With the list of eco jargon growing by the day, parents are not alone in not being able to explain what zero-waste to carbon-neutral to compostable is.
A New Zealand based study from WaterWipes has revealed 99 per cent of parents think it’s important to purchase products that are better for the environment, but two thirds (66 per cent) find the language used on packaging confusing when making their buying decision.
The study shows parents want to do the right thing, rating high-frequency products like baby wipes (62 per cent) and nappies (61 per cent) their key concerns when it came to environmental friendliness when compared to other “buy-sometimes” products like dummies, shampoo and bottles.
WaterWipes has just launched its biodegradable wipes and says it wants to allay parents’ concern with the staple.
Its baby wipes are now 100 per cent plant-based and biodegradable, giving parents peace of mind that they can be added to home composting systems and will decompose naturally when exposed to temperature, sunlight and living organisms such as bacteria or when disposed of in household rubbish.
New Zealand Karitane nurse and baby expert Dorothy Waide says that finding products that tick all the boxes is becoming increasingly important for parents.
“Living in a Covid world has presented modern-day demands far beyond safety and affordability when it comes to baby products. Parents want the reassurance of gentle and appropriate care to support their child’s ongoing health while knowing its environmental footprint,” says Dorothy.
With 44 per cent of respondents saying they would purchase biodegradable or eco-friendly products if they thought they were safer for their child. WaterWipes’ pledge to sustainability is a step in the right direction to help parents make choices that are gentle on their babies and better for the planet.
Dorothy offers five other steps to ask when weighing up eco-friendly decisions as a parent:
- Check ingredients and read labels: consider the alcholo percentage and how many paraffins, sulphates bathing and skin products specifically contain. Plus, check they are safe!
- Chemical sterilizers verse steam cleaning: work out the best option for your baby, non-chemical is always the better way to go.
- Brand new or second hand: reduce, reuse and recycle wherever you can. Weigh up the new pram purchase if one can be easily borrowed.
- Reduce single-use plastic: from silicone snack containers to reusable breast milk storage bags make simple everyday swaps.
- Wash smarter: clean-up is unavoidable with kids but try ticking to full machine loads, keep the temperature low and dry naturally.
Made from 99.9% purified water, a drop of fruit extract and recommended by midwives around the world, WaterWipes is committed to offering up the safest and gentlest options for baby’s delicately soft skin – from faces and hands to the barest of bottoms – and the planet.
WaterWipes Biodegradable 60 pack (RRP $7.99) are available from supermarkets and pharmacies nationwide and online.
