According to the National Association of Diaper Services (didn't know it existed either), 18 billion disposable diapers end up in landfills every year. Its a difficult topic because the only alternative is cloth diapers which can be messy and need to be washed often, although they are cheaper and don't end up in landfills. Disposable diapers are also very expensive, costing an average couple $2400 during a baby's first two years of life.

If laundering soiled cloth diapers isn't your thing, here are a few other tips for keeping your baby Green. Be sure to keep your baby's room free of VOC paint. VOC stands for "volatile organic compounds", compounds often found in paint that have been known to cause health issues including cancer. Be sure to ask for low VOC paint when you paint your baby's room. Baby furniture often contains flame retardant chemicals called PBDE's that can become poisonous when in contact with common household fungi. Be sure to ask when you buy your baby furniture.

BABY FOOD

Made with refined sugars, chemically modified starches, preservatives, and artificial additives, most prepackaged baby foods are little more than processed filler in a jar, which means that your baby is mostly getting mouthfuls of fillers, instead of the fruits and vegetables pictured on the container. Homemade baby food is cheaper and better for the baby. Pureeing organic vegetables is a great way to save on over priced baby food. Considering a 4-ounce jar of baby food costs between 60 cents to $1.20, you'll get to put some extra cash away for your baby's college fund.

THE FACTS

Disposable diapers are very expensive, costing an average couple $2400 during a baby's first two years of life. Cloth diapers are cheaper and don't end up in landfills.