10 Tips for Greening Your Nursery

This week we’re going room by room, looking at how we can green up all the spaces of your home. It’s really important to keep your little one’s sleeping space free from chemicals, toxins, and other icky things. Babies, with their smaller bodies and immune systems are more sensitive to everything. Following are ten tips that can help you green your nursery.

1. Get rid of smelly baby odors (think diaper pail) with natural methods.
2. Install energy saving lights and light bulbs. You can also set up lighting on a timer or sensor – for example, a night light on a sensor can save a ton of energy.
3. Use non toxic paints and finishes on the walls and furniture.
4. look for refurbished or recycled furniture. If you refinish it yourself, remember to use healthy non lead, non-toxic laminate or paint. Avoid materials like plywood and particleboard, because it usually contains formaldehyde.
5. Be sure to buy a  safer, greener, baby mattresses. These used to be spendy, but you can find great deals on green mattresses and it’s worth it. While you’re at it, make sure to invest in organic baby bedding as well.
6. Look for flame-retardant and sustainable floor coverings and rugs.
7. Invest in toys made from sustainable wood, non-toxic materials, and made with Fair Trade practices. These type of toys cost more, but it’s better to buy fewer toys that are safe than a bunch of plastic toys chock full of chemicals. You can even consider what you have around the house as toys. Babies still love to bang on pots, play with cups, and dance with you – try to have fun with fewer toys overall.
8. Invest in greener diaper choices.
9. Keep your baby clean with natural soap and care options.
10. Stock up your baby’s closets with natural and organic clothing finds. For some ideas visit the following stores:

• Euphoria Maternity
• Eco ike
• Baby Naturopathics
• Other eco-friendly baby stores