the untreated sewage, creating potential health risks. In addition, dioxin, a toxic byproduct of pulp and paper bleaching used in making most disposables, is a concern. More, disposables consume virgin pulp from an estimated 250,000 trees every year—also going straight from babies’ bottoms into landfi lls. The toxic stew smoldering under-
ground isn’t the only uncomfortable problem—the Green Guide notes that aboveground, animal studies have linked emissions from disposable diapers’ fragrances and plastics with infant respiratory problems and symp- toms of asthma. The biocide tributyltin, which can be absorbed through the skin and lead to immune system dam- age and disrupted hormone function, has been detected in disposables, and diapers are not routinely tested for the substance. Most disposable diapers also
contain polyacrylate crystals, or super absorbent polymers (SAP), that absorb up to 800 times their weight in liquid, turning into gel when wet and keep- ing baby dry and protected from diaper rash. If the diaper breaks open, though,
the gel may end up on skin or in baby’s mouth, leading to skin or gastrointestinal irritation. Plus, because SAP allows dia- pers to retain lots of liquid while keeping baby’s bottom dry, the child may have a harder time recognizing when he or she is wet, and thus take longer to potty train
CLOTH DIAPER RESOURCES
than an infant wearing cloth.
•
AllAboutClothDiapers.com •
ClothDiaperBlog.com •
ClothDiapersMadeSimple.com •
DiaperJungle.com •
DiaperService.RealDiaperIndustry.org •
GreenBabyGuide.com •
RealDiaperAssociation.org
Newest Innovations New hybrid diapers now feature cloth outer pants that are free of latex, chlo- rine and fragrance, and smaller, dispos- able inserts made of absorbent wood pulp and polyacrylate (still a potential concern). The inserts can absorb up to 100 times their weight in liquid. Because they don’t contain plastic, many can be composted, thrown in the trash or even fl ushed, although not in septic systems. Hybrids can be useful for traveling and are accepted at some day care centers that don’t have the resources to deal with cloth diapers. Companies that sell cloth diapers
have reported sales increases of 25 to 50 percent over the past few years as eco-savvy parents convert from dispos- ables. These new green moms and dads are determined to ensure an Earth- and baby-friendly “bottom” line.
Barb Amrhein is an editor with Natural Awakenings.
& b a b y (850)420-6235
Call to schedule your personal shopping experience at our new Showroom. 2709 Gulf Breeze Pkwy between Pensacola and FWB
clean, green, earth friendly, ecofriendly, nontoxic, fairtrade
call it what you will, but this is our focus, and we’re sticking to it.
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cloth diapering systems, accessories, baby carriers, baby organics, mama care and more
www.pureandsimplebaby.com August 2010
natural awakenings 25
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