When your baby is born, you have so many things to think about and buy. Everything from clothing, to feeding gear, to furniture…the list goes on. And on. Did you know there are eco-friendly diapers available? It’s true! Some of these new eco-friendly diapering solutions may cost a bit more upfront than traditional disposable diapers, but their long-term savings are astounding.
In fact, research shows that by the time your child reaches age five, eco-friendly diapers can save you well over $2,000! With so much emphasis being placed on going green these days, it’s no wonder that eco-friendly diapers have become so popular.
But with so many different brands and types to choose from – not to mention all of those other essential items like clothing and furniture – selecting the right environmentally friendly option for your baby can be overwhelming.
So let’s take a look at some of the primary considerations when selecting an eco-friendly diaper:
The Importance of Going Eco-Friendly
The health of our planet and its inhabitants is imperative to our own survival. We depend upon a clean water supply, suitable air quality, and a healthy environment to sustain ourselves. So even though diapers may not seem like the kind of item that would have a significant impact on the health of our environment, they actually do. And they do in a very big way.
By their very nature, disposable diapers are extremely wasteful. They use up a lot of our natural resources to create and then they end up being some of the most environmentally unfriendly options at their disposal.
Diapers are made primarily of plastic and are responsible for 20% of all the non-biodegradable waste in landfills. They are also the third largest single source of human waste in our water systems. Because they’re non-biodegradable, they don’t break down in landfills. Instead, the sun’s heat actually releases the liquids inside of them, forming a toxic liquid that seeps into the groundwater.
Environmentally Friendly Diapering Basics
As we’ve already discussed, diapers are hardly eco-friendly. But luckily for us, there are several options for diapering that are much friendlier to our environment. What follows is a brief overview of the most popular eco-friendly diapering solutions available.
Cloth – Cloth diapers are one of the most environmentally friendly diapers available. They are biodegradable, washable, and reusable. Additionally, they’re very soft on a baby’s sensitive skin.
Hybrid – Hybrid diapers are a combination of disposable and cloth diapers. They start out as a cloth that snaps onto a disposable insert. This way you can choose which is more convenient for you.
Prefold – Pre-folded diapers are an old-fashioned style that requires a little extra effort to use.
Organic – Organic diapers are made of cotton and sometimes hemp. They’re chemical-free and non-GMO.
Natural – Natural diapers are made from natural materials like bamboo and wood pulp.
Natural Diapers Made From Natural Materials
Organically made diapers are great and all, but when it comes down to it, natural diapers made from natural materials are even better.
Natural diapers are made with wood pulp, bamboo, cotton, and corn. And although they may cost more upfront, they are much cheaper in the long run.
The organic diapers will, of course, last longer than the conventional variety, which means that you’ll need to buy fewer of them. However, the sustainability advocates at EcoIdeas, who analyzed a number of leading eco-friendly diaper brands, discovered that natural diapers actually have a significantly longer lifespan than organic ones.
#1. Bamboo Diapers
Bamboo is a rapidly growing and regenerating plant. This is why it’s one of the eco-friendly diapering solutions available. Bamboo fabric is soft, smooth, and super breathable. Plus, bamboo is naturally anti-microbial and anti-fungal.
Bamboo diapers are also super durable. These eco-friendly diapers also come in a variety of different sizes, styles, and colors. They are available in both one-size and sized options. The one-size bamboo diapers are designed to fit babies from 8 to 35 pounds.
Bamboo diapers are one of the most versatile eco-friendly diapering solutions available. They can be used as both a diaper and a swim diaper. Plus, they’re incredibly absorbent.
#2. Diapers made with wood pulp
There’s a new type of diaper on the market that’s made with wood pulp – and it’s a much healthier alternative to disposable diapers. Wood pulp diapers are a great alternative for those who are environmentally conscious, as they’re made with renewable materials. Plus, they’re also a great choice for those who are looking for a more sustainable option when it comes to their diaper choice.
Wood pulp diapers are activated with water, which helps to absorb and hold liquids. This means that they’re ideal for people who have heavy wetters, as they won’t have to change them as often. And, of course, they’re also a great choice for people who are environmentally conscious – wood pulp is a sustainable resource that can be used multiple times.
So if you’re looking for the perfect natural diaper option, wood pulp diapers are definitely worth considering.
#3. Diapers made with cotton
Diapers made with cotton are a great alternative to disposable diapers. Not only are they environmentally friendly, but they’re also a great choice for those who are sensitive to synthetic materials. In fact, some people believe that cotton diapers are even more gentle on the skin than disposable diapers.
If you’re interested in using cotton diapers for your baby, you’ll need to find a source of natural cotton. This can be tricky, as many stores only carry disposable diapers made with wood pulp. However, there are a few online retailers that sell cotton diapers made from natural materials.
Cotton diapers made from natural materials are a great choice for anyone who is environmentally conscious or sensitive to synthetic materials. They’re also a good choice for those who want to avoid the problems associated with disposable diapers, including deforestation and the release of harmful chemicals into the environment. So if you’re looking for a sustainable and ecologically friendly option for your baby’s diapers, cotton is a great option.
#4. Natural diapers made with corn
As the world becomes increasingly aware of the dangers of synthetic chemicals, more and more people are turning to natural alternatives for their health and safety. One such alternative is diapers made with wood corn – a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional diapers. Wooden corn diapers are made from natural materials like wood and cornstarch, which are absorbent and durable. They’re also cost-effective since they don’t require expensive supplies as synthetic materials do. Plus, they’re eco-friendly, since they don’t release harmful chemicals into the environment.
So if you’re looking for a sustainable, natural option for your baby’s diapers, wood corn diapers are definitely worth considering.
Conclusion
Choosing eco-friendly diapers is an excellent choice for your baby and the planet. So whether you choose cloth, hybrid, organic, natural, or bamboo diapers, you can rest assured that you’re making a responsible decision for both your child and our planet. With so many eco-friendly options available, good for the environment and great for your wallet, there’s no reason not to go green.