5 Tips For Green Nursery Shopping – The Nursery Issue 2008
1. Look for nursery furniture made from sustainable and renewable sources such as bamboo, cork or from trees harvested from renewable forests in which trees are planted for those cut down.
2. Recycle, Repurpose and Reclaim – three words to keep in mind when looking for environmentally friendly baby furniture. Many home furnishing manufacturers are now using reclaimed woods . As for repurposing, take a walk into any thrift store and let your imagination go wild.. Note the only exception to this rule: buy the crib and mattress new from a Green Vendor.
3. Buy locally if at all possible, doing so will reduce the carbon foot print required to transport the furniture. This is another reason to check out second hand stores for furniture you want, since that furniture has already made the trip once.
4. Avoid any furniture products created with particle board since formaldehyde is used to bind the wood particles. Formaldehyde is a volatile organic compound (VOC) and should be avoided. Also take note of paints and varnishes used on the furniture, as with the formaldehyde avoid VOC laden finishes.
5. Ask for natural fibers (silk, linen, cotton) for furniture fabrics and eco-friendly foam (soy foam is becoming more widely available) in sofa cushions and pillows.
BABY GOES GREEN
Solare Crib Ash Cloud with Moonlight Mobile from qCollection Junior Baby Furniture – a celebrity favorite counting among their fans: Gwyneth Paltrow . This eco-friendly baby crib adheres to strict sustainability standards. No use of toxic Formaldehyde! Safe for baby and for the Earth. ($1220 at qcollectionjunior.com).
Baby Natura Organic Crib Mattress is made with all-natural Talalay latex a renewable natural resource. The mattress is covered in a soft, European 100 percent organic cotton cover. Eco-conscious parents will also love the no-pesticide standard this company embraces. (naturaworld.com).
Blanket Friend made of 100% Organic Egyptian Cotton ($15) – (underthenile.com).
