Collected Thoughts

I already posted this on b.org, but when the threads move fast things tend to get lost in the shuffle, so: Under The Nile is great. And I'm not sure how completely green Orient Expressed is, but it carries a lot of handmade clothes in natural fibers and is owned and operated by two New Orleans women, so anything you get from there helps small businesses and the local economy.

And probably the best option is to look for gently used clothing, bedding and furniture--it's very easy to find baby and toddler clothes with very little wear, because the sproggins grow so very fast, and the preworn stuff is usually softer and cozier than the new. Keep recycling, keep it out of the landfills, and all that.

You're going to be such an awesome auntie!

I suggest cloth diapers which have come a long way. I think diaperpin.com or .org might be a good place to start.

I done this search a few times:

Organic Toys: http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=organic+toys&aq=f

Organic Child: http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=organic+child

They should look into freecycle for recycling stuff as JZ suggested - if they are not in a yuppie with hippie tendencies area, they should look at a freecycle board in the closest one to them. In my hood it would not be odd at all to see a listed for " Wanted: All wooden baby furniture or toys (sustainable preferred). Organic cotton baby clothes or linens."

They might also want to look to see if there is a CSA near them. My friend purees food for her son from the organic locally grown produce. They can search for one here; http://www.localharvest.org/csa/
or do a google search for csa and their area.