OneDey readers are always striving to be more sustainable. But sometimes the most eco friendly option isn’t feasible. When that happens, we’re here to help you find the best available alternatives. ToDey, let’s tackle biodegradable diapers

Perhaps you, or your friends and family members, have joined many environmentally concerned parents in considering the use of cloth diapers when learning there was a baby on the way. These diapers are generally the most sustainable option; but who has the time, and can manage their on-the-go logistics, and the yuck factor?

If you and the other new parents in your sphere are using, or leaning towards using, conventional disposable diapers, consider the following:

• Newborns use 8 to 12 diapers a day.
• 20 billion disposable diapers end up in landfills every year, releasing toxic chemicals into the surrounding soil.
• While the chemicals in disposable diapers make them absorbent, they can be harsh on your baby’s skin and also leak into water systems.

We were thrilled to learn about the busy, eco-conscious mother of three who co-founded Eco Pea Co. She developed a product that one of our trusted new mamas LOVES… a biodegradable, disposable diaper.

What are Biodegradable Diapers?

The term “biodegradable” describes an item’s ability to break down under certain conditions. It’s not as eco friendly as being compostable, because biodegradable products can leave behind microplastics. However, depending on what the biodegradable material is, different outcomes may result.

Eco Pea Co makes biodegradable diapers out of bamboo, which will, under most conditions, decompose quickly.

Why are Biodegradable Diapers Important?

Until the day when compostable disposable diapers are available, biodegradable diapers are a significant improvement over convetional, disposable ones. The consensus is that disposable diapers take approximately 500 years to decompose. Because biodegradable diapers break down more quickly and keep landfills more manageable, they lessen the amount of waste associated with your little one.

What to Look for in a Biodegradable Diaper

When you do your weekly shopping or make a late night diaper run, here are some tips to avoid greenwashing and find the best biodegradable diaper:

• Read the ingredients list. If there is an ingredient on the package that you don’t understand, you might not want it on your child’s bum.
• Choose fragrance free. Chemicals are often used to achieve the fragrance, and they are generally more gentle on your baby.
• Choose paraben free.
• Choose diapers made from sustainable materials. Hemp and bamboo grow faster than trees, and decompose faster than man-made materials.

Eco Friendly Biodegradable Diapers to get Behind

Eco Pea Co. was started by a family that was displeased with the diaper industry’s negative environmental impact. This on the go husband and wife team found cloth diapers challenging, so they decided to create a better alternative for themselves and others. The result was Eco and Pea, a company that takes eco consciousness and lifestyle ease seriously.

Product quality and ingredients sustainability

All Eco Pea Co. product ingredients are listed on their website, as well as the reason each ingredient is included. The most commonly cited ingredients are fast-growing and quickly decomposing bamboo, water, and aloe.

Also, they don’t skimp on quality. The wipes are thick and soothing (thanks to the aloe), and the diapers fit well and are as absorbent as conventional alternatives. The wipes and diapers are hypoallergenic and fragrance-free, a boon to families with particularly sensitive little ones.

Packaging/shipping materials and practices sustainability

All of Eco Pea Co.’s packaging is also biodegradable, and is printed using water-based ink. They offset the carbon footprint of their shipping.

Manufacturing and corporate practices sustainability

Eco Pea Co. founders take environmental responsibility seriously. In addition to their eco friendly products, they offset the carbon associated with their product shipping and are members of 1% for the Planet.

Eco friendly extra credit

The Eco Pea Co. blog provides lots of tips on eco friendly child rearing.

Eco Pea Co Sustainability Sum Up

While reducing the carbon footprint of tiny people may appear daunting, there are many things you can do to minimize your new bundle of joy’s impact without sacrificing quality or convenience. Maybe tomorrow there will be a compostable diaper, but ToDey, Eco Pea Co. is a best practice and product quality industry leader.