As soon as you find out that you’re having a little bundle of joy, you’re likely going to want to purchase everything you need to raise a happy, healthy child. In turn, you may end up with plenty of items that you don’t end up using. This can result in an ample amount of waste – how can you have a baby without increasing the impact of your carbon footprint?
The easiest way to spare the environment is to recycle your baby items when you’re finished using them. These days, everything from formula containers to diapers can be recycled. Here are 15 of the most common baby items that you can avoid sending to a landfill. In the end, you’ll feel better about going green for the sake of the planet.
1. Diapers
Believe it or not, there are many manufacturers on the market that have worked hard to create recyclable diapers. Regardless of the brand you choose, you can sleep a little easier at night, knowing you aren’t hurting the planet every time you change a diaper. Of course, opting for a reusable (also known as “cloth”) diaper is also an option. Just be prepared to do plenty of washing!
2. Car seats
Car seats come with expiration dates, but it’s possible to recycle them instead of sending them to a landfill, according to Parents magazine. Directories, such as RecycleYourCarSeat.org, can let you know where you can drop off an old car seat for recycling purposes.
3. Cribs
Consider donating your old cribs to a local shelter that may need them. If you want to hand them down to family and friends, make sure that your models have not been recalled by the manufacturer.
4. Baby bottles
Your baby won’t need a bottle forever, and when he or she is done, consider recycling it. Most bottles can be effectively sterilized and handed down to infants that need them. Depending on the material, your bottles may also be recyclable. You can contact the manufacturer to determine how to recycle the items properly.
5. Clothing
With time, your baby is going to grow out of his or her clothing. This gives you the perfect opportunity to donate gently worn items to shelters or nonprofit organizations that may need them. Just make sure the clothing is in wearable condition – no huge stains, holes or rips.
6. Strollers
Strollers are made of numerous materials, but some of these items may be recyclable once you take the device apart. Contact your stroller manufacturer to determine how to best recycle your used product. The company will also be able to tell you which items are non-recyclable in the process.
7. Baby food jars
Baby food jars are durable and can be sterilized for other uses. Think about using them to hold salad dressing or salsa in your refrigerator. You can even use them as storage containers for small items, like paper clips.
8. Burp cloths
It may not seem like a reusable item, but a burp cloth (assuming it isn’t largely stained) can come in handy around the house. Wash your cloths and use them to dust your furnishings. Keep them on hand in the event of a spill that requires an old rag for clean-up.
9. Toys
Toys may get quite a bit of use over your child’s early months, especially stuffed animals. However, it’s possible to donate used toys to shelters or charities that need them for underprivileged families. If you have gently used toys that you need to get rid of, think twice before sending them to the landfill.
10. Shoes
Aside from basic baby clothing, your little one’s shoes may quickly become too small as they ages. When this is the case, consider donating the shoes to your local charity organizations. There are many babies that could benefit from your used accessories.
11. Books
As your baby grows older, you may need a new collection of books to read at bedtime. Think about donating your old books or recycling them to make sure they don’t go to waste. There are literacy programs around the world that will gladly accept your unwanted books.
12. Baby wipe containers
You’re likely going to go through a large amount of baby wipes until your little one is potty-trained. Instead of throwing away the containers, think about cleaning them out and using them as storage. Once you remove the top, these wipe holders can be easily transformed into organizational pieces.
13. Diaper pail
Similar to baby wipes, you’re likely going to need a diaper pail until your child starts using the grownup bathroom. Once you no longer have a use for it, think of utilizing your diaper pail for compost.
14. Diaper bags
Diaper bags can be used well after your baby stops using actual diapers. Think of giving them new life as “overnight” bags. Once your baby gets older, he or she can use them to carry items to sleepovers.
15. Baby bathtub
This bucket-like item can eventually be used to hold items ranging from gardening supplies to household tools. Think of how it could help you organize or transport small items around your home.
Before you resort to throwing away your used baby items, see what infant product retailers can offer you in terms of recycling. BabyEarth.com, for instance, will take your used baby gear and recycle it for you, as long as you pay for shipping. Once Upon a Child will accept gently worn baby clothing and pay you for your donations.
To make recycling easier for you and your growing family, pay attention to the materials used to create the baby items you purchase. Some materials may be more recyclable than others, and select manufacturers even offer to take back used items when you no longer need them. Educating yourself before you make a purchase can cut down on the time it takes to recycle items in the future.
As soon as you find out that you’re having a little bundle of joy, you’re likely going to want to purchase everything you need to raise a happy, healthy child. In turn, you may end up with plenty of items that you don’t end up using. This can result in an ample amount of waste – how can you have a baby without increasing the impact of your carbon footprint?
The easiest way to spare the environment is to recycle your baby items when you’re finished using them. These days, everything from formula containers to diapers can be recycled. Here are 15 of the most common baby items that you can avoid sending to a landfill. In the end, you’ll feel better about going green for the sake of the planet.
1. Diapers
Believe it or not, there are many manufacturers on the market that have worked hard to create recyclable diapers. Regardless of the brand you choose, you can sleep a little easier at night, knowing you aren’t hurting the planet every time you change a diaper. Of course, opting for a reusable (also known as “cloth”) diaper is also an option. Just be prepared to do plenty of washing!
2. Car seats
Car seats come with expiration dates, but it’s possible to recycle them instead of sending them to a landfill, according to Parents magazine. Directories, such as RecycleYourCarSeat.org, can let you know where you can drop off an old car seat for recycling purposes.
3. Cribs
Consider donating your old cribs to a local shelter that may need them. If you want to hand them down to family and friends, make sure that your models have not been recalled by the manufacturer.
4. Baby bottles
Your baby won’t need a bottle forever, and when he or she is done, consider recycling it. Most bottles can be effectively sterilized and handed down to infants that need them. Depending on the material, your bottles may also be recyclable. You can contact the manufacturer to determine how to recycle the items properly.
5. Clothing
With time, your baby is going to grow out of his or her clothing. This gives you the perfect opportunity to donate gently worn items to shelters or nonprofit organizations that may need them. Just make sure the clothing is in wearable condition – no huge stains, holes or rips.
6. Strollers
Strollers are made of numerous materials, but some of these items may be recyclable once you take the device apart. Contact your stroller manufacturer to determine how to best recycle your used product. The company will also be able to tell you which items are non-recyclable in the process.
7. Baby food jars
Baby food jars are durable and can be sterilized for other uses. Think about using them to hold salad dressing or salsa in your refrigerator. You can even use them as storage containers for small items, like paper clips.
8. Burp cloths
It may not seem like a reusable item, but a burp cloth (assuming it isn’t largely stained) can come in handy around the house. Wash your cloths and use them to dust your furnishings. Keep them on hand in the event of a spill that requires an old rag for clean-up.
9. Toys
Toys may get quite a bit of use over your child’s early months, especially stuffed animals. However, it’s possible to donate used toys to shelters or charities that need them for underprivileged families. If you have gently used toys that you need to get rid of, think twice before sending them to the landfill.
10. Shoes
Aside from basic baby clothing, your little one’s shoes may quickly become too small as they ages. When this is the case, consider donating the shoes to your local charity organizations. There are many babies that could benefit from your used accessories.
11. Books
As your baby grows older, you may need a new collection of books to read at bedtime. Think about donating your old books or recycling them to make sure they don’t go to waste. There are literacy programs around the world that will gladly accept your unwanted books.
12. Baby wipe containers
You’re likely going to go through a large amount of baby wipes until your little one is potty-trained. Instead of throwing away the containers, think about cleaning them out and using them as storage. Once you remove the top, these wipe holders can be easily transformed into organizational pieces.
13. Diaper pail
Similar to baby wipes, you’re likely going to need a diaper pail until your child starts using the grownup bathroom. Once you no longer have a use for it, think of utilizing your diaper pail for compost.
14. Diaper bags
Diaper bags can be used well after your baby stops using actual diapers. Think of giving them new life as “overnight” bags. Once your baby gets older, he or she can use them to carry items to sleepovers.
15. Baby bathtub
This bucket-like item can eventually be used to hold items ranging from gardening supplies to household tools. Think of how it could help you organize or transport small items around your home.
Before you resort to throwing away your used baby items, see what infant product retailers can offer you in terms of recycling. BabyEarth.com, for instance, will take your used baby gear and recycle it for you, as long as you pay for shipping. Once Upon a Child will accept gently worn baby clothing and pay you for your donations.
To make recycling easier for you and your growing family, pay attention to the materials used to create the baby items you purchase. Some materials may be more recyclable than others, and select manufacturers even offer to take back used items when you no longer need them. Educating yourself before you make a purchase can cut down on the time it takes to recycle items in the future.
