The ironic thing is that it has been like turning back the clock. None of the things I have done to make the changes is new. In fact, they are all things that our great and great great grandparents may have done before the commercialization of our world.
1. Cloth Diapering
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| My stash of newborn gdiapers |
I remember changing my little brother's diapers; the plastic pants, the pins, the MESS! Disposable just seemed to be the easier way to go when I had my first child 20 years ago. But now, I want something more cost effective and natural for my babies. Have you seen what they put in disposable diapers? Yuck!
There are TONS to choose from but we have found that gdiapers, flips and diaper rite diapers are best for us.
www.gdiapers.com www.diaperjunction.com
2. Breastfeeding
What could be more natural than that? It's good for mom and baby.
If you are thinking about nursing your baby but have any doubts you can find a lactation consultant in your area or, as I did, find a friend who has experience. La Leche League also has a lot of good info on their website.
www.llli.org
3. Gardening
My raised garden made from pallets
There is nothing more delicious than a home grown, REAL tomato. Seasonal fruits, veggies and herbs grown in your own garden will not only save you money but ensure that you are getting good, quality ingredients without GMOs or pesticides.
Along with that, gardening is good exercise and a great learning tool for children and grown ups alike!
Here's a link to a cute blog on spiritual lessons learned from gardening: http://notquiteamishliving.com/2013/04/10-spiritual-lessons-from-gardening/
4. Cleaning Supplies
No more choking on toxic fumes as I sprawl myself across the tub. No way! I did away with all those chemical based cleaners and replaced them with natural alternatives that do just as well if not better.
Windows and mirrors can be cleaned with vinegar. It's also a good stain remover and air freshener. The next time you peel that orange for a snack add the peel to a spray bottle with water and vinegar and enjoy that wonderful, and most importantly, natural air freshener! Don't forget to OTW- open the window, instead of spraying those commercial air fresheners.
Baking soda or borax can be used for those big cleaning jobs like the tub and floors.
5. Laundry Detergent
1 cup washing soda
1 cup borax
1 bar of Fels Naptha
If you need a natural fabric softener, once again, use vinegar!
6. Cloth "Paper" Products
Awesome cloth napkins
This is the first year I have even considered this. Cloth napkins, baby wipes, dish cloths and paper towels.
I used a cotton fabric with a delicious print that I loved for my napkins and they came out gorgeous! Now we get all fancy schmancy every night and use cloth napkins. Make sure you make enough to last your family 'til laundry day. The dish cloths I crocheted out of 100% cotton yarn. Just use a regular chain stitch and you can get quite a few cloths out of one skein of yarn. I also use them for pot holders and to hot pad for the tea pot. And the paper towels I made from terry cloth. Very Easy.
All of these things can be made from matching fabrics or you can save even more money by using remnants.
For the baby wipes I just use old washcloths. I use an old wipe holder with a bit of soapy warm water and add the cloths as needed.
7. Thrifting, Craigslist, Freecycle and Hand Me Downs
Come on, you know there's really nothing wrong with poppin' tags! The thrift store s a great place to find some wonderful things you need. Right now we have a fantastic entertainment center we scored for $18 waiting to be repurposed into a play kitchen for my little ones.
I can't say enough about Craigslist! We have gotten our house, a dog, dog crate, supplies for the girls and so much more.
Freecycle is a site where people in your community post things they are getting rid of. Much like Craigslist but it's FREE! You just have to go pick it up. We've gotten quite a few items this way as well.
And, of course, hand me downs from friends, family, and neighbors are always Eco friendly!
8. Sewing
I must admit that I have always said "I don't sew!" But lately I have gotten sewing fever!
I sewed the cloth napkins, paper towels, curtains and now I have moved on to clothes for the girls.
First up... pillowcase dresses. How great is that? Got an old pilllowcase? Make a dress!
After those I'll be making skirts and shorts from remnants. I love it! Saving money and taking pride in what I have created.
9. The No Poo Challenge
I just heard of this a couple months ago and decided to try it. Baking soda for shampoo, apple cider vinegar for conditioner instead of chemical based commercial products.
I lasted 2 months before I just had to switch back. Personal preference I suppose. Sometimes you just have to make peace with your decisions but the challenge was a good thing and I will be doing the process every 6 months to rid my hair and scalp of toxins.
10. The Clothesline
My husband did a great job!
I'm convinced that this is one of the best inventions ever. I have wanted one ever since we moved into our house a year ago. Finally, a couple weeks ago, my husband gave in and built me a wonderful, inexpensive clothesline. I wonder how much money we will save letting the sun an fresh air dry our clothes?
Do you have any ways you and your family are going green? Leave a comment below and let me know!
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