Green Tips for Parents: Eco-friendly organic baby clothes

We are all trying to make strides in reducing our environmental impact and preserving our Mother Earth. Every individual on the planet has a role in this effort, but arguably, it is a little more difficult for parents of babies. This is largely due to the amount of "stuff" we need, ie: diapers, bottles, furniture and gear, clothes, and toys, to name a few things, all of which our babies grow out of as quickly as they use them.

There are endless ways for parents to reduce, reuse and recycle. Second-hand clothes and hand-me-downs are a given. Taking it to another level, some parents are hand-making clothes for their babies from recycled or organic fabrics. This is a fantastic idea, if you have the skills, the means and the time to do it. If you don't, do not let that deter you from trying to up your green factor.

Equally as important in the 'going green' effort is choosing wisely when you must buy new. When possible, buy eco-friendly clothes for your baby and try to give your business to companies that give back to charity and support efforts toward the common good. Where, you ask? Quite honestly, since going green has become all the rave, the choices are endless. But here are some I recommend:

• Bambino Land - eco-friendly organic cotton baby clothes made in the USA and in fair trade environments around the world. A percentage of annual gross sales support a charity called Ghar Sita Mutu, which houses a home for abandoned children, and provides a training program for destitute women and an outreach program for needy families in Kathmandu, Nepal. Free Shipping through April 9, 2009.
• Mother Earth and Baby - eco-friendly organic bamboo or cotton baby clothing. A percentage of profits goes to Carolyn's Place, a resource center that provides confidential services to pregnant women in need.
• Zoe and Sprout - eco-friendly GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) certified, organic cotton onesies and t-shirts made in India in a fair labor environment. 3% of profits are donated to Keep America Beautiful. Free shipping on all orders over $35.
• Sage Creek Organics - eco-friendly 100% organic cotton baby clothes made only in fair trade environments. Sage Creek Organics supports the World Wildlife Fund and IFAW as a standing member and ongoing contributor to its efforts. Free shipping on orders of $25 or more.
  
• Nubius Organics - high quality, earth-friendly, fair trade organic baby clothing. 30 day money back guarantee.
  
• Baby Bambu - eco-friendly bamboo fiber baby clothing that is naturally hypoallergenic, naturally anti-bacterial and naturally UV protecting.
• Pur Bebe - eco-friendly organic baby clothes made in fair labor environments with 100% certified organic cotton, a blend of soy fiber and organic cotton, or bamboo. Free shipping on all orders over $100.
• Grow Green Baby - eco-friendly organic cotton baby clothes and shoes. Free shipping on all orders over $99.
• Oscar & Belle - eco-friendly organic baby clothing made with a commitment to sustainable farming and manufacturing.
• Kid Bean - baby clothing made with recycled content and/or natural, organic materials, either made in the USA or in fair labor environments.
• Best Baby Organics - eco-friendly baby clothing made with 100% certified organic cotton in fair labor/fair trade environments.

If you can, reuse and recycle baby clothing by buying, trading or borrowing second-hand. If you must buy new, buy responsibly. Remember, extreme green is admirable, but certainly not the norm. Any shade of green has a positive impact, so do what is realistic and practical for you.