If you’re like me, the idea of using eco-friendly products for your baby may seem overwhelming. There are so many options out there, and it’s difficult to know which ones are good for your child and the planet. I had no idea what biodegradable was before I had my baby and found myself scrambling around trying to find out what items were safe for her to wear or sleep on. That’s why I’m writing this article: to help make the process easier for you!
The Problem with Plastic
Plastic is not biodegradable. It’s made from oil, which is a nonrenewable resource that has to be mined and refined before it can be used for anything. Oil is also one of the main causes of climate change, so using plastic means contributing to that problem even if you recycle it (which isn’t always possible).
Plastic isn’t biocompatible: Your baby’s skin is soft, sensitive and delicate–just like yours! But unlike human skin, plastic doesn’t breathe or allow air circulation so your baby can stay cool while wearing their clothes or diapers (or even just sitting on them). This makes their bottoms hot and sweaty which leads to diaper rash in many cases! Plastic also absorbs moisture from wet cloths/diapers which leads back into my first point about how bad this stuff actually is…
BPA and Phthalates
BPA and phthalates are chemicals that can be found in many plastic products. These substances can leach into food or drink from the packaging, as well as other household items like plastic water bottles.
BPA has been linked to health problems such as obesity, diabetes and breast cancer. Phthalates have been linked to reproductive problems including infertility and low sperm count in men (1).
What is Biodegradable?
Biodegradable products are made from materials that can be broken down by natural processes. They are not toxic to humans or the environment because they do not contain harmful chemicals, like those found in regular plastics.
Biodegradable plastics are derived from renewable resources; for example, cornstarch is converted into polylactic acid (PLA), one type of bioplastics. PLA is also made from other types of plants and even animal waste! Biodegradable plastics do not use petrochemicals, which are derived from fossil fuels–a non-renewable resource that contributes to global warming when burned for energy production.
How to Choose Biodegradable Items for Your Baby
There are many different ways to choose biodegradable items for your baby.
- Look for labels that say “biodegradable” or “compostable.” You can also ask the manufacturer if they know how their products will break down in a landfill, or if they have any information on using the product as mulch or fertilizer.
- Choose items made of natural materials (like cotton), so they will break down easier than synthetic ones.
- Biodegradable items aren’t necessarily biocompostable–they might need an extra step before composting them (like removing metal snaps).
Biodegradable products can be composted or recycled!
There are many options for eco-friendly products for your baby.
There are many options for eco-friendly products for your baby. You can look for items that are certified by the Biodegradable Products Institute, or you can also look for items that carry the USDA Organic label. If you want to be extra sure of what you’re buying, check out Green Seal (greenseal.org) for more information about how products were made and if they meet standards of sustainability, health and safety.
Conclusion
Now that you know about the benefits of biodegradable products for your baby, it’s time to start shopping! There are so many options out there, from organic cotton diapers to wooden toys and ones made from recycled materials. You can even find eco-friendly clothing made from bamboo or hemp fibers. The best part is that these items don’t have any harmful chemicals like BPA or phthalates in them so they’re safe for both mommy and baby.
