Organic Baby Products
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Many parents are interested in organic baby products because they are concerned about a variety of health, environmental, and political issues. Numerous recalls of foods, toys, and other consumer items have been announced in the past few years. It wasn't that long ago that pet owners were spending thousands of dollars on veterinarian care for beloved dogs and cats that became ill after eating tainted pet food. Many of these poor animals died or had to be euthanized by grieving owners. More recently, peanut butter, a staple in many homes, made headlines because of contamination. These national tragedies are frightening and consumers can't be blamed for wondering what foods or products will be next. How can people trust that the foods they eat won't make them sick? The fear is even greater when it comes to ensuring quality foods for infants and toddlers. Generally speaking, organic foods are grown without being subjected to additives, fertilizers, and pesticides. Meats should come from animals that haven't been given antibiotics or growth hormones. Unfortunately, the consumer trend toward a preference for organic foods has resulted in some producers labeling fruits, vegetables, and meats as meeting these standards even if they haven't. These issues continue to be addressed and debated at various levels of government. Purchasers of authentic organic baby products need to do sufficient research to be sure that they are purchasing items that truly meet the criteria.
Another frightening controversy concerns a chemical known as bisphenol A or BPA. This chemical is found in polycarbonate plastic, a substance used to manufacture plastic baby bottles. When the bottles are warmed up, the chemical leaches out of the plastic and contaminates the warmed formula or breast milk. The controversy centers on whether the level of BPA that is released into the bottle's contents is toxic. Recent research suggests a connection between BPA and some neural and behavioral problems. Advocates of organic baby products are working to educate parents on this issue and also promoting the purchase of BPA-free bottles. The health of these little ones is so important to proper development. In a different context, Jesus said: "And whosoever shall offend one of these little ones that believe in me, it is better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he were cast into the sea" (Mark 9:42). Parents have a responsibility to educate themselves as much as possible on infant nutrition and health so that they can properly care for the tiny souls entrusted into their care. The vast majority of new parents want to do everything possible for their babies. Issues such as BPA may be overwhelming, but many resources are available to help new parents gain access to what's most important.
Other organic baby products include linens, beddings, cloth diapers, and clothing made from organically grown fibers. Many of these items will be labeled as 100% organic cotton. The label may include the word "certified." Here again, parents will need to research the label designation to see exactly what it means for that particular product. The toys that environmentally-friendly companies sell may be made from natural materials such as rubberwood harvested from rubber tree farms. Surprisingly, many toys can be manufactured from recycled milk jugs! Nontoxic toys should be painted with water-based dyes or water- or milk-based paints. Wooden toys can be finished with beeswax or stained with natural oils. Other organically-based items are diaper creams, moisturizing lotions, and shampoos. Natural ingredients are much safer for an infant's tender skin than chemical solutions. These organic baby products can be purchased as gift sets from some online stores. This is a great idea for a baby shower gift. Many retailers also offer gift cards another great idea for new parents.
Retailers often provide information on their websites about the company's mission, vision, and business philosophy. This can help consumers find companies that have environmentally-friendly policies. For example, the management teams at these types of companies are often concerned about issues of sustainability. The managers and employees will participate in programs that emphasize what are known as the environmental three Rs: recycle, reduce, and reuse. Not only do these companies pay attention to environmentally-friendly policies in the manufacturing, sales, and distribution of their organic baby products, but also within other areas of the business. For example, a company that is truly committed to environmental principles will recycle paper, cans, and glass, and reduce waste by reusing materials as much as possible. Such companies are consistent in their policies and are dedicated to providing quality products to their customers.
In addition to health and environmental issues, many consumers are concerned with political issues that affect a global economic system. They prefer to purchase quality organic baby products from companies that actively engage in political issues. For example, such a company might purchase goods only from manufacturers that have labor-friendly policies. Such businesses probably will not partner with Third World manufacturers who pay extremely low wages, provide unsafe working conditions, or otherwise exploit laborers. These three criteria health, environment, and politics will usually affect the price of retail items. A company that specializes in selling organic items often has increased overhead expenses. But the passion for selling quality products is more important than making huge profits. The criteria are similar to three legs of a stool that supports a consistent approach to providing quality organic baby products. Consumers can have confidence in purchasing foods, bedding, clothing, toys, and skincare products from such dedicated companies.
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