Disposable Diapers: Today’s Smarter Options

Editor’s Note: This article originally appeared on ThePlayhouse.org. Ms. Anwar has graciously allowed us to repost it here.

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The EPA has a big problem with disposable diapers. And we should too. After all, we are leaving the earth to our children; it simply makes no sense to fill our landfills with hazardous waste that takes 500 years (!) to decompose.

The trees lost to diapers total more than 200,000 per year. It takes 3.4 billion gallons of fuel oil every year to make disposable diapers.

Toxic chemicals used in many disposable diapers –such as dipentene, ethylbenzene, toluene, and xylene — have been linked to adverse health effects in humans. The inner absorbent layer of a disposable diaper is also treated with chemicals, which can trigger unpleasant allergic reactions, and be the very cause for diaper rash!

Disposable diapers generally contain dyes and dioxin, a cancer-causing carcinogen, which while in our environment can harm humans and animals. Why on earth would we wrap our delicate Baby in something so dangerous and detrimental to her health and future?

Cloth diapers are always an option – especially when you are not on the road. Our grandmothers and mothers managed well with no other options. Diaper-cleaning services are still a “thing,” using environmentally safe detergents and less water and energy than cleaning them at home. It’s worth investigating one near you.

There are plenty of environmentally-conscious disposable diapers on the market, but don’t be fooled. Do some research to find the safest, most eco-friendly options.  It will do your baby – and their future – a “world” of good!

-Gabrielle Anwar

Photo by Laura Ohlman on Unsplash