ecotip


Greener Diapers Cloth Better than Disposable for People and the Planet


Disposable diapers are the third most common consumer item in landfi lls. When even those labeled “eco- friendly” are covered by other debris after being discarded and hidden from sunlight and air, they don’t readily biodegrade. Producing disposables also makes major demands on water, energy, nonrenewable resources like oil and renewables like wood. Many brands contain harmful ingredients such as polyacrylate, dioxin, phthalates and heavy metals that can be absorbed by a baby’s soft, developing skin and promote rashes. According to SmallFootprintFamily.com, 90 to 95 percent


of American babies annually generate 27.4 billion single- use plastic diapers, or 7.6 billion pounds of garbage. While comparable statistics on adult diapers aren’t available, Euromonitor International forecasts a 48 percent increase in U.S. sales to $2.7 billion in 2020, up from $1.8 billion in 2015. In a decade, sales of diapers for adults could surpass those for babies at Kimberly-Clark and Procter & Gamble, attributed to bladder control issues related to health and age, according to the Urology Care Foundation and Mayo Clinic. The American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Public Health Association advise that in all cases, fecal matter and urine should be rinsed and fl ushed down the toilet instead of put in the trash, so that contaminants don’t enter groundwater and potentially spread disease. Traditional cloth diapers are the way to go for several reasons beyond budget:


Using cloth facilitates earlier potty education by quickly communicating to the baby when they are wet. New cloth diaper systems like Nicki’s Diapers (NickisDiapers.com) can be easily cleaned in regular and high-effi ciency washing machines. Some popular brands are listed at DiaperPin.com.


The nonprofi t association at RealDiapers.org helps connect local groups of mothers to communicate and share best practices in use, cleaning and potty training, such as learning a baby’s cues for needing to go. It also hosts informative events such as the annual national Great Cloth Diaper Change.


Cloth diapers in good condition can be resold on eBay and sites like DiaperSwappers.com.


10 Central Florida natural awakenings


newsbriefs


Laparoscopic Spay Discount at Integrative Hospital of Central Florida


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n honor of Women’s Health Awareness Week in May, two


veterinarian hospitals are offering a special discount for spaying your pet. Laparoscopic procedures use smaller incisions, are less painful and reduce recovery time. They are controlled cuts which minimize the pain and bruising caused by tearing tissue in traditional spays.


During the month of May, they are offering an upgraded Laparoscopic Spay for the cost of a traditional spay. For more info visit: www.iahcf.com and call 407-833-8868 for an appointment. (Or their affi liate offi ce in Baldwin Park can be reached at 407-897-8555.) Newly constructed, the state-of-the-art Integrative Animal Hospital of Central Florida is located at 255 Orange Blvd in Sanford (just 1 mile west of I-4).


March Against Monsanto Rallies in Central Florida


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worldwide grassroots group March Against Monsanto has inspired a broad coalition of individuals and groups to gather in cities and towns all over the world as part of a global effort to raise public awareness and bring increasing political pressure against Monsanto’s corporate farming and business practices and to insist upon labeling of foods that contain Genetically-Modifi ed Organisms (GMOs). Info: March-Against-Monsanto.com The Orlando rally will take place on Saturday, May 20 at Lake Eola Park (512 E. Washington St, next to amphitheater) beginning at 11:00am. A peaceful march starts at 11:30a. Drums and Costumes are encouraged (such as bees, tomatoes, farmers, etc.) Bring signs and water, too. This is a family-friendly free event. An After-Party will be held at Dandelion Communitea Café at 1:00 pm. Located at 618 N. Thornton Ave, enjoy an outdoor organic market, live music, guest speakers, workshops and delicious clean food. Come and Support a GMO-Free future!


Pamela D. Maxwell/Shutterstock.com


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