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Green Gift Ideas for Baby
Author: Virginia Ginsburg
Copyright (c) 2008 Virginia Ginsburg
Baby gifts are a wonderful way to introduce new parents to Green products,
and, who knows - they might stick with them! When you give a gift to a new
baby, consider the many green baby gift options available.
Giving green gifts is increasingly popular, as it provides an opportunity
for your gift to stand out from the crowd and make a positive impact on the
Earth.
Find the perfect gift for the natural mom at
babyearth.com
Green gifts are constructed of organic or recycled materials, or at least
have a minimum impact on the Earth. The packaging of the product should be
minimal to reduce waste. Seek zero packaging when possible, but if necessary
look for recycled paper packaging. The least desirable packaging is plastic,
which takes significant energy to produce and is difficult to recycle. If
the only option is plastic packaging, seek minimal amounts of plastic, or
purchase carbon offset credits to make up for it.
Gifts for Getting
Dressed
Your options in buying green baby clothes are many and increase almost
daily. Today you can find organically-grown cotton clothing fairly easy.
Even some of the large chain stores like Target carry certain items made of
this fabric. Organic cotton is grown with natural fertilizers and is free
from toxic chemicals. A field must be pesticide-free for at least three
years to qualify as organic, and the cotton must be processed based on
International organic standards.
Bamboo is also an excellent choice for baby clothes, as it is both
eco-friendly and softer than even the softest cotton on the market. Bamboo
fabrics have a natural sheen and are frequently compared to silk and
cashmere. Another great benefit of using bamboo fabric for baby clothing is
its naturally-occurring antibacterial properties.
Gifts for Bath Time
Avoid the commonly-available plastic bath toys and focus instead on healthy,
safe and eco-friendly options for the bath. For example, if you are looking
for cute towels, you can find many options in both organically-grown cotton
and bamboo. Although it may sound strange, bamboo fibers make amazingly
soft, silky fabrics. In fact, many people choose bamboo towels based on
touch alone, without even realizing they are choosing a sustainable fabric.
Bamboo is a fast-growing plant that grows without pesticides, herbicides or
other chemicals. It does not destroy natural forests or take an undue toll
on the Earth, thus making it an excellent option for eco-conscious
consumers.
As for baby-washes and lotions, all those petroleum-based products can be
skipped for more eco- and body-friendly options. The chemicals used in most
cosmetics and toiletries range from toxic to dangerous, and everything in
between. Some major things to look out for include shampoos and conditioners
containing petroleum products, hair dyes with carcinogenic coal tar,
deodorants containing aluminum, hairsprays and hair gels containing
petroleum derivatives, formaldehyde, phthalates and synthetic fragrance.
Also look out for cosmetic and toiletry products that were not tested on
animals. Not only does this mean that you are not testing your ethics, but
often products with the Humane Cosmetics Standard (HCS) label also happen to
meet the above criteria and are therefore better choices overall.
Gifts for Playtime
Most toy aisles are filled with plastics, which are energy-intensive to
create and slow to decompose in our landfills. Instead of adding to the
waste, seek green alternatives to baby toys. For example, there are many
super-soft and amazingly beautiful stuffed toys made from organic fabrics
and stuffing. These items are often checked more thoroughly for safety than
typical toys, since they are catering to a high-end market.
Also available are wooden toys created with green-certified hardwoods and
fast-growing woods. They have all-natural finishes, paint and stains, making
them safe for baby, and also safer for the world.
Whatever you choose, by seeking a green baby gift, you are helping one more
person in the world learn about the beauty and value available on the green
market.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/home-and-family-articles/ideas-for-green-baby-gift-giving-613257.html
About the Author:
Virginia Ginsburg writes about sustainable products, green living, and her
quest for a socially-conscious lifestyle. She is founder of Green Baby Gifts
( http://www.greenbabygiftsonline.com ), which offers beautifully-wrapped
baby gifts made of bamboo fiber and packaged in completely recycled and
recyclable packaging.
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