1. Use Only Used or Recycled Items. It is very easy to get used baby goods because they're only useful for a limited time and after that they're given away or sold. If buying items for your baby, take a gander at second hand stores or classied ad websites (like Craigslist or Kijiji). The bonus is that you'll save a ton! If you can't find what you need, there are many stores that are committed to selling items that are made from recycled or organic materials.

2. Have a Green Baby Shower. There are a wide variety of ways you can make your baby shower a green one. Send your invitations by email or online invitation service. Indicate that you would like to receive only used items or organic baby products. Request that guests wrap gifts in re-usable cloth bags or by reusing paper goods like newspaper or brown paper grocery bags. Serve organic food, but don't use disposable plates and cutlery. If you don't have enough, ask guests to bring their own. If decorating, try to find ways to do so by re-using other materials, like old magazines, wrapping paper, etc. You'd be surprised what you can do without buying cheap decorations that'll end up in the trash! More ideas for throwing a green baby shower. 

3. Use Organic Cloth Diapers. It is widely accepted that cloth diapers are far better for the environment that disposable diapers. Here's one article that explains why. They do require a certain level of commitment to the process, however. Here's an article that outlines what you can expect. Even if you do go for cloth, you can still use disposables that are more earth-friendly when you're going on outings, ones that are chemical free and/or flushable. 

4. Breastfeed. Breast milk is the most eco-friendly way to feed your little one. No additives, no packaging, no energy use for preparation. It's also naturally formulated to protect them against illnesses and allergies while providing the right nutrients. 

5. Eat Organic. Eating organic produce is the best way to avoid all the chemicals and pesticides commonly used in farming. When your baby is ready for solid food, try making your own baby food with organic produce, or better yet, organic produce from your own garden! Making your own baby food also has the side benefit reducing packaging. 

6. Clean Green. Use only biodegradable organic baby care products including shampoos, washes, balms, etc. Look for products with no synthetic ingredients, parabens or SLS. Also make sure they are cruelty-free. And don't forget to use eco-friendly laundry soap when cleaning all those cloth diapers! 

7. Be a Good Example. As your child grows up, he or she will follow in your footsteps. Teach them how to live green and inspire them by by living that path! Choose reusable, recycled, biodegradable products whenever possible. Don't waste paper. Encourage your child to draw on the back of used paper. Give your child's old clothes to younger children or donate them to charity. Teach your child to value nature by involving them in your gardening, taking them camping, etc. The Environmental Youth Alliance (EYA), once of Escents' partners, is very much committed to this concept. 

These are but a few examples of tips for having and raising a green baby. I'm quite sure many of you out there have a few fantastic ideas of your own! Please share these ideas in the comments to help encourage a greener standard of living Jacqui MacNeill

We invite you to try our exclusive collection for the bath, body, and home.

 

Be transported to a wild flower garden.  An rquisute combination of Palmarosa and Lemon undercut by peppery basil and sweet pea create an aromatic blend that is reminiscent of lazy spring days.  Feel pampered with every day with this floral, zesty combination.  It's a great aroma from morning to night; sophisticated and alluring for the evening, yet clean, fresh and perfect during the day. 

 

We wanted to create a blend that was green and light, but with a hint of floral.  Inspired by the delicate wild flower fields of Northern Canada, the idea was to represent the beauty and elegance of florals without being too heady.  We wanted to keep it light.  The result was a surprising, sensuous, yet fresh bouquet.

 

Phalate and DPG free.  Made using essential oils and natural botanicals, we recommend this aroma for the body or for home scenting.  Like all of our combinations, we believe that scent is the essence of life, to be worn and experienced and treasured.

Here are 3 easy options for indoor composting you can try: 

Vermicomposting using a worm bin is really easy for some folks, and really tricky for others. For the worms to thrive and odour issues to be managed, you need to maintain the proper balance of moisture and food. Too much of either and your worms wont survive. While it can be a balancing act, its probably the most efficient way to compost indoors. 

There are plenty of premade options for indoor worm bins for under $100, but you can also youre your own. Worm bins are easy to build yourself. You can even involve your children in the process to help teach them about natures role in the breakdown of waste. Children have a natural fascination with creepy crawlies like worms so it can be a lot of fun for them. Here is an easy guide for making your own worm bin composter. 

The term Bokashi is Japanese for fermented organic matter. It is a really cool way of doing intensive composting. Basically, the bokashi, a dry mixture usually made of bran, molasses, water and effective microorganisms (EM), ferments your food scraps and is almost completely odour-free. People say it smells a lot like apple cider vinegar. 

All you have to do is place your kitchen waste in the bucket, sprinkle a small amount of bokashi mixture over the waste then slightly compress and seal the container. The beneficial microbes immediately start fermenting the food scraps, releasing valuable nutrients and enzymes, without the issues of odour, heat or insects. The organic material doesnt break down, rather it pickles. 

You can buy a full starter system for around $60-$75, or make your own bokashi bin for free (plus the $10 or so cost of the bokashi which lasts a few months). The best thing about bokashi composting is you can put in things you wouldnt normally put in a composter, meat, dairy, jellies, condiments, food scraps, as well as vegetable waste. With its small footprint, lack of odour, non-electric nature, and seeming ease of use, bokashi composting is a great option. The fermented waste it produces, however, must be transferred either to a worm bin, compost pile or buried into soil in order to finish the process. 

This can be a great option for strata buildings, restaurants and businesses in general. Many areas have a variety of travelling compost services that offer convenient ways to contain your organic waste, which is then picked up and composted for you. Urban Impact is one such service that operates in the Greater Vancouver, Fraser Valley, and Calgary areas, serving both private homes and businesses.

Now back to you. Do you compost in your household? What methods do you use? If you compost you probably grow plants of some sort. If so, keep an eye out for our upcoming 'Way to Grow' contest that we'll be launching soon. The purpose of this contest is to showcase and reward people for their commitment to nature through the growth and nurturing of plant life. 

Jacqui MacNeill