Green Treehouse

Back to School Safety

Green Treehouse — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 01:44:22 +0000

Whether you have five plus years to go until your baby heads off to school or are sending your baby to kindergarten (or beyond) this year, check out the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s (”CPSC”) Tips for Back to School Safety (August 19, 2008).

Here are two tips that made the list:

* Avoid Children’s Clothing with Drawstrings. According to CPSC, “Drawstrings at the hood or neck area are a strangulation hazard. They can catch on playground equipment and other items. Remove hood and neck drawstrings from upper outerwear clothing already in your child’s closet, and do not buy children’s clothing that uses them.”

* Confirm that playground equipment is safe. “Check with school officials to make sure that equipment has been inspected and maintained.” Parents can even listen to a podcast on playground safety here.

bumGenius, Brilliant and Beautiful All in One

Green Treehouse — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 01:11:41 +0000

Ever thought, there’s no way I’m using cloth diapers? Well, the bumGenius Organic One Size Cloth Diaper might change your tune.

Move over sposies. The award winning bumGenius One Size Cloth Diaper design is now available in organic! It’s a totally easy to use design. Perfect for use by cloth newbies and die hard, experienced cloth diapering fans. the bumGenius “no-stuff” design offers stretch tabs for a perfect fit, along with simple hook and loop fasteners. Use it like you would a disposable diaper–but with the environmental bonus of reuse, over and over again. There’s no need for a waterproof cover. The absorbent layer is completely integrated into a waterproof outer layer. The bumGenius design is so brilliant, you’ll probably have to remind yourself that it’s cloth!

Oh, if you’re looking for the perfect baby shower gift…this is it! New moms will love putting this diaper on their newborns.

Do Good and Have Fun, Hang a Clothesline

Green Treehouse — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 17:18:17 +0000

One of my favorite photographs is a picture of my baby playing in a laundry basket. While babies certainly add to the laundry pile, they also make laundry fun. Babies seem to love climbing into laundry baskets. Babies giggle when you play a gentle game of tug-the-towel or sock. Babies think it’s a hoot when they can topple a neatly folded and stacked pile of clothes. Sometimes, if you’re lucky, they still want to play with the laundry beyond the baby years–they still love climbing in the basket, but sometimes they also want to match socks or help fold laundry!

In the process of creating those childhood-laundry memories, you can also fight global warming and do a part to save the environment. How? Hang a clothesline. The non-profit, Project Laundry List, lists ten reasons why hanging your clothes to dry is a good thing. Saving money (”more than $100/year off electric bill for most households”), conserving energy and the environment, and fresher smelling clothes (without the possible toxicity created by chemicals or dryer sheets) are just three of those reasons. A clothesline of baby clothes or cloth diapers also looks cool, and sends a positive message to your children about the environment and your values. Plus, hanging clothes on the line with baby (think baby attached in a carrier) or your children makes for quality-time together and the creation of priceless baby memories.

Related Links:

Check out BabyEarth’s Organic Baby Product Guide here.
Check out BabyEarth’s full line of Bumkins Baby Products here.

The Banana Splits: Peace, Love & TV

Green Treehouse — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 03:30:31 +0000

During the 60s, not long after environmentalist Rachel Carson published her book Silent Spring, which brought attention to pesticides and environmental problems, The Banana Splits Show hit television. Given that the show was before my time, I had no idea what to think of the 100% organic t-shirt featuring a groovy, retro animal theme and “The Banana Splits” written in bubbly font that recently landed in my toddler’s hands. I knew I liked the organic part for sure. But that’s partly because I’m in love with anything organic. Since day one, I’ve outfitted my babies in organic when possible.

Thanks to the Internet, I figured out that the “The Banana Splits” was a t.v. super hit. I also learned that it’s coming back to television this fall (Cartoon Network). Obviously geared to the younger crowd, the show has me wondering generally about TV.

How do parents decide how much television children should watch? What is too much? I know some parents who limit t.v. to the length of their shower–they pop in a Baby Einstein DVD when they need a shower break. I know some parents think t.v. time actually brings about household peace (think less war, less sibling fighting, and more love). I know some parents who don’t allow their young children to watch any t.v., and still others who don’t really seem to impose any time limits.

Moms and Dads chime in… aside from saving electricity (and the planet), where do you draw the line and pull the plug?

Want to recycle your old baby gear? Check out BabyEarthRenew!

Plan Toys Learn to Tie Shoe

Green Treehouse — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 03:32:59 +0000

If your preschooler wants to learn to lace (or you’re sick of tying shoelaces), check out this totally adorable Tie-Up Shoe by Plan Toys. I’m not sure who likes the shoe more–me or my child! It’s so cute.

By the way, I’m a huge fan of Plan Toys because it holds itself out as a green toy company. Plan Toys is committed to minimizing its impact on nature. Plan Toys are made from non-chemically treated, recycled rubberwood.

Recall: Fisher-Price Learning Pots and Pans

Green Treehouse — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 00:15:50 +0000

August 7, 2008: The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (”CPSC”) has announced a voluntary recall of Fisher-Price Learning Pots and Pans Toys (Model No. G6685), which have stackable pots and pans, a lid and shape-sorting blocks.

According to CPSC, “Missing screws in the blue toy pan can cause the clear plastic cover to come loose and release small balls, presenting a choking hazard to young children.”

For more information about the recall or to learn whether your toy may be affected by the recall, check out the CPSC news release here.

5 Ways Moms Can Save the Planet

Green Treehouse — Sun, 10 Aug 2008 02:12:11 +0000

Moms (and dads, too!) are powerful. Moms kiss boo-boos. Moms work really hard. Moms are a powerful consumer group. Moms can save the planet. Moms can make a difference. Really. And, without much effort, too.

Here are 5 Ways Moms–or dads, grandparents and caregivers, too–can help protect the environment and make a huge difference in the lives of future generations.

1. Dodge the paper or plastic question. BYOB. Bring your own bag when you go shopping. You can get your hands on an awesome tote when you shop at BabyEarth.

2. Go, go, go compact fluorescent. Reach for an energy efficient compact fluorescent light blub the next time you need to change a bulb. Compact fluorescent bulbs use significantly less
energy than traditional light bulbs and will save you money over the bulb’s lifespan.

3. Clean green. Skip the toxic chemicals. Clean smart. Opt for environmentally friendly household cleaning products, like BabyGanics All Purpose Cleaner.

4. Make recycling a habit. Recycling goes a long way toward Earth preservation. Recycling means less trash winds up in landfills. Plus, if you pay for your trash, recycling can actually save you money because you’ll have less trash.

5. Donate! When your babies outgrow gear, don’t trash it…give it away! BabyEarthRenew helps moms de-clutter and rewards moms for their environmental efforts!

Now it’s your turn, moms and dads. What’s your tip for saving the planet?

Related Products
“PU” Natural All Purpose Deodorizer, by Nature’s Baby
Organic Tub & Tile Cleaner, by BabyGanics

Are Parabens Safe for Your Baby?

Green Treehouse — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 18:54:04 +0000

A growing number of baby care products display “Paraben-Free” on the label. Curious what Paraben-Free means? And perhaps most importantly, what it means for your baby if a product label lacks a Paraben-Free mention?

**Keep reading for the scoop on Parabens:**

What are Parabens? Parabens are chemicals used as preservatives and are widely found in cosmetics and bath and body care products.

What products contain Parabens? Parabens can be found in shampoos, conditioners, body wash products, antiperspirants, toothpaste and in other cosmetics and bath and body care products. Not all cosmetics and bath and body care products contain parabens. A growing number of manufacturers do not use Parabens, and frequently make mention of such on product labels.

What, if any, risks are associated with Parabens? There is controversy surrounding parabens and the effect of exposure to products containing parabens. Some researchers and organizations take the view that there are possible links between parabens (common ones include methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben and butylparaben) and cancers (e.g., breast cancer and estrogen-dependent tumors). Some also believe that parabens contribute to skin irritations.

Are Parabens Safe for Your Baby? Studies of parabens on health continue. Some researchers, organizations, and manufacturers suggest that people use products containing parabens with caution. Others advocate avoiding use altogether until more conclusive health data is available. Still others contend that any health risks are minimal. Ultimately, the question of safety is left to parents and pediatricians. If you have concerns about parabens, talk to your child’s doctor, do your own research, and consider switching to body care products that are paraben-free.

Related Products
BabyEarth carries a full line of paraben-free California Baby products.

Recall: Mother Hubbard’s Cribs

Green Treehouse — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 22:00:51 +0000

August 5, 2008: The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (”CPSC”) has announced a voluntary recall of certain Mother Hubbard’s Cupboards Cribs, with date codes from 0306 through 0308: “Enchantment” (model #210), “Hush a Bye” (model #215), “Once upon a time” (model #320) and “Rock a bye” (model #1900-350).

According to CPSC, “The cribs fail to meet the federal safety standards. The distance between the mattress support bracket in the lowest position and the top of the side rail in the highest position is less than the required 26 inches, posing a fall hazard to children who climb over the railing.”

For more information about the recall or to learn whether your crib may be affected by the recall, check out the CPSC news release here.

Recall: Baby Appleseed Davenport Cribs

Green Treehouse — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 21:53:59 +0000

August 5, 2008: The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (”CPSC”) has announced a voluntary recall of Davenport Cribs by Baby Appleseed. The cribs were sold from December 2006 through September 2007.

According to CPSC, “The cribs fail to meet the federal safety standards for cribs. The cribs have a two mattress support system. The secondary mattress support, used for the lowest position, does not meet the full 26 inch minimum height in its lowest position, allowing children inside to crawl over the railing, posing a fall hazard.”

For more information about the recall or to learn whether your crib may be affected by the recall, check out the CPSC news release here.