Friday, September 25, 2009

The Great Diaper Debate



Kermit didn't find it easy being green, but two tree-hugging, hybrid-driving, save-the-earth-trying people, have found it's a lot easier to be green ... even with a child.

A little over a year ago when we found out I was pregnant, we made it our mission to try and keep the kid's carbon footprint as small as possible. Luckily, we live in a time where there are numerous choices and a trend towards greener lifestyles. This includes even the messier side of parenting: diapers.

The big decision we had to make was between disposable or cloth. Craig was really interested in exploring the cloth route. I was really interested in not adding any more laundry to the growing pile. And then, thanks to our sister-in-law Cheryl, we were introduced to Nature Babycare.



We had seen some of the eco-friendly brands of disposable diapers at our local baby stores, but none claimed to be biodegradable. They were just simply chlorine-free. We were hoping to find something that wouldn't sit in a landfill for as long as Park, his kid and his kid's kid, were on the planet. Nature Babycare diapers wouldn't -- at least 60% of them (I hear they're working on a 100% biodegradable version). This company, based out of Sweden, has created this cute little diaper, or nappy, that's good for the tush and good for the environment. And while there didn't seem to be a perfect option, we've been pleasantly surprised at how well these have held up. Even under the worst circumstances. I'll admit, I was skeptical at first. But Park has done his best to test them out in every way possible. While nothing beats having a child that's potty-trained, these diapers are a close #2.

In addition to the diapers, Nature Babycare makes a number of other useful products (wipes, bibs, lotions). While we can't get any of these locally in Wichita, the Babies R Us in Kansas City carries the line (luckily, we visit KC often) and Target carries them online, as well as diapers.com.

And that's the end for this product endorsement. We'll keep you posted on how they hold up to the next challenges ahead: solid foods and crawling.

10 comments:

becky said...

You should get some free Nature Baby Care products for this endorsement! I'll have to check them out and save the landfills.

Anonymous said...

I'm impressed! I have to admit, I wondered if you would be able to keep up the green livin'. Shayna

Anonymous said...

Trust the endorsement by "The Greens". We have seen the product at its best test runs. Truly, they performed as any disposable.

Making the world greener with every poop!

Anonymous said...

Trust the endorsement by "The Greens". We have seen the product at its best test runs. Truly, they performed as any disposable.

Making the world greener with every poop!

Craig, Carrie, Park, Zoe and Luka said...
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Craig, Carrie, Park, Zoe and Luka said...
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Craig, Carrie, Park, Zoe and Luka said...

Maintaining our lifestyle is now more important than ever. Even when faced with the financial realities of living with one income, we've made a conscious decision not to skimp on our beliefs.

Anonymous said...

It has been contagious.

Our weekly trash has been cut dramatically.

Try it every little receipt, envelope, junk mail, glass and plastic container adds up quickly to a big pile.

You look at things differently and wonder why big eating establishments use certain materials over biodegradeable.

Thank you for the movitvation.

The AZ Zs said...

My girls will fill up the landfills for you, Park. Go Carrie. Save the planet for the rest of us while we drive our SUV's and still buy those old-style diapers. You didn't mention a price comparison- just curious the cost per diaper.

Craig, Carrie, Luka and Zoe Lindeman said...

The diapers are about $.06 more over the traditional, land-fill choking variety—a small price to pay.