Eco-Chic from Day One Green Guru Kim Carlson Offers Tips on How New Moms can Go Green
Having a new baby is one of the most exciting times in a person's life. Yet with all of the decisions that... more must be made, parents become overwhelmed and end up making impulsive decisions that can have long term impact on their child and the environment. Kim Carlson offers these tips to make sure that every baby is starting out with a green foot from day one:
Waste Not... It is estimated that roughly 5 million tons of untreated waste and a total of 2 billion tons of urine, feces, plastic and paper are added to landfills annually. It takes around 80,000 pounds of plastic and over 200,000 trees a year to manufacture the disposable diapers for American babies alone.
Kim Carlson's advice:
• Look for reusable cloth diapers rather than relying on the generic disposable brands. You can eliminate some of the hassle by purchasing ones with disposable liners that you can flush down the toilet once used. Given the current economic climate, this is also a more budget friendly option. Benefit - Cost estimates show that disposable diapers will run approximately $50 to $80 per month whereas purchasing cloth diapers and cleaning them at home will run approximately $25 to $60.
Safety First
Some plastics have been recently shown to have a detrimental effect on health. In fact, this fall, a new study conducted by the Yale School of Medicine indicated that in tests on primates, researchers found that BPA "causes the loss of connections between brain cells" that could cause memory or learning problems and depression. Also, plastic bottles take 700 years before they begin to decompose in a landfill. Dioxins, which result from the manufacture and disposal of polyvinyl plastic, have been identified as a major long-term threat to the environment and mammal health.
Kim Carlson's advice:
• When possible, breastfeed, it's the healthier option and eliminates any additional products.
• Switch to glass bottles that can be recycled after use.
• If switching over your entire Tupperware and bottle cabinet is not in the cards, go through and throw out all our polycarbonate and vinyl bottles (the ones with the numbers three and seven within the recycling symbol) and replace them with more eco-friendly and safe options.
Green Room
Standard paint is latex-based, and that means it contains chemicals that can break down and vent into the atmosphere. Your bedroom furniture may be oozing toxic gases. Anything composed of particle board or paneling and left unsealed, can emit formaldehyde and has the potential to cause difficulty in breathing, watery eyes, or allergies. Extreme levels have been known to cause cancer in animals and humans.
Kim Carlson's advice:
• Look for a type of paint that specifically mentions it is a "low-VOC" product (VOC stands for Volatile Organic Compounds), and consider using it for every painting project in your home. This will reduce any potentially hazardous chemicals venting into your child's room.
• When purchasing furniture, look for natural wood and other organic materials that are earth friendly and also less likely to contain allergens ensuring your child will have a safe and restful sleep.
So whether this is your first baby or your last, employing these eco-friendly habits ensures that someday both your baby and the environment will thank you.
For more information or tips from Kim Carlson please contact Courtney O'Neill or Catherine Pope of AAM at 212.661.1336.