The great diaper debate goes on… and on… and on. So, how’s a modern mom to balance convenience with what’s best for Mama Earth? We now have four diapering options: cloth, conventional disposables, green disposables, and flushables. The pros and cons of each might surprise you.

CLOTH diaper services seem great at first glance, but a closer look reveals that they use a lot of hot water, chlorine bleach and transportation, all of which has a negative environmental impact. Of course, people who have the time and a washing machine can wash their own cotton diapers with phosphate- and chlorine-free detergent, making this a very “green” option but clearly not the most convenient.

CONVENTIONAL DISPOSABLES, brands like Pampers or Huggies, love to tout how they “NEVER leak”—but have you ever wondered why? Conventional disposables are made with a chemical gel core of sodium polyacrylate (SAP). Besides trapping moisture, SAP has been shown to cause asthma and skin irritations. The manufacture of disposable diapers also causes pollution, and the plastic may not decompose in a landfill for hundreds or thousands of years—if ever.

GREEN DISPOSABLES are better, but beware: a “green” name doesn’t always mean it is environmentally sound. Look for a cotton-blend diaper that is chlorine-free and contains no extra chemicals or gels. Many use recycled paper or plastic and state-of-the-art green technology. Seventh Generation, Tushies and Nature Babycare are brands worth checking out. Just note where they’re made if you’re trying to “buy local.”

FLUSHABLES are the latest option. You purchase flushable liners (made from wood pulp) and a reusable outer pant. Soiled diapers must be flushed or thrown away, but wet diapers can actually be composted, so they need never end up in a landfill! The liners are no more expensive than traditional disposables, and the little pants are pretty cute. Check out gDiapers.com for more info.

Okay, so there is no perfect, convenient, environmentally-friendly solution to this diapering dilemma. You have to decide what works best for your family, and just remember that every little bit you do helps protect the planet for future generations.