With Parenting Mother Earth

From pacifiers to diapers, local businesses cater to a new wave of environmental awareness

CARLA MULLER’S chances of having a third child were slim to none.

The Conestogo woman had had a hard time becoming pregnant with her son and daughter, and her doctor told her it was unlikely it would happen again.

But 10 years and several miscarriages later, Muller became pregnant with Charlotte. At the time, she had no idea how much this third pregnancy would change her.

It had been 13 years since she had cared for a newborn, and she and her husband had given away all their baby stuff. So in preparation for her daughter’s arrival, Muller began re-educating herself on everything from diapers to teething rings.

“She was my miracle baby,” Muller says. “I was determined to do the best job I could at being her mom.”

But the more she learned, the more she became aware of all the harmful chemicals and waste being created by the baby products she had unknowingly bought when her two other children were little. Muller had always been eco-minded, but having Charlotte made it even more of a priority.

“Charlotte made me want to be a better person,” Muller says. “I think it’s a transformation many moms go through. You could be without makeup and your hair a mess and your baby still looks at you like you are the most beautiful person. You don’t want to let them down.”

She read up on how much pollution seeps into the ground and water from the production of various baby products, and the hundreds of years it takes for the plastic items to break down in landfills after only a short lifespan. She also discovered that many of the products designed for babies are made with chemicals that are not only harmful to the environment, but to humans as well.

“It all started when I heard about the dangerous effects of BPA in baby bottles,” says Muller. “Then I learned that phthalates are in some teething toys, rattles, sippy cups and even baby shampoo. I couldn’t believe these chemicals were allowed in products, especially products made for babies. It was terrifying and also disheartening because I had used these products on my other two children.”

That was enough to set her off on a >>