What to Look for In an Environmentally Friendly Diaper

There are many awesome people out there developing brands and products that are kinder to our environment. However, there are also brands doing a bit of greenwashing to promote their products as being more planet-friendly than they are. Here are a few factors to consider when looking for the best eco-friendly disposable diaper for your little one.

1. What the fluff?

The most essential component of a disposable diaper is the absorbent core. The core of most disposable diapers comprises a super absorbent polymer (SAP) encased in a cellulose fluff pulp. Look for brands that use sustainably sourced wood pulp. For example, Honest, and Hello Bello.

2. Biodegradability

From birth to potty training, your little one could use between 7000 and 9000 diapers. That translates to almost one ton of waste sitting in a landfill. What’s more, disposable diapers in a landfill can take up to 500 years to break down. Diapers like Nurture diapers and Nest diapers that are made with plant-based materials like bamboo have improved compostability.

3. Carbon Footprint

Choosing an eco-friendly diaper brand goes beyond the make-up of the diaper itself. Another point to consider is the company’s carbon footprint. Both during the manufacturing process and for product distribution. A company like Dyper, for example, purchases carbon offsets for each delivery that they make.  

4. Packaging

Not only do you want your eco-friendly diapers to be as plastic-free as possible. You want the packaging to be planet-friendly too.

5. Chlorine and other chemicals

Your child’s sensitive skin spends a great deal of time in contact with their diapers. Many parents want to know that the brand of diapers they choose contains very few, if any, potentially toxic or allergenic chemicals. The big ones to look out for:

• Chlorine-free. Many diaper manufacturers bleach the wood pulp that forms part of the absorbent core to a more visually appealing color. Bleaching with elemental chlorine leads to the formation of dioxins. Dioxins are extremely toxic and known to be carcinogenic. Planet-friendly alternatives like Hello Bello will use elemental chlorine-free (ECF) or total chlorine-free (TCF) bleaching processes.
• Free of phthalates, parabens, latex, and tributyl-tin (TBT). Phthalates are endocrine disruptors, while TBT is toxic for aquatic life. Parabens and latex may elicit allergic reactions in infants with sensitive skin.

6. Diapering accessories

Your diapering journey extends to more than just the items you put on your baby’s bottom. When it comes to cleaning that bottom, choose wet wipes made with sustainably sourced wood pulp or bamboo fibers. Definitely no plastics. Wet wipes from Dyper and Hello Bello are fully biodegradable and not laced with fragrances and harmful chemicals.

Your diaper bag will be something that you use with regularity. Choose an eco-friendly diaper bag that is sturdy and well-made. One that will stand the test of time and not be banished to the landfill in just a few months. Consider choosing a diaper bag made from recycled plastic or natural materials.

 The best eco-friendly diaper for you

The best eco-friendly disposable diaper is the one that works the best for you and your family. The one that is most suited to your lifestyle, beliefs, and budget. Don’t be shy to try out a few different brands to find the perfect one for you.