I’m not one to jump on the bandwagon “just because,” but I’m glad to see environmentalism reach a peak of popularity in our society. Living “green” is often synonymous with a frugal lifestyle, living responsibly and gratitude for our resources. No matter what your reasons are for going green, it’s a move that benefits everyone. You can do little things in every area of your life to reduce your footprint, even during pregnancy.
Having a green pregnancy could mean restricting yourself to a completely organic diet, but not everyone has that kind of grocery budget and there is more to life than what you put in your mouth. It’s not a bad idea, though, to buy organic when it comes to produce that is notorious for pesticides, like apples.
I think the larger problem has to do with the consumerism attached to pregnancy. The shopping list that comes along with having a baby is just as extensive, if not more, than a bridal registry. These little beings, who do not speak a word or know the difference between Seven Jeans and Faded Glory, come into the world with more belongings than the average Joe on the street. Chances are, with the exception of the heirloom bonnet, everything is new. Consider the millions of babies born each year: how much of their clothing, which they only wear once or twice, ends up in landfills?
We’re also plagued by an addiction to convenience, which brings with it a lifestyle of waste. In the spirit of doing things the easy way or the faster way, we fill our landfills with diapers that will take hundreds of years to decompose, discarded jars or tubs from baby food, take-and-toss toddler utensils, changing table pads, disposable place mats, juice boxes, snack packs, etc. The list is endless.
So what is a earth-conscious mama to do? Start out by making an effort to collect as many gently-used items as you can before picking up that registry scanner. Let friends and family know that second hand clothes and toys are welcome as gifts. Let me tell you a secret you may already know: after your baby plays with a toy once, it’s used. After she wears that cute little dress once, it is used. Is your baby that much cleaner than other babies that she needs to be the first one to stick a plastic ring in her mouth or wear that pink dress? Most items can be thoroughly washed and disinfected. My son has tons of second hand toys and many of them are his favorites. He does not care that another little boy played with his firetruck first. All he knows is that it plays a cool song when he presses a button.
You can also make an effort to continue to use much of your current wardrobe with items like the Bella Band, filling in what you need with second hand maternity clothes you get from the thrift store or your friends. Add a few new items to update your wardrobe and keep it current. Redeem the purchase by sharing it with a friend when you’re done.