Pacific Swell: Tagged 'footprint'

The birth of a child means a big commitment – and a big expense – way before college tuition. From pre-natal DVDs and how-to books, to diapers, bottles, high chairs, baby carriers, car seats…the costs add up. So does the environmental impact.

A 2009 study by researchers at Oregon State University found that children born in this country add dramatically to the carbon footprint of their parents, much more so than babies born in most other countries.

Why? One answer has to do with all the baby-toddler “stuff” produced and sold to parents across the Untied States.

Consider that a baby born in Bangladesh, with a carbon footprint 168 times smaller than an American baby, probably does not have endless disposable diapers, three kinds of baby slings, a high chair, play mats, teething toys, special cups and plates in friendly kiddy colors, developmental toys...the list goes on.