Going “eco-conscious” with diapers….the big switch

I have been in the world of diapers now for about six years. I’ve changed a lot of diapers, and have learned plenty about their composition and impact on the environment.

Now with Little Oscar 5, I have moved to a much earth-friendlier option: gDiapers. These are cloth covers with a snap-in liner that you use with a fully compostable and biodegradable disposable core.

Love ’em!

Why is it that you have chosen to use gDiapers?

Sigh, with knowledge comes responsibility. I just had to make the switch - and gDiapers are NEW!!

I will let you simply read the facts and you can decide for yourself:

Found at: thenewparentsguide.com/diapers.htm

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. Although claims by disposables are said to be biodegradable; in order for these diapers to decompose, they must be exposed to air (oxygen) and sun. Since this is highly unlikely, it can take several hundred years for the decomposition of disposables to take place, with some of the plastic material never decomposing. (Up to 500 years!)

Fact: Americans throw away enough disposable diapers each year to stretch from the moon and back at least seven times. -Julia Butterfly Hill

Some concerns about disposable diapers have been about dyes, sodium polyacrylate (the super absorbent gel), and dioxin, which is a by-product of bleaching paper. Sodium polyacrylate has been linked in the past to toxic shock syndrome, allergic reactions and is very harmful and potentially lethal to pets.

Some dyes and dioxin according to the EPA, is known to cause damage to the central nervous system, kidneys, and liver. The Food & Drug Administration has received reports that fragrances in disposables caused headaches, dizziness and rashes.

Problems reported to the Consumer Protection Agency regarding disposables include, chemical burns, noxious chemical and insecticide odors, babies pulling disposables apart and putting pieces of plastic into their noses and mouth, choking on tab papers and linings, plastic melting onto the skin, and ink staining the skin.

So, in short….ewwwww.

Now I have my baby in cute little gDiapers that I am using with a huge peace of mind. I keep a few organic Huggies disposables on hand for long nights and/or travel.

This is just my take on it, and only meant to share a new perspective. So, if you choose to go “eco” with diapers, be encouraged! You can do it!

www.gDiapers.com or eBay!