The Green movement is all the rage. The modern day fascination with all things eco-friendly now also pertains to your baby’s immediate surroundings. Now more than ever, mothers and parents can design a space for their little one that is Green (in more ways than one if that happens to be your paint color of choice).
But before we think Green it is important to start with the basics of good design for your child’s space. As a certified interior designer, my first recommendation to all my clients is to create a space that inspires creativity, individuality and promotes healthy living. The goal is to design an environment that is fun and enlightening. It is important that the room foster physical, mental and spiritual growth. You can now accomplish all of these objectives and also comply with Mother Earth.
As parents, we all possess an intense desire and sense of obligation to provide the safest living space for our precious children. As you begin to think Green it’s important to ask yourself the following questions when making selections for any of the 5 major room components: Is it comfortable, practical, functional, efficient, safe, non toxic, and harm free?
1. Paint & Wall Covering
Unfortunately paint is the #1 cause of indoor air pollution. Therefore I recommend avoiding conventional paint with high levels of volatile organic compounds, otherwise known as VOCs. When selecting a paint color be sure to look for a product that is nontoxic or contains a low-VOC level. Better yet, look for zero-VOC paints if you can find them. However, for all cases be cautious about the chemicals added to remove the paint odors. The best solution is either one of three options; natural paint, milk paint or PVC-free wall covering.
2. Flooring
Selecting a Green flooring option is a little bit easier than the paint. The main objective is to decide between a carpet or hard surface that is durable, soft, and easy to maintain. Carpet is the #2 cause of indoor air pollution. So if carpet is a must, I recommend selecting a product made of natural fibers such as wool. Also, use an untreated natural fiber felt pad under the carpet. If a synthetic carpet is the only option, try to select one that emits low levels of toxic fumes.
A hard floor surface enhanced with area rugs is definitely the Green flooring of choice. Select a FSC (Forest Stewardship Council)-certified hardwood or engineered hardwood manufactured with low-VOC glues.
3. Furniture & Storage
For furniture items such as a crib or dresser, select solid wood pieces manufactured with non toxic finishes. Avoid medium density fiberboard (MDF) unless it is formaldehyde-free.
Multi-functional furniture items are becoming more popular and for good reason. Many times they can serve multiple purposes, such as dressers that also serve as a changing table or wall shelves that also serve as storage for the baby’s necessities like diapers and lotion. A simple chest is a great purchase because it can hold toys or stuff animals and later serve as additional storage for clothing.
In all instances, select furniture based on your current needs (feeding, rocking, resting) and future needs (something that can be moved to another room or a place for your child to read or study). The main thing to remember is to buy quality. Be sure you own furniture that is sustainable and that will last for some time.
4. Window Covering
It is important to provide light during the waking hours and darkness when it is time to sleep. Seems like common sense, right? You bet, but you would be surprised how many people fail to provide these conditions for their kids. As a side note for sleep, it is also important to control unwanted or distracting noise. Every parent knows how precious the sleeping hours can be (see category #5 below).
As far as Green goes, avoid drapery with “permanent press” because it has been treated with formaldehyde. Try to select untreated, nontoxic, natural fabrics such as organic cotton or linen.
5. Mattress & Bedding
A good mattress and bedding is one of the most important investments you can make for your baby. Unfortunately, conventional mattresses are made of polyurethane foam and polyester which emit petrochemical fumes. Skin and eye irritations and/or allegories may result from inhaling these fumes. They also contain flame retardants, which are necessary because of the foam composition, that contain harmful toxins.
In the eco-friendly world, natural mattresses are available but they are very expensive. They are generally made of natural foam rubber, organic cotton, wool or silk. If a natural mattress is cost prohibitive, consider layering natural material between your baby and the mattress. Examples include a natural rubber moisture barrier cover, an organic cotton or wool mattress cover and 100% organic cotton sheets.
While organic cotton fibers may be too limited in coloring, you should strongly consider using it if it touches your baby’s skin. Other components of the bedding like a bed skirt or quilt that are not in direct contact with your baby’s skin can be made of conventional cotton, therefore offering more color options.