Category: Sustainable Lifestyle

Millennials Are Bringing Back Cloth Diapers

When we say that cloth diapers are making a comeback, it might bring to mind images of soiled rags and safety pins. But these days, there’s a new breed of cloth diaper in town—non-toxic, organic, reusable—and Millennial parents are making these cloth diapers the new norm.

 

Now that Millennials are becoming parents, they’re putting their own stamp on what it means to be a parent, and it looks like cloth diapers are a part of the package. These new diapers are easy to clean, easy to use and even come in bright and colorful designs.

But what are the big factors that have made Millennial parents rally around this old-fashioned trend from a time gone by?

Environmental Concerns


It goes without saying that disposable diapers are perhaps the waste product of all waste products. The footprint made by their creation, with massive amounts of petroleum-based plastic and wood pulp along with deodorizing chemicals and superabsorbent polymers, would be bad enough for the environment. But on top of that, Americans throw away 18 billion disposable diapers each and every year. 

Estimates say that disposable diapers will sit in a landfill for 500 years before decomposing. While reusable cloth diapers require frequent laundering, there’s no question that their environmental impact is far less, particularly when bought from smaller companies that use organic cotton. Local, organic products have a huge appeal among Millennials, which helps to explain the cloth diaper craze.

Price and Convenience

But when it comes to why Millennials are reviving cloth diapers, there’s another huge factor at work: Not only are cloth diapers better for the environment, they cost a lot less money.
The average cost of disposable diapers for one child—for the length of time she is in diapers—is around $2,400 or more. And while individual cloth diapers can cost about $15-$25 dollars each, a pack of 30 is only about $750. Yes, there is more an upfront cost, but this means Millennial parents can save thousands of dollars—in addition to saving on diapers for future children, parents can always use the same diapers again for a second or third child.

Try these out :

Anmababy 4 Pack Adjustable Size Waterproof Washable Pocket Cloth Diapers with 4 Inserts and Wet Bag $18.99

Alva Baby 6pcs Pack Pocket Washable Adjustable Cloth Diaper with 2 Inserts Each $39.18

Baby Cloth Pocket Diapers 7 Pack, 7 Bamboo Inserts, 1 Wet Bag by Nora’s Nursery $59.00

– Healthier Option

Today’s cloth diapers are both easy to wash and easy to change, with hoop and snap closures and adjustable sizing. While it does mean doing more laundry each week, it seems that Millennials are finding cloth diapers to be a more convenient solution for the long haul of childrearing.

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The Natural Movement?
In many ways, this move toward cloth diapers is actually rather predictable, when we look at the overall picture of Millennial parents. After all, Millennial parents have re-popularized the profession of midwifery in the United States, with many mothers choosing to give birth either at home or in a birthing center, eschewing the hospital births of their parent’s generation.

Cloth diapering, midwifery, and home births are just one part of the “natural movement” that Millennials are driving, with their preferences for organic food, natural ingredients, and clean labels.

The Bottom Line

There’s no question that cloth diapers are becomingly increasingly popular among Millennial parents, with a variety of amusingly-named diaper production companies such as Spray Pal, Allen’s Naturally, and Smart Bottoms leading the way.

Of course, the growth of a popular new industry always spawns new industries, and for families that don’t have a laundry machine—or just don’t want to put dirty diapers in their laundry machine—they have the option of getting their diapers picked up, washed, and returned by a local diaper service, which uses biodegradable detergents.

With the diaper industry seeing such an unexpected change of direction, who knows what’s coming next?

READ MORE: The GBrief

Teeth Whitening Mineralizing Toothpaste

Longevity starts with sustainability correct? Well, a good place to start when it comes to personal care is toothpaste.

We discussed fluoride when we spoke about tremor diseases like Parkinson’s. Unless prescribed by a doctor, nothing you use daily should say:

“WARNING: Keep out of reach of children under 6 years of age. If you accidentally swallow more than used for brushing, seek professional help or contact a poison control center immediately.”

I always say most of your ingredients for personal care products should come from the supermarket. If you can’t eat it, you shouldn’t be putting it on yourself, or in your mouth. Now I’m not a doctor or dentist but this idea will always make sense. 

It’s really hard to find a toothpaste that doesn’t have questionable Ingredients. When traveling I use Xyli-White.

What are questionable Ingredients?

  • Sweeteners: Sorbitol, is often used in toothpaste to help the taste, There is no evidence that these sweeteners are beneficial (or even safe) for use in the mouth. Xylitol has shown some positive benefits for oral health in some studies, but it remains a controversial ingredient in toothpaste.
  • Fluoride: This is the most common chemical to cause controversy in toothpaste and tap water
  • Triclosan: This is a chemical that’s mainly used in antibacterial soap and products. We all know how toxic those can be. 
  • Glycerin: is found in most toothpaste, even natural options. It is sweet, colorless, and I do not know how well this is for your teeth since it can coat and block teeth from receiving minerals in saliva.
  • Surfactants: Many kinds of toothpaste contain surfactants like sodium lauryl sulfate, this allows the toothpaste to lather, but can also cause mouth sores and ulcers. 

At home, I just decided to make my own. I will share the ingredients with you. Here’s a recipe for a healthier teeth whitening toothpaste. 

  1. Filtered water – The last thing you want in your toothpaste is fluoride, chlorine and who knows what else goes into tap water. Go for bottled or filtered water in this recipe.
  2. Bentonite clay – Bentonite clay absorbs toxins, heavy metals, and impurities.
  3. Calcium/Magnesium Powder – Calcium and magnesium whiten teeth and provide a good source of minerals. 
  4. Coconut oil – (1/4 cup coconut oil) Coconut oil is a natural antibacterial and anti-fungal, it’s also a good binding agent.
  5. Baking soda – Baking soda helps whiten the teeth by removing stains. It also contains minerals and is alkaline.
  6. Trace minerals – Provides an array of extra minerals to your toothpaste.
  7. Essential oils – (10 drops) The essential oils I use in this recipe are peppermint oil. Peppermint supports circulation to the gums and teeth. Cinnamon oil is also recommended. 
  8. Raw Honey – This is optional, but a small amount of honey can add a touch of sweetness to your toothpaste. Honey also acts as a natural antibacterial.

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