This Earth Day the theme is us vs plastics, with a focus on the most vulnerable group, babies. From microplastics in baby clothes and playgrounds to toys and teethers. We’ve unpicked the Earth Day ‘Babies vs Plastics’ report to understand the problem our babes are facing and learn how we can all help keep our little ones safe and sound.
Read below to learn what easy changes we can all make to keep them safe. This really only scratches the service of the information available to you so we would highly recommend taking a look at the full report too, we’ve linked it here for you. If you don’t have a moment to read our blog today, please simply click here to sign the global plastics treaty petition to help push through legislation to help our babes.
‘Researchers discovered that median levels of some microplastics were over 10 times higher in baby faeces than in that of adults. It isn’t surprising given their toys, clothes and playgrounds all contain, microplastics. Babies and infants are inhaling and ingesting microplastic particles at nearly every stage of modern life.’
Mouthing, Crawling & Teething
‘Babies and infants rely heavily on taste to decode their world and that involves putting practically everything into their mouths. Microplastics such as baby feeding bottles, sippy cups, utensils such as spoons and bowls, plastic teethers, and toys, among others are culprits.’
Breast Milk
‘It has also been shown that the plastic pouches to store breast milk can release microplastics into the milk.’ Nasties in breast milk can also passed onto when feeding. This is why it’s important to keep mum happy and healthy.
Toys
‘Most toys will contain a component of plastic. Two commonly used are Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and Bisphenol A (BPA). Vinyl chloride (VC), which is used to make PVC, is an animal and human carcinogen. BPA has a known disruptor that can interfere with our hormone system.’
Baby Clothes
‘69% of fabrics we wear are made from oil-based plastics. Research is needed to determine the health implications of babies and children inhaling or ingesting these microfibres but already animal studies are showing that they can accumulate in living organisms.’
Playgrounds
‘Playgrounds could contain more microplastics than other areas inside a city park. Styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) is often obtained from scrap tires and employed in the construction playgrounds. This material has the potential to release chemicals and microplastics into the environment.’
Swap feeding bottles, containers, utensils and sippy cups out for a sustainable options. Glass feeding bottles are a brilliant alternative. Glass or metal containers are also a great plastic alternative. Opt for bamboo and silicone tableware.
Truly sustainable toys are hard to find, so decide what your personal priorities are, and just do your best to check the credentials of the products you plan to buy. Choose non plastic toys using responsible, renewable, materials, with minimal and recyclable packaging.
Even using a microwave to heat up children’s food in plastic containers, specifically made of polypropylene, and reusable food pouches made with polyethylene, can increase their exposure to microplastics. Try to use glass or ceramic when re-heating.Opt for natural fibres such as hemp, cotton, linen, wool, bamboo, lyocell or cashmere to eliminate the oil-based plastics. Of course there are other environmental implications associated with natural fibres.
The Global Plastic Treaty is an opportunity for the United Nations and Governmental Organisations to prove the health of the planet and its citizens take priority over an industry threatening the health of every human on Earth. Click here to sign the treaty petition today.
Learn how fast fashion fuels overconsumption, disposablility and environmental harm while perpetuating social injustice through exploitative labour practices and lack of regulatory oversight. And learn how to build a sustainable affordable and fashionable closet.
Sign The Plastic Treaty Petition
‘Plastics pose a global threat, endangering the environment, biodiversity, and human health, but collective efforts can avert the looming crisis and necessitate decisive action.’ Click here to sign the plastic treaty petition.
Global Legislation
We can all do our bit and make small affordable changes to help protect our babes and protect out planet, however, the real change needed is Global Government Legislation. It’s not easy to avoid single use plastic, nasties in our food or synthetic materials. With forward thinking government action these choices can become easier and affordable for all.
We partnered with Ecologi in 2021 to help us and our customers reduce carbon emissions. For every order placed we plant a tree with our sustainability partner Ecologi.
Our printed cotton collections are made from GOTS certified organic cotton and dyes. “Organic is the only system which eliminates highly toxic substances from the environment and instead works holistically, for the long-term benefit of people and the planet”. Sustainable design and materials are at our core. From concept through to fulfilment, we carefully consider our products journey to make sure it is sustainable and kind on Mother Earth.
At Avery Row we are constantly reviewing our materials and processes to become an even more sustainable choice. There are brilliant new fabrics and technologies being developed and we are excited to continue exploring these.
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