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How to Shop for a Greener Nursery

When you're outfitting a new nursery, certain choices can effect the health of your baby's environment, even if that impact is relatively small. Decisions like whether or not to use no-VOC paint and the type of cleaning supplies you use add up. By being smart about what you buy, you can start your child off in a space that's a little safer and healthier.

Imorove Your Indoor Air Quality

Small things you can do to keep the air quality high in your baby's room include using an air purifier with a HEPA filter, decorating with low or no-VOC paints, and using green cleaning supplies.

Allergy Buyer's Club : This online catalog carries a big selection of air and water filters, as well as allergy-proof bedding. The Austin Air Baby's Breath Air Purifier ($340) has a HEPA filter and a reasonable price point. For tips on finding the best air purifier for your needs, see this post.
Benjamin Moore : Conventional paints can off-gas, releasing potentially harmful VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) over time. Benjamin Moore carries two types of green paints available in most of their color palettes: the Aura (low-VOC) and Natura, a no-VOC paint that's "virtually odorless."
Green Depot : This chain store is a good resource for green cleaners, as well paints and air filters. They have an in-house line of affordable basic cleaners and a broad range of hypo-allergenic cleaning supplies. For other green cleaning supply sources, click here.

Organic Bedding and Mattresses

Since clothing and bedding comes into constant contact with your baby's skin, it's a good idea to shop for organic and pesticide-free textiles.

The Ultimate Green Store : This online general store carries a whole range of products for kids, from air filters to cribs, but their most extensive nursery dept is their organic bedding. Shown left is the 24/7 Organic Cotton Receiving Blanket for $28.95.
Ecobaby Organics : This company sells organic mattresses for babies, kids, and adults. They also carry baby bedding, clothes, and toys. Their products are certified organic and have a few different third-party certifications, which you can check on their site.
Baby Works : This Portland store specializes in cloth diapers, organic bedding, cleaning products, and all the basics you need to stock a nursery. They've been in business for 20 years, and they market themselves as "one of the original cloth diaper companies."
Amenity : California-based Amenity has a popular line of organic baby bedding and wall decor that's printed with water-based, non-toxic inks and dyes. Graphic designers Nicole Chiala and Kristina de Corpo created a line of animal and forest prints just for nurseries.

Nontoxic, FSC-Certified, and Recycled Furniture

There are many different approaches to buying green when it comes to nursery furniture. When you buy new, look for sustainably harvested, FSC-certified woods and nontoxic foams. Buying used can also be green, since it cuts down on the waste cycle.

Monte Design : Run by husband and wife team Ralph and Michelle Montemurro, this company is aggressive about sustainable design for children. They use FSC-certified hardwoods, CFC-free and PBDE-free foam, and formaldehyde-free glues. Shown left is the Luca Glider, $995.
Vivavi : Based in New York, this modern green store has an extensive selection of nursery furniture. Founder Josh Dorfman also hosts The Lazy Environmentalist, a nationally broadcast radio and TV show. Their Oeuf Crib ($890) is made from recovered wood fiber MDF with nontoxic finishes.
Goodwill : Thrift stores are an effective way to reuse furniture and accessories, but exercise caution when buying an older crib, since it may not meet modern safety standards. Goodwill is a staple for thrift store shoppers, and they now have an online site where you can shop without having to leave home.