10 Ways to Go Green in a Baby's Room

1. Choose eco-friendly, low- or zero-VOC wall paint. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are the toxins emitted by most conventional indoor paint. However, many manufacturers are now including eco-friendly paint alternatives to consumers that reduce the level of VOCs. Sherwin-Williams, Olympic Paint & Stain and Benjamin Moore are all major paint manufacturers that now offer eco-friendly lines with colors that will compliment any nursery or child's room.

2. Use non-toxic paint strippers. If you already have furniture that has been handed down or is being recycled for a new nursery, be sure to use an eco-friendly paint stripper prior to adding that new coat of paint. Most traditional stripping products contain a caustic chemical that is designed to melt the existing paint off, but there are now options that allow for the same result without the harsh chemicals. These types of non-toxic paint strippers use a biodegradable organic solvent that soften the paint needing to be removed. The process does take longer than the conventional paint strippers, and can be more expensive, but the benefits definitely outweigh.

3. Consider an eco-friendly crib. Several companies now offer green cribs that are made without harsh chemicals, glues or other indoor air pollutants. These cribs are made from sustainable woods and use non-toxic finishes. Many are available as convertible cribs that will follow your child from crib to toddler bed to day or full-sized bed, making them a sound investment for any nursery.

4. Choose organic baby bedding. Several companies like Cotton Monkey offer 100% Egyptian organic cotton bedding for the nursery that protects baby's sensitive skin. These products are made without formaldehyde or chlorine bleach, and offer a variety of colors and patterns crafted with natural, water-based pigments and dyes. Cotton Monkey does not sell directly to the public, but their product lines are offered through many online retailers as well as traditional stores throughout the U.S.

5. Install green flooring. Bamboo, cork or a sustainable wood flooring are excellent alternatives for the floors in a nursery instead of wall-to-wall carpeting (which can harbor dust mites, molds and other pollutants that trigger allergies and asthma).

6. Try organic and natural cleaners. Conventional household cleaners may effectively clean and sanitize a nursery, but they are often made with caustic chemicals that contribute to indoor air pollution, not to mention the poisons they contain. Safer alternatives for your baby (and the rest of the family) are the variety of non-toxic, eco-friendly cleaners that can be purchased in your neighborhood grocery chains, big box stores (Target and WalMart) or online. Brands like Simple Green, Caldrea, Dapple and Seventh Generation all offer effective, non-toxic and baby-safe cleaning products. Of course you can also use natural products like baking soda and vinegar to help keep your nursery clean.

7. Choose natural deodorizers. Lavender is an essential oil that is often added to baby products because of its calming effect. Orange oil (as well as other citrus oils) have a great "clean" scent that is not too overpowering for a baby's room. These, as well as many other natural fragrances can be used to keep your nursery smelling sweet and fresh without using aerosol air freshners, and are readily available online or at your neighborhood health food store. Baking soda and vinegar are also natural products that remove common household odors, and can be used in diaper pails and washing machines to keep baby laundry smelling fresh.

8. Consider eco-friendly baby furniture. In addition to cribs, there are several options to furnish a nursery with eco-friendly pieces that are durable, attractive and green. Celery is a furniture company that makes baby furniture (their line is called Lullaboo) out of bamboo or formaldehyde free fiberboard. The Lullaboo line contains a cradle, crib, changing table, rocking chair, and even a rocking horse. Celery Furniture is handcrafted in Bozeman, MT and well worth the somewhat higher price tag (their cradles and cribs run $500-$1400). Other eco-friendly baby furniture manufacturers of note are: Oeuf, Nurseryworks and DucDuc.

9. Choose organic area rugs. A few well-placed organic area rugs work nicely in a nursery as an alternative to carpeting. Not only do they help to protect wood flooring, but they also help to soften the overall feel of your baby's room. You may have vintage cotton braided rugs in your attic that have been handed down through your family, that would make a wonderful addition to your baby's room, or you may want to purchase them new. PristinePlanet.com is one of many online retailers that offers a selection of organic cotton, natural fiber and recycled area rugs. Thrift stores and antique malls are great places to find vintage cotton braided rugs that can be used as well.

10. Select eco-friendly toys. Soft toys are one of the easiest ways to make an eco-friendly purchase for babies. From handmade goods that you can purchase online or at local craft festivals, to large retailers such as Target, Amazon and Baby Gap, toys made from organic cotton are abundant and available for any budget. In addition, several companies offer wood toys that are certified organic and made with non-toxic finishes that are safe for babies and kids of all ages. Hazelnut Kids, Nature Baby, Nuno Organic and Myriad are just a few of the toy manufacturers that make everything from mobiles to push toys. Check out EVO for a list of their favorite green certified companies that use natural fibers, sustainable wood, and pure beeswax finishes.

Creating a green nursery is good for your baby, your family and the planet.