Contents
Nothing is too organic for babies … Gone are the days when organic was reserved for hippies and other “sixty-eighters”. From the diaper to the laundry, Baby can live like a real little green without renouncing modernity. Demonstration…
Moms fashion: eco-friendly clothes
Need to revamp your wardrobe? How about trying on green clothing to cultivate your look? …
Yield requires, did you know that cotton crops for clothing require huge amounts of water and toxic products? Fertilizers, pesticides… nothing very good, all that for the environment!
A solution: opt for eco fibers. Organic cotton, bamboo, wool, hemp, linen… they are produced with respect for nature for clothes (among others!) That do not lack air. Models are diversifying more and more and brands are following suit.
Other advantages of green clothing: with natural materials on the skin, there is less risk of allergy, for you and baby.
Without forgetting that you also contribute to the survival of small producers …
Organic cotton for babies
Natural and untreated materials
For Baby, cotton is undoubtedly the preferred material of mothers for its softness. But contrary to what one might think, it is one of the most polluting crops! Indeed, this vegetable fiber is very greedy in water, pesticides and fertilizers. An explosive cocktail that can endanger the entire ecosystem of a region.
The solution ? Organic cotton. From birth caps to sleeping bags, including pajamas, tights or bibs, some clothing brands offer their “organic” line. Question price and choice, it is better to take a little tour on the net to get an idea of the range of existing products. A new way of consuming that Gladys knows well: ” we buy organic cotton clothes as soon as possible, our towels are made of bamboo and sometimes our sheets have the European eco-label.»
In winter, opt for a 100% virgin wool blanket so that Pitchoun is not cold. For his little feet, prefer natural and colored leather slippers without toxic products or tanned in an eco-friendly way.
As for toys, wood is a safe bet as long as it is devoid of varnish and toxic colors.
Washable diapers for baby
Diapers galore
The long-awaited first little one pointed his nose. Between bottles and restless nights, few parents ask themselves the question of diapers… and yet! Did you know your pitchoun will use 5480 diapers until it is clean. And every day, nearly 8 million diapers are thrown away and decomposed … for 500 years!
Chemicals, alcohol, preservatives contained in disposable diapers cause irritation for some toddlers. Could this be the big comeback of the washable diaper? With a cost that is half the cost of disposable diapers and made from organic cotton, the concept is appealing. Nadine, mother of a 9 month old little man, tried the experiment three weeks ago. Conclusions: ” The diaper and panty systems are very effective. No leaks. I am generally happy ».
Halfway, between disposable and washable, the eco-friendly diaper has appeared. Composed of 50% renewable materials, guaranteed chlorine-free and packaged in a biodegradable bag, these layers seem to be a good compromise. The only problem is their price: 20 euros on average for a package of 30.
All clean
You only have to take a look at the toiletries section of a drugstore to understand how difficult it is for parents to choose between all the products on offer. Buttocks balms, wipes, massage oils or shampoos are also made in an organic version! Unlike conventional products, no traces of dyes, synthetic fragrances, preservatives (parabens) or other petrochemical derivatives. And of course, animal testing is prohibited.
Very present on the market, the “Cosmebio” association plays the game of transparency with two labels: “organic” green and “eco” blue. Two labels, for two specifications with different requirements. But in both cases, the cosmetics, certified by Ecocert, contain at least 95% of natural ingredients or of natural origin.
With its 50 manufacturers, the BDIH association invests in controlled natural cosmetics.
As for “Nature et Progrès”, a federation of consumers and producers, it campaigns for organic, ecological and fair-trade products. Pesticides, GMOs and nuclear affiliated manufacturers are on the blacklist …
But be careful, all these certifications apply to types of products (oil, body milk, sunscreen, etc.) and not to cosmetic brands. Remember to read the label carefully to check if they have a label.
An eco-friendly house
Dishwashing liquid, for windows, floors. The whole family inhales these chemical agents which invade the cupboards and pollute the environment. Instead, choose those stamped “ecolabel”, nearly 100% biodegradable with recyclable and refillable packaging, it’s even better. Ban aerosols and other chemical fragrances in favor of organic essential oils. To enjoy good air, it’s very simple: ventilate for 10 minutes while switching off the heating. Also think of depolluting plants …
The famous multi-use wipes, necessarily very practical, also have the big drawback of being polluting. How about reconciling grandmothers’ tips with modern technology? Marseille soap flakes in the washing machine, eco program, running on solar energy. And during this time, washing the floor with black soap and shopping with his shopping bag. This is organic life!
Green crib
High environmental quality buildings, solar energy, rainwater harvesting, organic food, some nurseries adopt the green spirit for the well-being of the little ones.
Green cleaning
A 100% organic laundry that grows in trees? Yes, yes, it does exist with soapnuts!
Do you dream of washing your laundry with non-polluting detergent? Go for soap nuts! They come to us from India or Nepal, in a somewhat unusual form since the hulls of the nuts are dried and shelled. They are the ones that contain a natural detergent (saponin) which is released on contact with water and cleans clothes from 30 ° C. But let’s be frank: soapnuts still have a hard time getting rid of stubborn stains or dirt, as Aurèle, mom of Erin, 3, and Melvin, 5, confirmed to us.
On the other hand, they are perfectly suited to washing clothes worn for one or two days. Just four to six shells per machine, to put in a sock or a small bag, and voila!
Beneficial for nature
Soap nuts do not release any chemicals into the environment. After two or three washes, when the hulls are used up, they can easily reach the garden compost since they are also 100% biodegradable!
Where to find them soapnuts?
Mainly in organic stores. Good news for the wallet: with a kilo of nuts (10-15 €), the laundry for the whole family is guaranteed for a year!
tips
For a whiter laundry, do not hesitate to add a spoon of whitening salt (sodium percarbonate). A few drops of essential oils will also perfume your clothes!