It’s hard to believe that tomorrow will be one year since I offically began my EcoChic journey. I have to admit I’m overwhelmed with how well the response has been and how much I’ve learned about blogging in the past year. I want to thank each of you for continuing to read the EcoChic and I’m excited to see where the next year takes me.
So my one year post will be similar to my first post…Happy Pollution Prevention Week. I would love to post each day this week with a new tip but I am once again on travel. By the time I get into the hotel in the evenings I know I will be ready to relax and unwind. This years P2 tips will focus on the new mom and babies! (Since I will be welcoming one in January.)
1. Try cloth diapers and save more than just money! The average baby uses 6,500-7000 disposable diapers in the first few years of life. Disposable diapers take over 200 years to decompose in a landfill. Disposable diapers also contain plastic and chemicals which may lead to more diaper rashes. **If you have any recommendations on cloth diapers I’d love to have them…I’m trying to determine which one’s are the best for my newborn in January.**
2. Breastfeed your baby! Now I’m not going to punish those moms who can’t nurse BUT breastfeeding is 100% natural and creates NO waste (well it can create waste if you have to pump). At least give it a try. For those moms who can’t nurse remember to use reusable bottles instead of wasteful bottle liners.
3. Make your own baby food. I was a skeptic but this one was really easy with my first child (now 5). There are many books on the market that tell you how to do this. One of my favorites that I used with my first child was Super Baby Food by Ruth Yaron. My sons favorite first food was mashed avocados. It was as easy as mashing them with a fork and serving. You can even go one step farther and ensure the fruits and veggies you use are certified as organic.
4. Choose natural fibers. When purchasing clothing, diapers, or sheets select items made of natural (like cotton, hemp or bamboo) and organic fibers. This will reduce the amount of toxins your child comes in contact with over it’s lifetime. Natural fibers are also easier to recycle than synthetics.
5. Use natural cleaning products. Using natural cleaning products (or biobased products) you will reduce the amount of chemicals you and your child comes in contact with. Natural cleaning products can be eve made from vinegar, water, baking soda, and other common household items that don’t contain chemicals. Many manufacturers are now marketing their green products at all your local stores.
If you have other favorite green parenting tips or favorite products I’d love to hear about them. Just email me at theecochic@gmail.com.
Looking for cloth diapering resources and tips? Visit my cloth diapering archives, follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and on Pinterest.
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Congrats on the 1st year 🙂