Children inspire a series of discussions, sometime debates, and OK, face it, occasionally heated arguments between the most loyal and loving life partners. First comes the decision whether you are both mentally, physically and financially capable of the enormous responsibilities of parenting a child for at least 18 years. Then comes the debate of how many can you provide for, and whether to announce to anxious grandparents-to-be that you have started "trying". The joyous absence of ever-faithful Aunt Flow leaves requires a run to the library to check out every baby naming book ever written and you and your partner navigate the potential relation-ending decision of whether to name your sweet, soon-to-be-born baby girl after Recently Departed Dear Old Great Granny Ester or after the cute blond chick, Izze, from Grey's.
Luckily, some decisions are easy... like whether to use reusable diapers or single use diapers. No brainer, right? Disposable diapers are easier. Or are they (Velcro seems pretty easy)? Disposable diapers leak less. Or do they (Hemp seems pretty absorbent)? Disposable diapers use less water (But does that outweigh the environmental impact of human waste wrapped in plastic and sitting in a landfill for 500 years)? The Great Diaper debate has been waged since Johnson and Johnson introduced the first disposable diaper into the US in 1949. Recently, the Environment Agency in the UK published an Updated LifeCycle Report, confirming that the ability to line dry cloth diapers, wash at reasonable water temperatures and reuse the same set of cloth diapers on more than one child made cloth diapers the more environmentally-responsible choice.
Luckily for today's parents, cloth diapering has evolved from the first mass produced cloth diapers in 1887. Modern cloth diapers are easy to use, can be laundered at home, have a high resale value on auction sites such as Ebay and Craig's List, and are available in a variety of styles and fabrics to fit every family's fashion sense and finances.
Flat or Prefold Diapers: Resembling the original cloth diapers that have been used since the 1800's, Flat and Prefold cloth diapers are square or rectangular pieces of fabric that are folded and secured around baby. Flat diapers are a single layer of fabric cut into a square, and prefold diapers are a rectangle divided into thirds with additional layers of the fabric in the center panel where baby wets. Replacing giant (and intimidating) safety pins that held traditional diapers in place is the Snappi® fastener - a t-shaped stetchable, non-toxic design with teeth to grip the fabric on each of the three ends. A snug fitting diaper wrap may be used to hold the diaper in place instead. Available in bleached cotton, unbleached cotton, organic cotton and hemp, flat and prefold diapers are an ultra cost effective option. Ranging in price from $1-$8 each and available in preemie, newborn, infant and toddler sizes, these diapers require a waterproof diaper cover to keep baby's clothing and crib dry. They are fast drying, but have a longer than average learning curve to perfect folding techniques. Without elastic around the legs, flat/prefold diapers are more prone to leaks and blowouts.
Contour Diapers: Hourglass shaped fabric is cut to eliminate tricky folds, while maintaining a simple, usually single layer, trimmer fitting diaper - narrow between the legs to reduce bulk with wide wings to wrap comfortably around baby's waist. Thicker, plush cotton or hemp fabric is more absorbent with less bulk than flat or prefold diapers, and the hourglass shape makes it easy to put on baby. Some contour diapers have an additional diaper doubler sewn into the center of the diaper for added absorbency, without increasing the overall thickness of the diaper and prolonging the drying time. Contour diapers require a Snappi®, snug fitting diaper wrap, or diaper pins to hold it in place, as well as a waterproof diaper cover. Faster drying time and a shorter learning curve than flat or prefold diapers, but still prone to leaks without elastic at the legs. Reasonably priced at $7-14 each, they are usually sold in two sizes.
Fitted Diapers: Shaped to cradle baby's bottom with added elastic at the legs to contain messes and attached Velcro or snap closures at the waist make them easier to use than flat, prefold or contour diapers. Moderately priced at $6.50-17.50 each, fitted diapers are usually sold in three sizes, and are available in cotton, organic cotton, and a hemp/organic cotton blend. Considerably thicker (and more absorbent), fitted diapers take a substantially longer time to dry than contour, prefold or flat diapers. Fitted diapers require a waterproof diaper cover to keep clothing and cribs dry, but do not need additional external fasteners. Fitted diapers are an exceptional starter potty training pant, providing superior leak protection while still allowing your toddler to feel wet.
Pocket Diapers: Shaped diapers with elastic legs, attached Velcro or snap waist fasteners, plus an attached outer waterproof layer and (usually) an attached stay dry inner layer make pocket diapers very easy to use. The back waist seam is left open to create a pocket between the outer waterproof layer and the inner (usually stay dry) layer, where an absorbent pad is inserted. Pocket diapers are meant to be changed completely with each diaper change - not just the insert (even though the stay dry layer may feel dry, urine has soaked through it). The pocket opening results in super fast drying times but longer assembly times, and provides tremendous versatility. Heavy wetter soaking the crib sheets after 12 hours overnight? Simply switch the absorbent pad from microfiber to hemp, or insert two pads instead of one. The attached waterproof layer is synthetic, as is the stay dry inner, but organic cotton inners are available. At $16-$21 (with absorbent inserts often sold separately), pocket diapers are sold in at least three sizes and are one of the more expensive cloth diapering options. Many pocket manufacturers offer specially sized inserts to fit their brand of pocket diaper, and due to narrower or wider crotch widths, some inserts are not inter-changeable with other brands of pocket diapers. Flat, prefold or contoured diapers often make excellent, inexpensive pocket diaper inserts.
All-in-One(AIO) Diapers: Shaped diapers with elastic legs, attached Velcro or snap waist fasteners, an attached outer waterproof layer, (usually) an attached stay dry inner layer add one element to the pocket diaper - a sewn-in absorbent pad - resulting in the easiest of all cloth diapering options. Comparable to disposable diapers in terms of ease of use, AIO diapers are a single unit that is easy to secure and doesn't require any additional parts, making it a great option for dads, babysitters, travel, and daycare. The attached waterproof layer is synthetic, as is the stay dry inner, but organic cotton inners are available. Ranging in price from $9.50-$23.00 and available in at least three sizes, All-in-One diapers are one of the most expensive diapering options. AIOs are very trim fitting, but the sewn-in absorbent layer requires one of the longest drying times.
One-Size Diapers: Ultra-modern diapers with elastic legs, attached waist fasteners, (usually) attached outer waterproof layer, (usually) attached stay dry inner layer and adjustable rise successfully balance cost with ease to use. Designed to fit babies 7-35 lbs with either a snap down rise or cinching leg elastic, one set of 3 dozen one-size diapers generally last a child from birth to potty training. For the uber-green parent, one-sized diapers are the show stopper. Instead of wasting 4000-9000 disposable diapers, eco-responsible parents can diaper a single child with 36 diapers at a cost of $18-$35 each. One-size diapers are available in a variety of styles - from AIOs to fitteds, with pocket diapers being the more widely used. The Pros/Cons of each style are the same as previously mentioned in each category. The added benefit of only having to buy one set of diapers instead of 2-4 sizes brings the overall cost closer to prefolds and covers and considerably less than sized cloth diapers. Laundering the same set of diapers every three days for 2.5 years means the one-size diapers will likely only diaper one child. Whereas, sized diapers can often last through multiple children, as they are used for a shorter period of time before the baby outgrows each size.
At a cost of $0.15-0.35 each, throwaway diapers cost families an average of $2000 per child and comprise the third largest component of US landfills. Slightly more kind to the earth than conventional single-use diapers, unbleached and flushable/compostable disposable diapers cost an average of $0.10 more per diaper than conventional bleached diapers, putting them out of reach for most families impacted by the current economic crisis.
Available in a myriad of styles to fit every lifestyle, fabrics to fit every personality, and price ranges for any budget, reusable cloth diapers are the fiscally-responsible and eco-responsible choice among today's modern-chic parents.
For more information on Modern Cloth Diapers, visit Modern Mommy Gear's Cloth Diaper College:
Modern Mommy Gear is the go-to online store for today’s modern-chic, eco-responsible mom. The store is the one-stop source for eco-responsible family gear from cloth diapers to baby carriers. Driven by a commitment to help families leave the planet a better place, Modern Mommy Gear offers the eco-responsible, green gear to keep families happy and the planet healthy. For more information or to start shopping, visit www.modernmommygear.com.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Living Greener and Surviving the Recession
Beating the recession requires families to examine the way they spend their money and find inexpensive alternatives to fulfill basic needs. Simple changes like using cloth diapers instead of disposable diapers go a long way toward saving money and the planet – two of this generation's biggest concerns!
Below are five simple tips from Robin Morris, founder of Modern Mommy Gear, to help parents save both cash and the planet in these challenging economic times.
1) Switch to cloth diapers – Kids use an average of eight diapers a day until they are potty-trained. At this rate, most children will go through more than 7,000 diapers from birth until potty training – diapers that usually sit in landfills for years! Smart, eco-responsible parents can switch to modern cloth diapers and spend less than $750 from birth to potty training – compared to $60 - $100 a month on disposable diapers.
2) Breastfeed or make your own baby food – If mothers are able to breastfeed, they can save thousands of dollars! A newborn baby can consume nearly $3,200 in baby formula in a year. Furthermore, all moms and dads can save by making their own baby food. A pound of fresh carrots is only 89 cents, whereas a couple jars of carrot baby food sell for around $3. In addition to saving money, parents can eliminate the waste of the baby food jars by using reusable Baby Cubes.
3) Pack lunches – According to the U.S. Dept of Education, the average family of four with two kids in school discards at least 880 disposable drink containers and lunch sacks, and up to 2,640 plastic baggies per year. At 50 cents each, the water bottles alone cost parents $400 a year. Imagine the money saved and the environmental impact of using reusable lunch sacks, water bottles, bamboo utensils and sandwich wrappers instead.
4) Host toy/clothing swaps – According to Morris, a great way for parents to avoid paying the high prices of retail clothing and toys is to organize a clothing or toy swap with other local parents and neighbors. In addition to the social benefits of bringing everyone together, the swaps provide a low-cost alternative to outfitting families and keeping up with their growing needs.
5) Save on gas and electricity – Plan family activities that eliminate the need for gas and electricity. Turn off the TV, Blackberry, computer and iPod for a couple hours, and play a game, go on a bike ride or check out books at the local library. Parents should explain to kids why it's better to don a sweater on a cold evening, turn off lights when they’re not in use or wait until the dishwasher is full to start it to get their kids thinking green from an early age.
Below are five simple tips from Robin Morris, founder of Modern Mommy Gear, to help parents save both cash and the planet in these challenging economic times.
1) Switch to cloth diapers – Kids use an average of eight diapers a day until they are potty-trained. At this rate, most children will go through more than 7,000 diapers from birth until potty training – diapers that usually sit in landfills for years! Smart, eco-responsible parents can switch to modern cloth diapers and spend less than $750 from birth to potty training – compared to $60 - $100 a month on disposable diapers.
2) Breastfeed or make your own baby food – If mothers are able to breastfeed, they can save thousands of dollars! A newborn baby can consume nearly $3,200 in baby formula in a year. Furthermore, all moms and dads can save by making their own baby food. A pound of fresh carrots is only 89 cents, whereas a couple jars of carrot baby food sell for around $3. In addition to saving money, parents can eliminate the waste of the baby food jars by using reusable Baby Cubes.
3) Pack lunches – According to the U.S. Dept of Education, the average family of four with two kids in school discards at least 880 disposable drink containers and lunch sacks, and up to 2,640 plastic baggies per year. At 50 cents each, the water bottles alone cost parents $400 a year. Imagine the money saved and the environmental impact of using reusable lunch sacks, water bottles, bamboo utensils and sandwich wrappers instead.
4) Host toy/clothing swaps – According to Morris, a great way for parents to avoid paying the high prices of retail clothing and toys is to organize a clothing or toy swap with other local parents and neighbors. In addition to the social benefits of bringing everyone together, the swaps provide a low-cost alternative to outfitting families and keeping up with their growing needs.
5) Save on gas and electricity – Plan family activities that eliminate the need for gas and electricity. Turn off the TV, Blackberry, computer and iPod for a couple hours, and play a game, go on a bike ride or check out books at the local library. Parents should explain to kids why it's better to don a sweater on a cold evening, turn off lights when they’re not in use or wait until the dishwasher is full to start it to get their kids thinking green from an early age.
Friday, February 6, 2009
Living Greener Part III - Greener Grocery Shopping
When you were a kid, did you ever try a peanut butter and banana sandwich? Delicious! For about the last five years, I've started every day off with a peanut butter banana burrito - 2 Tbs of low fat peanut butter smeared across a La Tortilla Factory high fiber tortilla and rolled around a banana. It's just the right mix of carbs, fiber, fat and protein to sustain me until lunch time. Friends and family will confirm that I even pack the La Tortilla Factory tortillas with me on vacation!
About a month ago I read the book Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver. Utilizing a large garden and local farmers markets, Kingsolver shows how a family of four can survive on fresh, locally grown food for twelve months. Kingsolver delves into the nearly lost art of working the family farm, sharing first hand knowledge about harvesting, cooking and canning "in-season" fruits and vegetables to last throughout the year. If a fruit isn't in-season and available locally, the Kingsolver family did without.
I have yet to see a banana tree growing wild among the Aspens of Colorado. So under Kingsolver's plan, the banana that traveled thousands of miles to ultimately arrive at my home would be officially off-limits.
In the real world, the boundaries for greener living can be a little more fluid than Kingsolver's inspirational handbook. After a stressful week juggling laundry, soccer practice and a demanding boss, take-and-bake pizza may be all you can manage to pull together on Friday night. No worries! The goal of living greener in 2009 is to try to make the best choices we can, as often as we can, for our family, our finances and our planet. Even a few changes can make a huge difference. Here's a pick-and-choose list of our suggestions for greener groceries this year:
About a month ago I read the book Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver. Utilizing a large garden and local farmers markets, Kingsolver shows how a family of four can survive on fresh, locally grown food for twelve months. Kingsolver delves into the nearly lost art of working the family farm, sharing first hand knowledge about harvesting, cooking and canning "in-season" fruits and vegetables to last throughout the year. If a fruit isn't in-season and available locally, the Kingsolver family did without.
I have yet to see a banana tree growing wild among the Aspens of Colorado. So under Kingsolver's plan, the banana that traveled thousands of miles to ultimately arrive at my home would be officially off-limits.
In the real world, the boundaries for greener living can be a little more fluid than Kingsolver's inspirational handbook. After a stressful week juggling laundry, soccer practice and a demanding boss, take-and-bake pizza may be all you can manage to pull together on Friday night. No worries! The goal of living greener in 2009 is to try to make the best choices we can, as often as we can, for our family, our finances and our planet. Even a few changes can make a huge difference. Here's a pick-and-choose list of our suggestions for greener groceries this year:
- Buy Organic when shopping for the worst offenders (aka "The Dirty Dozen"). Pesticides help protect crops by warding off damaging weeds, diseases, and bugs, but they also leave a residue on our produce. According to the Environmental Working Group, the highest concentration of pesticides have been found in these twelve fruits and veggies: Apples, Cherries, Grapes, Nectarines, Pears, Peaches, Raspberries, Strawberries, Corn, Potatoes, Bell Peppers, Celery, and Spinach.
- Shop Farmers Markets. You'll support the local economy and receive the freshest fruits and vegetables in return! During the summer, we walk up to the Belmar Farmers Market for a suburban Sunday harvest picked off produce delivery truckbeds. The farmers have told us, in most cases, the fruits and veggies are picked and sold within 24 hours! Visit ColoradoFarmers.org for list of Farmers Markets in Colorado.
- Join Community Supported Agriculture (CSA): By joining a CSA, you help cover a farm's yearly operating budget by purchasing a share of the season's harvest. Your share in a CSA assumes the costs, risks and bounty of growing food along with the farmer or grower and helps pay for seeds, fertilizer, water, equipment maintenance, labor, etc. In return, the farm provides a healthy supply of seasonal fresh produce throughout the growing season - usually late spring through early autumn. Many CSAs have drop off points throughout the city where you pick up your share of that week's harvest. In addition to supporting local farms, your family gets to sample a variety of extraordinary fruits and vegetables. Your drop-off may include lavender cauliflower, and some CSAs invite members to harvest some of the crops (like strawberry picking days and pumpkin patches).
- Buy Fresh over Frozen, Frozen over Canned: Frozen foods require a lot of energy to keep the food frozen as it is trucked to your local grocer. Canned foods generally have a high sodium content and may be store in cans lined with BPA.
- Fewer Ingredients the Better: Have you ever read the ingredients on a box of crackers? The box in our pantry lists 15 ingredients, with many ingredients containing lists of their ingredients in parenthesis. Two recent studies found high-fructose corn syrup, a common ingredient in many foods and drinks, was contaminated with toxic mercury! If childhood obesity and diabetes wasn't enough to keep your children clear of added sugar, the presence of this neuro-toxin should be.
- Less Packaging for a Cleaner Earth: As you stroll the aisles, take a look at the amount of packaging that stores the foods you are considering buying for your family. Did you know that while #5 plastics are recyclable, they are one of the hardest and costliest plastics to recycle, or that the #7 category of "other" plastics are usually not recycled? Can you buy an item in bulk and split it up into smaller portions at home? Do you really need string cheese wrapped individually and sold in a larger plastic bag of 12, or could you slice a block of mozzarella into smaller servings for school lunches? Many staples like honey, coffee, peanut butter and pinto beans can be purchased in bulk using bring-your-own-bag containers at Whole Foods or Sunflower Market.
- Cageless Birds and Hormone-Free Cows: California voters recently passed Prop 2 - a bill requiring veal calves, pregnant pigs and egg-laying hens be confined in a space that allows for them to lie down, stand up, extend their limbs, and turn around. Nearly two thirds of voters were in favor of Prop 2. Really? 37% of voters feel it is OK to not let the hen turn around occasionally? Wouldn't you call animal control if you neighbor caged his Dalmatian in a kennel so small it couldn't wag its tail? Respecting the animals that spend their entire lives producing food to nourish your family is part of being a responsible citizen of the Earth.
- Plan your Meals: Once a week, sit down and come up with a list of meals for the week and make a grocery list ahead of time. When you do it alongside the Sunday coupons, you'll even save extra money. T-Bones on sale this week? Plan a couple meals using the sale item, and you can even cook all the meat at once to save time later. Shopping from a list keeps you from buying pricey convenience foods and helps you purchase only what you need.
- Walk, bike or stop on the way home: Try not to make a specific trip to the grocery store. Passing by on the way home from band practice? Stop in and grab what you need (keep your reusable grocery bags in the car), so you don't have to make an extra trip. We live close enough to bike to the grocery store. A shopping bag on each bike handle keeps our bikes from getting off balance and ensures we don't over buy.
- Buy (and use) a set of reusable grocery and produce bags for each shopping member of your family. My husband and I each keep a set in our car, and we have a set hanging on the laundry room door for the days we walk or bike to the store. I even keep a cute string bag folded up inside my purse for trips to the mall, and a canvas bag in my son's stroller for impulse buys when we are out walking. Reusable bags hold more, are sturdier, and last for years. Plus, most grocers will give you $0.05-$0.10 per bag - each time you bring them to the store. In just a couple of months, the bags paid for themselves.
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