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1. Preparation of the nursery should occur as early as possible, before the arrival of the baby. Painting, new furniture, and mattresses can off gas harmful chemicals that a newborn or infant could be sensitive to.
2. Air quality in the nursery is essential for the respiratory health of your little one. Ensure that you have good clean air exchange or ventilation in the room.
3. Use non-VOC, non-toxic water-based or milk paint. Be careful of walls that were painted before the 70's as most paint contained lead. Sanding and preparing the wall to be painted can disturb old deposits of lead and release them into the environment.
4. Try to hold back putting new flooring in the nursery. Conventional carpet and hardwood is treated with a slurry of chemicals that can be off gassed into the environment.
5. When choosing furniture, use real wood. The glue in laminate wood, particle board, and fiberboard can emit formaldehyde.
6. Decorating with certain plants such as spider plants can help with the absorption of formaldehyde in the environment.
7. Conventional window coverings have chemical substances that breakdown over time with exposure to the heat and light from the window. If you decide on blinds, choose untreated non-toxic fabrics, such as linen, hemp, or organic cotton. If choosing natural curtains, ensure to wash them regularly.
8. What you chose your baby to sleep on everyday is an important decision in the nursery. A natural mattress is an excellent alternative and worth the investment for your little one (Read our article on baby mattresses and our product review on natural mattresses).
9. Use natural untreated fabrics in the nursery as much as possible. Organic cotton for crib sheets are a good option. (Read our article on organic cotton).
10.Less can be more. When preparing for the arrival of your little one, there is the inclination to buy just for the baby. Babies grow quickly into children so it's best to invest into items that can be converted overtime into another use. An example of this is a change table into a dresser. Spending money on certain quality items upfront can save money in the long run. Labels: Bedding and Nursery
10 Tips to a Green Baby Nursery
10 Tips to a Green Baby Nursery
posted by Eco Baby Products on Tuesday, November 13, 2007
© 2007 EcoBabyProducts.com
Plastic Toxicity
Plastics are a hard thing to avoid in the world we live in. Many products we use on a daily basis are made of plastic. They are in our kitchens, our bathrooms, our workplace, and in our children's toys; the list is endless. As a parent, it's good to be aware of what type of plastics you have, or are bringing into your home.
Traditional plastics are made mostly from petroleum. They are not biodegradable and can release toxins into the atmosphere when burned. The newer more sustainable plastics, bio-plastics, are made from renewable resources such as hemp oil, soy bean oil, and corn starch. Until bio-plastic becomes more widely available, it's important to choose the less toxic among the petroleum-based plastics.
When shopping, be sure to check the recycling sign on the plastic to determine what type of plastic it's made from.
Less Toxic Plastics
These plastics may leak chemicals, but no studies suggest they are a detriment to your health.
- #1 PETE (polyethylene terephthalate): most important raw material in synthetic fibers.
- #2 HDPE (high density polyethylene): opaque in color, Tupperware, milk jugs, laundry detergent.
- #4 LDPE (low density polyethylene): plastic bags, tubing, wash bottles, dispensing bottles.
- #5 PP (polypropylene): food packaging, ropes, textiles, speakers, automotive parts, stationary.
Toxic plastic
These plastics leach toxic chemicals and have been linked to cancer, disrupting hormones and other health issues. The amount of leaking it takes to cause these health issues is controversial.
- #3 PVC or V (polyvinyl chloride): The worst, most toxic; soft baby toys, teethers, bath toys, building material.
- #6 PS (polystyrene): Solid foam, clear takeout containers.
- #7 (polycarbonate): Most baby bottles, lining of metal cans, Nalgene bottles. Contains Bisphenol A which is a hormone disruptor.
The chemical leaches from these plastics because it is a relatively unstable substance. With heat, alkaline conditions and wear, the chemical slowly breaks down and leaches out into its environment. Avoid heating any plastic in your house whether you're heating your baby's bottle or using plastic containers or glassware to heat up food. Harsh dish soap can also contribute to the breakdown on the product.
Not all plastics will have the recycling sign. If you can't find one, contact the manufacturer directly and ask them what type of plastic the product is made from.
Labels: Feeding Time, Toys
Plastic Toxicity
posted by Eco Baby Products on Wednesday, October 24, 2007
© 2007 EcoBabyProducts.com
