We’re one week away from Earth Day, where we get to celebrate our wonderful green planet. At Nook Sleep, creating eco-friendly, sustainable and overall healthy products is our top priority. In honor of Earth Day, we’re taking a look, in this two-part series, at where going green matters most.
Making the decision to “go green” can be a bit overwhelming. Most people start with recycling or eating organic food, but there’s much more to it than that. Being conscious of our carbon footprint extends beyond the food we eat. And just like buying organic food, there are things that matter and those that don't.
In the Nursery
Healthy, Non-Toxic Crib Mattress
Think about it, babies spend 12-18 hours a day on their crib mattress during the first year. That's why we think the best place to invest in healthy and organic products is right in their crib, with a non-toxic, safe, breathable crib mattress. Health experts know it's important to limit chemical exposure for babies' developing lungs, which is why you should choose non-toxic brands that do not off-gas chemicals in a healthy nursery. One of the easiest ways to identify this is to look for the GREENGUARD Gold logo on any product, which certifies that it has minimal or no off-gassing. Every Nook mattress is rigorously tested and certified by a third-party lab to maintain the important GREENGUARD Gold certification.
Wall Paint
If you live in an older house, you’re probably familiar with the dangers of lead-based paint. Even new homes may pose health risks from VOCs (volatile organic compounds) in that fresh coat of paint. When designing your nursery, be sure to choose a paint that is Low or No VOC, to ensure better indoor air quality. VOCs can contribute to a variety of health issues like allergies and/or respiratory problems in infants and children. Luckily, most big brand paints offer VOC-free options. It’s actually a great idea to implement the use of eco-friendly paints throughout your house in an effort to keep everyone healthy.
Diapers
It’s no surprise that traditional disposable diapers aren’t exactly eco-friendly. With the overwhelming amount of diapers we use daily, finding an eco-friendly disposable diaper like Hello Bello, Boo Diapers, Bambo Nature, Parasol, Babyganics or Seventh Generation is an easy way to reduce your impact on landfills. If you really want to make sure your diapers are as clean and green as possible, you might want to try reusable and washable cloth diapers to avoid creating waste!
More Tips in Part 2
Stay tuned for part two of our series, where we look at our own bedrooms and beyond, for where going green matters most. We’ll also have a thank you gift waiting for you!