It’s still up in the air whether or not our planetary environmental crisis can be solved through capitalism and consumerism. But it’s decidedly clearer that cutting as many chemicals as possible from our environmental diet is the healthier choice.

This comes with an exclamation point for mothers and their babies, who share a physical connection for potentially years, and face a full court press from companies selling thousands of products— made especially to safeguard babies.

We’ve known for years about the ecological benefits of breastfeeding, thanks in part to this extensive report from Andrew Radford of Baby Milk Action. In it, he notes the plausibility of breastmilk toxicity, but vets that this risk is almost nonexistent to a general public not directly exposed to a contaminate. Mothers living behind a diesel bus stop without air filtration—or in Chernobyl during the meltdown—should have their milk tested, but for most this isn’t something to fret about.

What all mothers might want to start thinking about, however, are those things typically accepted as safe. Consumers by and large trust the products on a drug store shelf, but should they? We learned recently about the health risks associated children’s cough and cold medicines. And now baby lotions are the new nemesis of baby bottoms everywhere.

The billion-dollar baby business has long been force-feeding mothers with what their baby needs, but as more products containing a myriad of chemicals come onto the shelves— often without testing—mothers need to be especially careful.

Enter the organic baby

As we learn more about the special sensitivities of babies, a burgeoning market has opened up for environmentally friendly products advertised as better for your baby. First it was caring Mom-and-Pop brands. Now it is international conglomerates offering organic and eco-friendly versions of every product imaginable. The marketing messages are decidedly mixed, but the gist is this: Isn’t your baby worth it? Don’t you want to be a good mom?

Is it time to redo your entire nursery in order to protect your baby? It wouldn’t hurt, but don’t let the marketing get in the way of common sense.

Like Indiana Jones in The Last Crusade, looking over the assortment of cups and chalices before choosing the holy grail, it is important for mothers to first educate themselves on products both traditional and “green” and then choose wisely.

And remember, the wisest choice is often not choosing at all.

Unlike choosing breastmilk over formula – the ultimate (and cheapest) eco-friendly decision – the benefits and detriments of organic or green baby products aren’t so clear-cut. And hundreds of articles, books, and websites preach their doctrines for a price. It’s not that the products aren’t worthwhile, but if you simply use some old fashion common sense, you’ll be able to navigate your way through the green future, while keeping some green in your purse at the same time.

Here are two basic rules for you and your baby to live by:

1. Hand-me-downs (except for car seats which should always be purchased from a reputable source) are always the best environmental choice, especially for a baby who will outgrow everything in weeks. Even better than recycling, re-using something—onesies, furniture, toys (without harmful chemicals obviously)—keeps it out of the trash and continually reduces the carbon footprint of producing new products. By the time something is passed down, any chemicals used in its construction have likely long since been washed out. If you must buy a new product, go with an organic product that is clearly certified as such, and give it away when you’re done.

2. Don’t buy it. Bottom line, if you don’t buy it, it can’t hurt your baby. Does your baby really need another round shiny toy? Can you not wash a cloth diaper? The fact is, much like breastfeeding, if you can adjust to a new (and sometimes challenging) schedule, you could save a lot of money while saving the earth. An organic product from a local company is great, but nothing is greener than not buying anything at all.