Comments on: How Can I Go Green With Raising My Infant?

By: Amy A

Amy A — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 16:59:48 +0000

Someone suggested only breastfeeding, which is nice but it’s gonna make you very sore after a while. If you have just one child it’s easier, but anyone with twins should be on formula because their breasts won’t get a break.
The second hand clothing suggestion was best. Why buy new organic clothing when you can just recycle stuff thats already out there? That seems more eco friendly to me.
Be careful with glass bottles, because glass breaks and is sharp. When he/she starts to teeth, try a booboo bunny (it’s a terry cloth bunny made out of a wash cloth with a compartment for ice) instead of a plastic teething ring.

By: Ava's Mama

Ava's Mama — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 13:09:19 +0000

i am not what i would have ever considered ‘green’ as i grew up in a rural area and we didn’t have all the ‘conveniences’ of city life – but now with being ‘green’ so much in the vocabulary, i realize i grew up kind of ‘green’ and am now ‘green’ because of money, and the health of my baby and family.
i am not sure how wooden floors in nursery is more green….you get wood from trees….cutting down trees to make floors does not exactly make good sense – what about using recycled material?
all the other things are good – also use cloth wipes instead of the disposables
if you can breastfeed – i was not able to because of medication
i use glass bottles to store my babys water in – and in 5 mos i have only broken 1 and that was because i had my diaper bag upside down
use recycled paper products and cloth napkins instead of paper towels –
line dry diapers, sheets, towels instead of using dryer, use dryer balls rather than fabric softener sheets
grow your own garden
stroll your baby to the store for shopping (less gas AND you do not buy unnecessary items as space is limited) if it is hot where you live (florida is HOT) get some very wide and strong velcro and little camping fan that is battery operated and attach to your stroller so your baby will not get over heated (not very long walks to store and try to go early morning or late evening) you will become adept at packing stuff under stroller stashing diaper bag and wearing backpack for storage as well – use a poncho for you if you get caught in the rain, and they make rain covers for most strollers if not, toys r us, has some generic ones that fit most strollers.
if you can and it would be worth it, you can find a double stroller or sit and stand stroller on craigslist walking is doable for you – with gas prices, we walk a lot more + it helps me save money as individual stores (big lots, dollar tree, cvs are VERY CLOSE to my home – and that keeps me out of Walmart (who i boycott anyway) but it keeps me away from Kmart as well, which is good on the budget.
grill out more with natural wood – my husband has a lawn service so this is a bonus for us – use cast iron though – not stainless or copper can we say SOOT STAINS/marks
if you are not vegan get a chest freezer and buy your meat (beef, pork) from a local farmer or rancher (we are lucky there as well, my dad is a farmer only 2 hours from where we live) not so ‘green’ but good on the budget – learn how to ‘can’ vegetables and fruits – you can also freeze them as well
i can not justify $7 for dish soap though and the much higher prices in my area for the ‘organic’ soaps and such – but as much as possible i use ‘green’ cleansers and household items as cleansers as well – vinegar, baking soda, lemon juice, etc, natural pesticides – borax, vinegar, etc
for me, one way i recycle and save money is to go to thrift stores – i am recycling products instead of going out and buying new ones (some things have to be new, but you would be surprised what you can find, i actually found my favorite diaper covers from a thrift store)
wooden toys, regular household items as toys – pots/pans/spoons drums?? as few plastic toys as possible – cloth dolls, etc
as a new mom you will not have time to sew – but later on it is a possibility
right now the only ideas i can think of – but you get the idea

By: jaq_zim

jaq_zim — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 11:20:50 +0000

Nurse!

By: Pippin

Pippin — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 08:24:46 +0000

Breastfeed!
And don’t buy so much of the crap that the stores tell you you MUST have. (Walkers, jumpers, etc.)

By: brennabu

brennabu — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 02:49:03 +0000

i was fed organic food when i was growing up

By: Sicilia shines

Sicilia shines — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 01:48:55 +0000

biodegradable diapers
solar house
hydro car

By: Mama Bean

Mama Bean — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 01:24:23 +0000

Breastfeeding.

By: Rachel

Rachel — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 00:44:50 +0000

Breastfeeding! It saves you from having to buy quite a few things and is healthier for the baby and the planet than formula.
It would also be greener to use/borrow/purchase/trade second-hand baby supplies and clothes as many of these items would otherwise end up in landfills.

By: emily

emily — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 17:52:44 +0000

You’ve got a lot of material ideas but conserving energy helps tremendously too. Try line drying laundry, especially all those loads of diapers you can even hang a line inside. If you’re able you might consider a high efficiency washer which saves water and electricity.

By: belinda milfinda

belinda milfinda — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 14:14:23 +0000

I second the second hand suggestion, and stay away from buying all the useless stuff that manufacturers and retailers say that we need.
Can I assume that you have already switched to formula? If the baby isn’t here yet, then breastfeeding is far better for the planet than recycled glass bottles and organic formula. It’s also better for you and baby.
Don’t buy baby food. If your baby is old enough to eat, then let him eat real food from the family meal.
Don’t use an infant as an excuse to buy a huge family car. I drove a Saturn Ion until I became pregnant with our third child, then we had to get more room for an extra carseat. I have a friend who is very happy driving a Prius with one child, and my sister (a reforming SUV driver) drives a Honda Civic with two children.
Amy A, your ideas about breastfeeding are based on marketing and folklore. I hate that this forum perpetuates myths invented by formula companies like that one. I hope you refrain from giving advice about breastfeeding and leave it to those of us who have done it sucessfully.
Look at this, I was shopping for books and I came across this and thought of you! http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0787996…