Many are divided on the subject of environmental impact of disposables vs. cloth but knowing that your baby will use approximately 6,000 diapers before toilet training, and that disposable diapers take 200-500 years to decompose, is certainly a key issue to ponder.
Washing cloth diapers takes water, energy, and chemicals (not to mention time), but you might want to consider the benefits of a laundering service. Some studies have found that home-washing cloth diapers has only 53 percent of the ecological footprint of disposables, and if you use a diaper laundering service that impact is halved again.
Cloth Diapers
When choosing a cloth diaper brand, go for fitted cloth diapers with Velcro or snap closures for convenience that are made from an eco-friendly material such as hemp, bamboo, or organic cotton. Use an organic wool cover that is both warm and breathable, minimizing diaper rash and cold bottoms at night. Use either removable or flushable liners and when washing, either use a laundering service or wash at home at lower temperatures.
Biodegradable Diapers
These diapers are made with plant-based plastics (also known as bioplastics), are non-petroleum based and are compostable. While these have been found not to break down under landfill conditions, there are other options to compost them such as using a composting toilet, an earthworm system, or a highly active and properly conditioned composting area.
For additional information on improving the environment, environmental baby products, green baby gifts and natural baby care, please visit: http://blog.bottoms-up-baby.com/blog/eco-friendly-baby-products
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