Small Changes make BIG Differences
Bringing a baby into your life is one of the greatest joys in the entire world. There is nothing like spending those late nights, albeit they may have been tiring, holding your precious bundle of joy and just thinking about the life you’re going to have with each other. When we had our first baby (she’s now 4 and three quarters old), the trend for all things sustainable and green in the baby world wasn’t quite as available as it is today. The big baby stores these days have natural & organic sections so seek those out. As a starting point, the following sites do have natural & organic products for your new arrival’s needs:
1.) BabiesRUs – Full section for natural and organic section located here, including eco clothes, organic cotton bedding, bath & skin care, gear, furniture, etc.
2.) BuyBuyBaby – You have to look at each product section and click the organic, BPA free, etc. section
(The following is an awesome excerpt from The Eco-nomical Baby Guide: Down-to-Earth Ways for Parents to Save Money and the Planet by Joy Hatch and Rebecca Kelley page 33-34)
-Express yourself…when asked
While it’s rude to solicit gifts of any kind, some may ask you what you want or need. This is the time to make your wishes clear.
-Register for green gear
Well-intentioned friends and family often purchase baby items that you might not necessarily want for your child: crates of disposable diapers, boxes of plastic toys, and endless newborn outfits that your child will wear for less than a week. So how can you guide gift-givers toward your green choices? Check to see if any local, eco-friendly baby boutiques have registries. If you’re nowhere near a store, then Internet provides several options.
-Consider a diaper shower
This is a fabulous idea to help you deal with the front-end expense of buying cloth diapers or gDiapers. Consider registering at a store or an online diaper outlet that carries alternative diapers and accessories, which can cost quite a bit depending on the brands and styles you want. When pressed for gift ideas, the host can encourage guests to pay for some months of a diaper service.
-Delay the gratification
Asking for gift cards or certificates or consignment shops can help you grapple with later costs in baby’s life. Think about asking for housecleaning or meal delivery in those first weeks of parenthood. In short, think outside the gift registry box.
-Take it Back!
Perhaps the path of least resistance…simply accept not-so-green gifts in the spirit that they are given. And then return what you don’t want — or donate it to charity.
I love these tips for a green shower. Did you have a green baby shower? What are your tips?
Posted by Marianne of www.iEco Clothes.com | Eco Clothing and Fun in One.
We specialize in organic cotton t-shirts for kids that are simple, give back (through planting a tree for every tee sold), and show eco friendly ways to have fun.
