The largest issue with babies being green and environmentally friendly is the D issue - Diapers. Whether to use cloth diapers or green disposable diapers. 30 to 50 million disposables go into landfills in the United States each year, multiple that by 5, 10, 15 years - Yikes, that equals around 600 million diapers!
But think of this. Besides saving landfill space, cloth diapers can save parents money. Parents can take care of their baby’s diapering needs straight through toilet training for a total cost of less than $300 with cloth diapers, whereas disposables may run up to $3,000. Do the Earth a double favor - Buy some cloth diapers and take 10% of the money you will save (equally around $250) and donate it to your favorite environmental charity in your baby’s name.
How greener can a diaper get?
Cloth diapers have come a long way in design and usability. So using them is easier than ever. Having form fitting shapes and velcro fasteners really helps these reusable diaper systems work just as well as disposable ones.
There are two different kinds - One Size and Pocket Diapers. Basically they both have a waterproof outer barrier that keeps wetness contained. The difference is that one-sized diapers have inserts allowing for customized absorption and adjustable settings that are made to fit the baby from birth to potty.
Pocket diapers differ because of a pocket opening that allows for absorbent material to be inserted into the pocket during use and them removed for laundering and they have the actual fit of a diaper. The downside is that you have to buy the different sizes as your baby grows. Pocket diapers are generally offered in 3 standard sizes.
See our listing of products on the Cloth Diapers page.
