Greetings!
Ah, babies. Tiny, new people with endless potential. They wake up to a new world each day, alive with wonder and curiosity -- looking to grown-ups for food, love, and, well, a lot of diaper changes. And in turn we get our greatest teachers.
Babies certainly deliver on the promise of smiles and drool, shrieks and burbles. Then there's the 2am, 4am, 6am "I don't care what you've got planned today, gimme the booba." Yes, the illusions of control you had before parenthood are soon just a vague memory. And before long, there are questions:
What is that made of? Do I need that? How did I get here? Is there a "right way" to do this? Where does that end up?
Often, grown-ups end up asking themselves these same questions. After all, our kids are already living the dream. They're energy-efficient, run on bio-fuels, and leave only the tiniest of footprints!
It's time to start Earth-friendly habits on behalf of our tiny role models. So this week we're helping parents green-up the crib. Check out diapers, drinks and duds for eco-friendly babies. Plus, discover tips and products for a safer, healthier family.
It's all baby-approved, so pass it on! |
Featured Product: G Diapers
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 Remember when it was a choice between plastic diapers and the good old-fashioned cloth variety, complete with giant "safety" pin? Well, not anymore. G Diapers are sort of a hybrid version, with a colorful, washable exterior that holds a flush-able insert. So, when baby does the business, you can take care of business -- easily and quickly. And with no landfill required, parents can feel as good as their babies look. It's cheek-chic!
Click for G Diapers
Love Them
  "These are awesome. We use Fuzzy Buns (pocket nappies) mostly, but when they are in the wash I use the G Diapers. I really like that they are not very bulky. My only qualm is that when the poop is not solid it can get a bit messy (but it always does, even with the fuzzy buns). The inner lining is easy to snap out and rinse. . ." click to read more
- Anne S.
Ever try G diapers? On your baby, we mean. Write a review for all to see at Sustainlane.com.
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Featured Story: Preventing SIDS In The Crib
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It's not a pleasant topic, but it's an important one. The leading cause of death among infants under the age of one is still Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Why, how and when SIDS strikes is still a mystery, but you can lower the risk dramatically by putting babies to bed on their backs.
How does stomach sleeping harm babies? Chemical gasses given off by new crib mattresses could be a culprit. Many manufacturers add chemical compounds to make plastic bedding flame-retardant. Hmm. Protecting your baby with chemicals? A little bit ironic, don't you think?
To be on the safe side, do the following:
- Try firm, all-natural crib mattresses and bedding
- Make sure babies sleep on their backs
- Keep cribs in your bedroom for the first six months
- Adult bedding surfaces are soft and squishy. The crib is best when it's sleepy-time.
- Don't overheat a baby and keep bedding and clothing to a comfortable minimum
- Try wearable blankets that stay in place
Know a little something about the topic? Email your thoughts to community@sustainlane.com.
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Featured Business: American Apparel
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 Hip duds aren't just for hipsters anymore. American Apparel's line of baby clothes is all the rage with the toddler set. Baby beanies, sweat-suits, and more -- in loads of colors and sizes. No sweatshops either. Everything is made in LA, so you'll be proud when your little guy's rocking a new hoodie and faux-hawk on the see-saw.
Click for American Apparel
Adorable, Comfy Clothes
 "American Apparel has a great line of baby products. I love the sweat outfits, and they are slimmer than others, so they accommodate both chubby babies and babies that are long and not so chubby. The burp cloths are nice and thick, the beanies are way cute, and the karate pants. . ." click to read more - Cynthia A.
Agree? Disagree? Share your review at Sustainlane.com.
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Spotlight: Carpets, Chemicals And Crawling
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 Babies have an uncanny talent for exploration. And their wanderings can take them to some grimy, toxic places. Scary but true; most new carpets and floors are chock full of harmful chemicals.
To avoid polluting your little bundle of joy, make sure flooring is non-toxic and clean. Then you won't worry (so much) when your little one turns brand new onesies into a mop.
Some types of floor-coverings, such as BioFloor, are made of all-natural fibers and latex.
And try non-toxic Marmoleum instead of old, toxic linoleum in kitchens and common areas.
For your deck or patio, Moldzyme is a non-toxic solution that gets rid of dangerous mold and mildew without bleach. Ready? Set? Crawl!
We want to hear from you. E-mail your thoughts to community@sustainlane.com.
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Staff Pick: 7th Generation Wipes
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Diaper-changing can be a real blast with 7th Generation Baby Wipes. Okay, maybe that's not the right choice of words, but the point is, these one-at-a-time dispensing wipes are an outstanding product. Finally, there's an unscented, alcohol-free, hypo-allergenic wipe that contains healing and moisturizing ingredients like aloe and vitamin E. What's not to like?
Click for 7th Generation Wipes
Easy On Baby's Delicate Skin
 "I bought some of these for a camping trip and had some left over. My neighbor, a new mother, shrieked with joy when I offered them to her. Her baby girl is allergic to every other kind of wipe. . ." click to read more
- Shira K.
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Babies In The News
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 Sweet Nursing Top Makes Babies Smarter
Mom looks cuter while junior gets a brain workout. Seeing is believing.
New Parents Get Their Green On
Hmm. A possible link between parenting and caring about the future? Explore the topic.
Baby Bottle Ban
Could Canada ban baby bottles made with BPA? Better believe it!
Better For Baby
Disposable diapers and toxic crib mattresses are a drag. Luckily, there's a slew of great, green options. Check it out!
nspired to discuss a story? Email your thoughts to community@sustainlane.com. |
Story: Breast Milk And Alternatives
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 The great thing about breast-milk? Not only is it free and makes less waste from packaging, it's chock full of nutrients and provides better immunity to infections and such. When it comes to feeding baby, we don't argue with nature. Breast is best.
But when breast-feeding isn't possible, parents must choose the right formula. Trying to choose between dairy and soy-based formulas isn't always easy.
Soy formulas may be lower in calcium than their dairy counterparts. And soy contains hormone-like compounds called phytoestrogens. Hormones for baby? Yikes. Although soy may be perfectly safe, it's only recommended for babies with dairy allergies, lactose intolerance, or for babies with strict vegetarian parents. And if babies are allergic to both soy and dairy, a hypoallergenic formula is a must.
Can babies drink plain old cow's milk? Not a good idea. Drinking milk too soon might be linked to the onset of allergies and diabetes, so get a safe, non-toxic bottle or sippy cup and feel free to stick with mom's milk all the way up to two years!
Think you've got the inside word on breastfeeding? Tell us about it at sustainlane.com
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Video: Benefits of Organic Baby Food
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 This week's featured video is a short clip on the importance of organic baby food. According to Melanie Raposo, the host of "Mommy's Minute," all-natural food is healthier for babies --and tastes better too. She explains how to read food labels to avoid unnecessary additives. It's all packed into a minute. Great for busy moms and dads!
Comments on this week's video? Please e-mail us at community@sustainlane.com and let us know! |
| Upcoming Events
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Green Cuisine
An event to bring more awareness to the benefit of local food and sustainable
business practices. Visitors will sample some of the best products of
local food and beverage artisans, and tour an organic farm and green
buildings as well as socialize. July 16 Honor, MI www.foodforthought.net
E.C.O. Trade Show
ECO Wholesale Trade Show. Eco is the acronym for environmentally
conscious and organic. ECO's invitation is for exhibitors
from around the world that support sustainable lifestyles. August 24 - 27 Las Vegas, NV www.globalecoshow.comSlow Food Nation
An event is designed to show how food and
agriculture are interwoven with the larger issues of the environment,
health, education, community, the global economy and long-term
sustainability. It includes tastings, forums, workshops, films,
exhibits, music and hundreds of the most respected farmers and
food artisans from across the country.
August 29 - September 1
San Francisco, CA
www.slowfood.com
GreenFest Philly
Over 200 exhibitors and 20,000 visitors will fill the streets to learn and share
how easy it is to be green!
September 7
Philadelphia, PA
www.greenfestphilly.org
Eco Palooza
One of the best
sustainable art, product and fashion shows of the season.
Sept 13
San Diego
www.ztarc.com
Green Festival DC
Enjoy renowned
authors, leaders and educators; how-to workshops; cutting-edge
films; activities for kids; organic beer and wine; and a unique
marketplace of more than 300 eco-friendly businesses. Nov 8 - 9 Washington, DC
greenfestivals.orgGreen Festival San Francisco
Enjoy renowned
authors, leaders and educators; how-to workshops; cutting-edge
films; activities for kids; organic beer and wine; and a unique
marketplace of more than 300 eco-friendly businesses.
Nov 14 - 16 San Francisco, CA
greenfestivals.orgAustin Green Living & Home Products
Expo
This Home & Garden style show features green building, organic
gardening/native landscaping, sustainable interiors, renewable energies,
alternative fuels, organic and fair trade productsJanuary 9 - 11
Austin, TX
ShowTechnology.com
Good Earth Home, Garden & Living Show
Over 250 commercial & educational
exhibits, exclusively marketing sustainable, healthy, natural and earth-friendly
products, services and businesses. Enjoy local music, healthy & organic
foods, and over 40 eco-seminars, featuring national & local green
build/design speakers, northwest garden authors, and sustainable living experts.
January 23 - 25
Eugene, OR
www.eugenehomeshow.com
Do you have any upcoming green events that you would like to have posted here? Please e-mail us at community@sustainlane.com and tell us about them.
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