because children have a lot of stuff. A lot of it comes from China. And unfortunately they outgrow their stuff at a rapid rate. So here is a list of strategies I have used and am using to try and green our child.

1. We use cloth diapers. This allows us to not fill landfills with disposables that take hundreds of years to break down. It is easy to do and I actually enjoy it. These days there are so many options that I think there is a cloth diapering system for everyone. If you are dedicated to disposables look into chlorine free diapers like Seventh Generation. But cloth is the cheapest and best way to go in my opinion.
2. In that vein, I had a winter baby, so I use an indoor drying rack and only put my diapers in the dryer for a short time to get the water out. I hang them to dry the rest of the way. When summer comes I am going to line dry them all the way, outside, no dryer needed. I also pre-wash them by hand to limit the cycles I have to use on the washer.
3. When I buy something for Eowyn, I buy less but better quality. I try to find organic clothes that were made in the U.S. or at least closer than China. I buy organic, local made natural toys of wood and cloth. Sure they are more expensive, but really how many outfits and toys does she need anyway.
4. I encourage people who want to buy us stuff to do the same, but I use whatever they do buy. If they bought it, it is a waste to not use it. Anything I really cannot bring myself to use goes to a local thrift store to be used by someone else with different tastes.
5. Hand Me Downs. I try and get everything I can second hand from family, friends, or a thrift store. It saves money and reusing stuff is always a good environmental move.
6. Breastfeeding. I know this sounds strange, but it is environmental. We don't need bottles and storage containers and formula containing who knows what, made who knows where. Her food travels with me easily, relieving me of yet another bag full of stuff. And it is healthier for me and for her. I love breastfeeding!
7. Babywearing. Okay this one is maybe a little silly, but it saves us from consuming all kinds of strollers and chairs and bouncy things. I have a piece of cloth called the Moby Wrap. I put her in it to walk, hang out, dance, settle her when she is fussy, and anytime I don't know what to do with her. It works like a charm and is way easier to transport than a stroller. I do have a jogging stroller. It was a wonderful hand me down gift from my lovely Aunt and it does come in handy for jogging, the one thing I am not comfortable doing in my baby carriers. I also have one chair/seat thing, another generous hand me down from a good friend. We use it sometimes to eat and when she has a stuffy nose she likes to sleep in it.

So there are some easy, simple, and sometimes cheap ways to be a little more environmentally minded with a little one. The best advice I received though is don't be a consumer. Eowyn wants attention, love, and care. She does not need a ton of other stuff that takes resources to make and has to be shipped to your home using even more resources. Think twice about what you buy and where you buy it. I am sure I will have many more ideas on greening the baby as she grows and I will be sure to let you know!