02/05/2012 01:03 PM

Do Your Part: The Diaper Dilemma

By: Terri Bennett

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The diaper dilemma is a tough one for any parent.

Most people think there are two choices; cloth diapers or disposable ones. Now there is something else. Do Your Part and make the best decision for you and the planet. The most popular diapers are disposable ones because they are convenient. However they also use 2 percent of our landfill space.

Babies go through roughly 7,000 diapers. Multiply that by the number of children you have and it adds up quickly. If disposable is what you choose, try to buy the diapers in bulk to avoid excess packaging and you can usually recycle the box it comes in.

Cloth diapers are usually thought of as the greener option. Even though they do not end up in a landfill there are a lot of natural resources that go into washing them. Also, you have to consider the cost of the water, energy and detergent used. However, new hybrid diapering systems provide the best of both. Ones from diapers have organic cotton inserts that you can wash or these biodegradable, disposable inserts when you are on the go.

Dealing with diapers is obviously a dirty job. Do Your Part to know how your choices impact the planet. Then, you can make best decision for your family.