Eco-Disposables

Active ingredients. All eco diapers are chlorine-free and contain nontoxic chemicals and adhesives, but some brands are greener than others. Some contain paper made from a mix of wood pulp and cotton as opposed to just wood pulp, some contain plastic (a cup of crude oil per diaper), others are made from 100 percent green non-plastic substances.

*** Green factor The "eco" in these diapers refers to the fact that they are chlorine-free- (and therefore free of highly toxic dioxins) and contain fewer chemicals overall. Depending on the brand, they might offer additional environmental benefits: The wood pulp might come from farmed, renewable forests, which saves natural forest from being cleared (Tushies); some don't have plastic (Nature Babycare). Otherwise, the environmental issues are about the same as with classic disposables. While eco disposables degrade more readily, it’s almost impossible for anything to fully biodegrade in an airtight landfill. And unless you empty the contents of the diapers into the toilet prior to dumping, you're still adding raw sewage to water and soil systems.

**** Learning curve Besides the fact that they're less absorbent - so they'll probably need to be changed more frequently - these diapers are as easy to use as classic disposables. Unless, that is, you can't find them locally, in which case you'll have to order them online, which will entail having them shipped, which isn't very green.

** Leakage factor Eco-disposables that contain no chemical superabsorbent gel need changing more frequently - which means less chance of irritation for the baby, at least if you act on those "I'm wet" messages.

**** Your baby's butt That little bottom will thank you, not just for the more frequent changes (see Leakage factor), but also for diapers that are free of gels, latex, perfumes, dyes and chlorine.

* Your out-of-pocket During your baby's diaper-wearing years, you'll spend around $2,500 - about 25 percent more than if you buy the non-eco version.

What you can do Make sure to empty the stinky ones in the toilet instead of the landfill whenever possible.