The First Installment of Project Support Beauty in Nature!
For those of you who haven’t read this post or this post, a bit of background.
(but please don’t hesitate to actually click over to them and view the photos they contain)
Back on January 25th, I was feeling like a microwaved poop (smelly, hot, and a bit crusty), so I decided to go for a walk through my neighborhood. Instead of meeting Mr. Rogers and making a new friend, I kept running into disgusting examples of the way humans befowl the earth with their dreck – litter.
It made me angry and it made me think a lot about what other people do… and what I do and don’t do. And what I should be doing.
I decided that evening that my family would go on a “clean-up” walk the next week and pick up litter in our neighborhood, and I challenged everyone else to do something to help Support Beauty in Nature, and blog about it today, or to post about something they already did/do/plan to do.
We went for that walk on January 30th. It was quite cold, but sunny.
There was no shortage of crap for us to stick into our bags.
Braden wasn’t entirely sure what was going on, so he pitched in by screaming every time his wagon ride paused briefly. At least he was witnessing us doing something good.
He was, however, a bit annoyed with us by the end of the walk.
But we’re hoping that by doing these types of things periodically, with him, as he grows, he’ll eventually get the message.
This Earth is a gift. We’re squandering it. There is so much beauty. We’re covering it in crap. It doesn’t have to be this way – we can do things like this regularly to help push the reset button, so to speak. And it DOES make a difference.
Of course, the way you live your daily life will also make a great impact. John and I have recycled in the past, but since moving to TN, had not gotten our recycle on, for various reasons (all of them lame, btw). This whole thing made me realize that we’ve been lazy buttholes. We have now purchased extra trash bins for our home so that we can separate out the different recyclable things (glass, paper, aluminum, etc) from the regular trash. We have also ordered a curbside dumpster so that our recyclables can be picked up by the city.
YAY, RECYCLING!
If you don’t already recycle, check your local government website and see what programs are available in your area. It might be way easier than you think!We currently recycle our plastic grocery bags as garbage bags in our house, including diaper garbage, so at least we’re using them more than once. But I think we can improve on the two behaviors I just mentioned…
First: I’m really interested in getting some reusable grocery bags. I know that at least one of PSBN’s participants (Julie) is going to talk about those types of bags, so I’m eager to see her post!
Second: I’m actually really interested in learning more about cloth diapers and what my options are. I’m in the process of researching the different types, and trying to figure out whether the water/energy spent laundering will be worth the reduction in waste that would result from switching.
Maybe someone did a post on this??? (I know you cloth diapered, Heather! Share the knowledge!)
I’ve been checking out this website.
Still pondering it all…
But look at this super-cute diaper cover!
Another cool tip given to me by a reader named Elsie was that she made bags out of tulle for her fruits/veggies so that she wouldn’t have to use those plastic bags at the grocery store anymore! I LOVED this idea.
I did a little looking into it and I found these instructions on how to make them. If you (like me) don’t have a sewing machine you can also buy them here. I’m getting some – I think they’re fabulous!
We’re also de-junking our bodies here at The Carroll Household. We’re going back to the way we used to eat – healthy! This means we remember to take our vitamins, we eat whole foods (bye-bye loads of processed crizznap!), and drink lots of water.
Part of this will involve us trying to purchase organic foods when possible. Unfortunately we can’t afford to buy everything organic, but every little bit helps. The more organic you eat, the less CRUD you’re putting in your body… and ON THE EARTH! I also got a tip recently from Laura that switching to organic milk made her feel better, and I thought that was a good idea, so we’re doing that, as well.
Basically, John & I have a new motto: “Less Crud.” Less Crud in our bodies and on the earth.
My heart is bursting with an insanely (childish?) idealistic, wonderfully giddy happiness at making a difference. I can’t tell you how excited I am to read your posts… to see what you’ve done, and to learn from you all.
If you’ve written a post, link up below!
If you haven’t posted your story/tips/ideas on how we can Support Beauty in Nature, it’s not too late. Feel free to do a post anytime this week and come back here to link up.
Even if you aren’t posting anything – make sure to visit those who do. See how they make a difference and look for ideas!
I’m off to hug a frickin’ tree!
#1 by Kim on February 11, 2008 - 12:20 AM
I really enjoyed thinking up an idea of how my son could get more involved in taking care of the environment and you lit the fire under my bum to get it done..
Great pics and suggestions!! And I have to throw my two cents in with the organic milk, once I switched my sons allergies seemed to clear up about 80% when I switched him to organic milk..
Kim’s last blog post..Project Support Beauty in Nature
#2 by Crunchy Domestic Goddess on February 11, 2008 - 12:31 AM
what a wonderful post – full of so many helpful tips! i’m so glad that you decided to do this project and open it up to all of us. my family and i had a great time doing out little part and hope to continue picking up trash on a regular basis.
love your pics too.
i need to get some of those produce bags. every time i go to the grocery store i think about it and then forget by the time i get home. btw, they also sell them here: http://tinyurl.com/ys72fm
Crunchy Domestic Goddess’s last blog post..Third Blogiversary and BSM – painted sky
#3 by Crunchy Domestic Goddess on February 11, 2008 - 12:37 AM
also, cloth diapering is really so much easier than most people think. it can be done really inexpensively or you can go whole hog and buy every cute diaper under the sun.
i do believe that you are saving resources even with all of the loads of laundry you do washing them yourself because think about how much energy and water going into making disposables. plus you are keeping crap (literally) out of the landfills. i keep thinking i need to write a post about cloth diapers, but so many people already have and probably know more than me. still, i may do it one of these days.
Crunchy Domestic Goddess’s last blog post..Third Blogiversary and BSM – painted sky
#4 by shannymar on February 11, 2008 - 12:37 AM
That is such a great idea! I LOVE that! I will definately have to try that when I take my kids out to the park. Awesome!
shannymar’s last blog post..I’m not going to beat your car with an umbrella.
#5 by shannymar on February 11, 2008 - 12:41 AM
P.s. I added you to my blog roll and also, your hair is so cute I’m considering getting it cut this week to look just like it. It’s pretty fricken cute!
shannymar’s last blog post..I’m not going to beat your car with an umbrella.
#6 by anne on February 11, 2008 - 12:48 AM
Hey friend –
Friends of mine use these diapers – the best of both worlds, in my opinion, and they say they work amazing, even with the messiest butt blowouts:
G diapers
Cloth covers, yet with flushable/disposable liners that are completely biodegradeable. Watch the little video that is on the website: the liner inserts actually completely biodegrade in 30 days. They are also completely septic system safe. (Okay, now I sound like spokesperson, but still…)
They’re a little pricey, but they might be a good earth-friendly option. Plus, they’re adorable.
anne’s last blog post..Monday may I correct you: lose vs. loose
#7 by Dre the Texican on February 11, 2008 - 12:49 AM
Look, I’m going along with Project Beauty in Nature because you are the bomb, and I love Earth and God, but everyone needs to know up front I’m a Republican and not supposed to be hugging trees. All right. Now that we have an understanding, let’s do it.
Dre the Texican’s last blog post..Blog Honesty and a Contest
#8 by cyndy on February 11, 2008 - 12:52 AM
Love this post and all the ideas/info in it! My hubby is the one constantly picking up litter. He has to do it at work so it’s just second nature for him. The other day outside of the bank, people had just been throwing down their ATM receipts over the weekend, instead of throwing them in the trash can that was RIGHT THERE. So hubby picked them all up and threw them away, because he’s cool like that. =)
We are also going to be starting to eat healthier, my health is demanding it right now and it’s high time the hubby and kids start too.
cyndy’s last blog post..Scrolling Saturdays – Family OFF!
#9 by Born Again Bird Watcher on February 11, 2008 - 1:01 AM
About the G diapers, I had the opportunity to meet and visit with the creator of this product. I’ve seen alot of the photos of the biodegredation process and they are truly every bit as good as they say they are. The family who started and owns the company are really cool; they live just up the highway from us (Portland, Oregon) and their product is worth supporting. Our daughter is seven now but if she was still little and in diapers we’d be buying G diapers.
Born Again Bird Watcher’s last blog post..Drab Little Birds Might Just Be Rarities
#10 by Sandy (Momisodes) on February 11, 2008 - 1:10 AM
I love those picks of you all on the clean up mission! Since we’ve moved into our apartment, we’ve been terrible about recycling. Especially since our building offers very little to provide tenants with ways to do so. Now we’re trying to bring our recyclables to centers and the grocery stores to do so.
Those are some great tips!!! I love that diaper cover!
My PSBN post is up on my “Green(ish)” living
Thanks so much for putting this wonderful project together.
Sandy (Momisodes)’s last blog post..Weekly Winners
#11 by Makeshift Mama on February 11, 2008 - 1:12 AM
Hey! I just wanted to chime in to say that you should totally check out gDiapers – they are very affordable diaper covers, and you can either use the flushables or put cloth in them, or a mixture of both. If you want, I can send you coupons – I’m part of their gMum program (basically their fan club – we don’t get paid, we just happily hand stuff out cuz we think they’re awesome). Email me if you want me to pop that in the mail for you.
We are de-junking our bodies and homes at my house and my cousin’s house, too. If you want, feel free to check out our shared blog on the subject – BudgetHippies.wordpress.com
Good luck! -Jenni
Makeshift Mama’s last blog post..Sunday: A Day of Rest?
#12 by Kara - down to earth mommy on February 11, 2008 - 1:19 AM
great pics and endeavor. I sucked at being earth friendly this week. although we are atempting potty training so we are using less diapers…. every little bit helps.
Kara – down to earth mommy’s last blog post..Sending an S.O.S.
#13 by Eve on February 11, 2008 - 1:31 AM
When my daughter was a baby we all did cloth diapers. We used disposables only when traveling. I used flushable diaper liners most of the time (they smelled like coconut). It made the clean-up much easier, and cut down on stains. The biggest draw back to cloth diapers was the plastic pants. I’m sure they have something better by now.
I love your pictures as always. Poor little Braden – dragged along while mom and dad pick up trash. He probably wouldn’t have cried as much if you had let him loose with a trash bag, too.
I hadn’t seen the vegetable bags before. I think I’ll have to make some of those to go with my knitted dish cloths that I give for Christmas presents. I’ll be making some for myself – I hate those plastic bags. Most fruits and veggies keep better outside the plastic. And I’m planning to get some grocery bags, too. I’m tired of plastic bags taking over my house and dropping groceries all over the garage when they break.
Eve’s last blog post..Earth Day, 1970
#14 by Veronica on February 11, 2008 - 3:24 AM
I just put mine up now.
I love your photos. You are so organised! How do you do that?!
Veronica’s last blog post..Project Support Beauty in Nature
#15 by Mommy Cracked on February 11, 2008 - 5:18 AM
Damnit, now you’ve inspired me to do something. OK, I’m starting small, but I am going outside to make you proud. I’ll link up later. And may I just say how hawt you look in your red coat?
Mommy Cracked’s last blog post..Mommy Secrets
#16 by frogpondsrock on February 11, 2008 - 5:27 AM
Hiya sweety.. and i am sorry that i growled.. mmmm I am just a grumpy old bat…* Grovel grovel* my post is up..
cheers kim
frogpondsrock’s last blog post..Clean up and Green up… WooHoo!!!!
#17 by Alison on February 11, 2008 - 5:29 AM
I use cloth diapers, I did the switch at almost 8 months. They are super easy to use and super fun to use! Plus I’m not throwing out disposables all the time. They are abit daunting to sort through and figure out what you want to use. I started out with Prefolds just because they are pretty cheap, though now that my son is a wiggle worm he won’t sit still alot of the times so it’s hard to use a Snappi (which is what alot of people use in modern times instead of pins). As for the more easier diapers we use BG’s(Bum Genius) pockets, and FB(Fuzzibunz). They are so much like disposable, cause you just put an insert inside the diaper after it gets out of the wash, then all you have to do is velcro it around the baby or snap it! How fricken easy is that!
And by the way I’m addicted to your blog now, so glad I found it! I hope I didn’t ramble too much for my first post.
#18 by Katie on February 11, 2008 - 5:39 AM
I just found your blog recently and love this post! I currently use reuseable canvas bags for my groceries and LOVE THEM. They hold more and are much easier to carry. I am going to look into those vegetable bags too! Also, in terms of organic food, if you don’t want to go full blown, start off with foods you eat a lot of. Also, milk and meat is good to start off with too. Also, you don’t need to buy thick fruited fruit like bananas organicly because the chemicals can’t get to the part you eat. And more think before I get off my soapbox… think about eating locally and from farmers markets too… that way you save all the pollution it takes to get the fruit to you!
#19 by Secret Agent Mama on February 11, 2008 - 5:49 AM
I’ll be linking sometime today (maybe later than sooner, but I have a lot to write up from what’s in my head).
I think this is a great effort, Lotus!!
Secret Agent Mama’s last blog post..Showin’ Off On [Sunday]
#20 by CableGirl on February 11, 2008 - 6:15 AM
My post is up too. I also went on a clean up the neighborhood walk, but I didn’t bring a camera.
I linked to an earlier post that I had put up for Blog Action Day that has a whole list of easy way to make your house more green.
And if you’re looking for cloth diapering discussions, go no further. I’ve been CDing MJ since she was 2 weeks old. I’ve been through many different types, from chinese prefolds with covers to all in ones to pockets. My favorites are Fuzzi Bunz. However, I LOVE LOVE LOVE g-diapers for when we go out. I also have a post up in my archives on g-diapers. check it out. If you have any questions about CDing, let me know. I’ll certainly help.
CableGirl’s last blog post..Green Day on the environment
#21 by Lilacspecs on February 11, 2008 - 6:44 AM
Hi there! My post is up and I’m off to read some others. Also, if you’re looking into cloth diapers, you may also be interested in http://www.divacup.com/ . I’m a bit hesitant to try it, but it’s getting a lot of good feedback (and you can get cloth pads as well, even on places like etsy).
And good call with the organic food…it reminded me of the organic vegetable package me and Hans get weekly…gonna go throw that in my post real quick!
?
Lilacspecs’s last blog post..Have You Hugged a Tree Lately?
#22 by MommyTime on February 11, 2008 - 6:45 AM
This is such a great idea, and I’m looking forward to reading carefully through everyone’s comments and ideas. I LOVE the mesh bags for fruits and veg idea and can’t wait to do that one too. Right now, I have to go find an Incredibles picture for Son to color, but I’ll be back. I made a linky to my project to find green cleaning products. Thanks for the inspiration!
MommyTime’s last blog post..Greener Cleaners
#23 by jennifer on February 11, 2008 - 6:47 AM
I know I need to recycle too. I know I need to but I have been lazy (we do not have that easy pick up either, so I am going to have to get off my lazy butt and put some effort into it)
Thanks for reminding me and all the great suggestions.
This is a really important issue.
jennifer’s last blog post..Organic or Not To Organic
#24 by Maria on February 11, 2008 - 7:11 AM
Cloth diapering is the way to go. If you can past the initial hundreds of dollars investment it’s more financially responsible, as well as more environmentally efficient and better on the baby’s bum.
I suggest Fuzzi Bunz AIOs – they are awesome.
And the tons of shitty pampers vs. the extra laundry is so worth it environmentally. If you have a diaper pail with a bit of scented liquid in it to soak the used diapers in afterwards you really won’t have much more laundry than you already do.
Also, you can use flushable liners and install a sprayer in your toilet to rid the diapers of the poop and put it right in the potty.
I’d check out Mothering.com for more information.
Maria’s last blog post..Numbered for your Pleasure!!
#25 by Nicole on February 11, 2008 - 7:31 AM
Lucky you – I want some trees to hug too
And what a coincidence.
I just did another clean the beach thing today
Now I’m gonna sign up as a new member of your project and edit my latest post
What is the name for the code???
#26 by Christina on February 11, 2008 - 8:00 AM
Would you believe that my city doesn’t do recycling? They gave us a number to contact another trash company so we could PAY for recycling, but the company won’t let us because there aren’t enough people in our neighborhood who are interested in paying $15 a month for them to bother to collect our recycling. Insane.
Luckily, my mom drives by a recycling drop-off on her way home, so when she watches the girls once a week, she takes our recycling.
We have so much trash in our yard from gross neighbors. Worst thing we’ve picked up in our front yard lately: condoms. Used condoms. Ick.
Christina’s last blog post..Haiku Friday: A Hair-Do
#27 by Sue on February 11, 2008 - 8:24 AM
Hey, I like those tulle bags. Great idea!
Sue’s last blog post..WifeTrax
#28 by Greenstylemom on February 11, 2008 - 8:36 AM
What a great idea!
Greenstylemom’s last blog post..Monday Menu Plan
#29 by A Whole Lot of Nothing on February 11, 2008 - 8:40 AM
We’re really trying to do our part, but failing in most ways. But, somehow, I got through to the 3yo b/c she started picking up trash at the park. I documented it of course. With commentary.
#30 by Lou Lohman on February 11, 2008 - 8:52 AM
I used to do diapers when the boys were small. We used disposables. That is the last thing I am EVER going to say about diapers again. Babies are soooo cute. And cuddly. And they gurgle, giggle and bat their eyes at you. But behind all of that cuteness is hidden the pounds of poop that the little fart is going to leave in his diaper, wipe on the walls, feed to the dog and perhaps dine on himself. Oh good, now I’ve grossed myself out and I have to go to the bathroom. Ta.
Lou Lohman’s last blog post..And now for something completely different
#31 by Jenni on February 11, 2008 - 8:54 AM
Lotus, since I started CD, my water/energy bill has gone up about $20 every 3months. That’s what, one pack of diapers? They are so easy (and I use prefolds, not the AIOs that most prefer), and completely addictive. I even use cloth pull-ups for my two middle children who still pee at night.
You can save a ton of money by buying gently used diapers. I got my entire stash (newborn to toddler) for under $200. They would have been three times that had I bought brand-new.
I would encourage any one who is considering cloth-diapering to take the plunge. When I think of all the money I wasted on disposables, I could shoot myself.
Jenni’s last blog post..The Blind Date…..From Hell
#32 by Ree on February 11, 2008 - 9:02 AM
I love those bags! I wonder if I could hand sew them?
Ree’s last blog post..Happy Birthday Dad
#33 by Beck on February 11, 2008 - 9:04 AM
Hey, that’s awesome! When the snow melts, our town will look like it’s covered in a thick blanket of garbage – so we’ll be out with our garbage bags, too. But that won’t be until April, so I’m gonna have a nap.
Beck’s last blog post..It’s a cookie kind of day
#34 by Erin O on February 11, 2008 - 9:12 AM
Hi there,
For resuable bags, I used this idea from Martha Stewart and turned a bunch of old t-shirts into shopping bags. It was super fast and easy – and best of all, made use of something I already had on hand!
http://www.marthastewart.com/article/good-thing-t-shirt-bag
#35 by Queen of Shake Shake on February 11, 2008 - 9:17 AM
Yay for cloth diapers! I LOVED them.
If we were having another child, I would do it all over again. I’ll give you short advice from my experience. You can always email me with specific questions!
My favorite cloth diaper (and I tried lots!)…a Bummis SWW wrap and chinese prefold.
I kept a couple of Fuzzi Bunz for night time and outings.
A Snappi fastener…a MUST for those cloth diapers. No more pins!
The mini-shower….better than sliced bread. It makes rinsing those poopie dipes way less gross. With the shower, no dunking, swishing, or ringing out. It would go on my MUST HAVE list.
Queen of Shake Shake’s last blog post..Just Stick a Cup in Your Hoo-Haa Already
#36 by noname on February 11, 2008 - 9:18 AM
I’ve posted. Not nearly as well as you did, but it’s up. Thanks for the idea and the wonderful read!
noname’s last blog post..Project Supprt Beauty in Nature
#37 by Penelope Anne on February 11, 2008 - 10:30 AM
http://cafeendofuniverse.blogspot.com/2008/02/project-support-beauty-in-nature.html
We’ve posted the Bear Family Plan which we will be putting into action.
Great reminder on the reusable shopping bag thing, I plan to do that.
ON cloth diapers the options are much better now than they used to be, and with energy star washing machines and using line drying over machine a huge difference.
Great thoughts, love your post and the pictures. Teach them young and they never forget
Penelope Anne’s last blog post..Project: Support Beauty in Nature
#38 by Jenny on February 11, 2008 - 10:34 AM
Reusable cloth grocery bags are now available for less than $2 each at Target- don’t know how tough they are- should be near the OneSpot. I bought mine a while ago online from http://www.ecobags.com (I got the greenbags brand) they are very sturdy and one bag can hold 5 boxes of cereal or 2 gallons of milk- very roomy!
Lots of cute cloth diapers- all different methods can be found at http://www.jilliansdrawers.com . My personal favorite for older babies is Swaddlebees brand pocket-style diaper – very trim for busy bodies/easy to deal with for mommy and daddy. Also, they snap, which I love, and there is no vinyl cover to contend with.
#39 by Marie on February 11, 2008 - 11:50 AM
I wanted to use cloth diapers, but not only were they sooooo expensive, when you live in an apartment and have to do your laundry in a laundromat, you’re not allowed to wash cloth diapers there. Now I finally have my own washer and dryer, but still, when you look at the cost of the GOOD cloth diapers (the ones without pins and such), and the quantity you’d have to buy (a LOT, you have to change them more often that disposables, and you have to re-buy for each size), there really isn’t much of a savings. And all that washing wastes a TON of water. There really isn’t a way to win with diapers of any kind I don’t think.
When I lived in Oregon, recycling was awesome. All of the stores had actual vending machines that you put your reyclables into, different machines for different types of bottles and such. The machines would print a receipt which you would turn in for a credit in the store. Everywhere else I’ve lived, figuring out where to take my recyclables has been like pulling teeth, and there are no incentives. The system in Oregon was so great that there was NO LITTER. A can or a bottle could be worth as much as a dime, so no one dared throw them away. I’ve never seen a cleaner state.
Marie’s last blog post..The Path to Natural Beauty
#40 by jill on February 11, 2008 - 11:51 AM
i had my post up early this morning but did fun monday and my workout in between getting this linked back here. ahh!
jill’s last blog post..Fun Monday: Music Mania
#41 by jill on February 11, 2008 - 11:55 AM
one small comment about organic food, if you your food is organic, but its being trucked from bolivia, you’re kind of missing the point. if its locally grown organic, that’s one thing, but allowing all that extra crap to be trucked or flown from south america or god knows where, and adding all that garbage in the form of excess exhaust just to eat ‘organic’ doesnt make any sense! toodles!
jill’s last blog post..Fun Monday: Music Mania
#42 by Di on February 11, 2008 - 11:57 AM
I’m totally with you!!! I just ordered a countertop compost container. I think the whole concept of going green is overwhelming to some. My friends whose garage is a huge location for beer consumption don’t recycle and I think of all those beer cans going into the landfill!!!
I think maybe a Meme is in order and I nominate you to start it. Save the Earth Saturday or something. Participating bloggers would post ONE simple thing they have done in the past week to make a difference. It could be as simple as not asking for a receipt at the ATM!
Di’s last blog post..From Mommy to Mother
#43 by Autumn Dahlia on February 11, 2008 - 12:34 PM
So awesome! I’m working on my post
Excellent job Lotus!
Autumn Dahlia’s last blog post..Sunday Quiet Sunday
#44 by ImpostorMom on February 11, 2008 - 12:52 PM
What a great post. We use cloth with Boog and have tried several different kinds. We started with covers and prefolds from the diaper service but never could get a very good fit. We settled on bumGenius because they are one size and will last all the way to potty training. No new diapers or covers to buy at all.
I also like them because they are pocket diapers so the outer shell has a waterproof outer layer and a suedecloth inner layer that wicks moisture away from little bottoms. With Boog being in daycare I wanted to make sure he wasn’t going to be sitting in a soggy pile of cotton.
It cost somewhere around $600 to get started with enough diapers to to wash only twice a week and wet bags and diaper pail liners. Seemed like a lot of money at the time but it is a big savings over the long haul.
ImpostorMom’s last blog post..The saga continues, ugh
#45 by Gretchen on February 11, 2008 - 12:52 PM
Great idea! In my sewing docket are cloth bags. They’re next on the list. Great idea about the tulle bags. One more project for the list.
I’d love to go outside and pick up, but the negative temperatures aren’t helping! This spring, as it melts… Promise.
Gretchen’s last blog post..I cried. A lot.
#46 by mamafabulosity on February 11, 2008 - 12:54 PM
Awww! Braden’s little crying face just kills me.
mamafabulosity’s last blog post..Ewww!
#47 by julie on February 11, 2008 - 12:56 PM
Okay, my whole thing about not using plastic bags and reusable grocery bags is up. I researched, I took photos, I even excerpted online articles. Check it out!
julie’s last blog post..Project Support Beauty in Nature.
#48 by Kat on February 11, 2008 - 1:05 PM
Braden in his wagon… SO CUTE. I wanna squish him.
I posted part of an article I wrote last year.
I don’t think I could switch to cloth mid-kid – but I’m very interested in what you find out about cloth diapering. Nomatter what resources cloth uses in the way of water – Huggies sit in landfills FOREVER, how gross is that?!
Kat’s last blog post..Getting Greener
#49 by MetroOwl on February 11, 2008 - 1:25 PM
Thanks for posting the link to the OneStringBags. I love love love my reusable shopping bags and am always looking for more for myself and loved ones. Plus, I happen to adore sewing and making bags, so this is right up my alley! Can’t wait to try making some.
Regarding trask pick up:
Every time I sit at the red light at my community’s entrance/exit, I glare at the trash people’ve dumped in the landscaping. It’s always irritated the poop out of me, but this last month or so it’s really gotten my blood pumping. You see, our neighorhood association applied for and received a beautification grant from the county to help pay for pretty, drought-resistance shrubs, trees, etc. And some folks took the time to dig out the old stuff and plant the new. And what do these ungrateful idiots do? Within two days, there were cigarette butts, soda cans, beer bottles, etc., scattered throughout the new plants.
Anyway, the solution? I’ve gone, and will again go, up the street (just a little farther than I normally go with the dogs anyway), place these “trashables” in a garbage bag, and take them home. Neighbors look at me like I’m That Crazy Plastic Bag Lady, but I don’t care. Maybe I’ll guilt them into helping, or at least littering less.
MetroOwl’s last blog post..Become a Millionaire in Five Easy Steps
#50 by tommie on February 11, 2008 - 1:26 PM
Great job! I posted about my green grocery bags. I am definitely going to look into those fruit and veggie bags. I can sew, so it shouldn’t be a problem. Thanks for the kick in the pants to get a tad greener.
I think the next time we go on our “adventures in the woods” behind our house, I will take some trash bags. For it being a wooded area, there is so much junk out there!
tommie’s last blog post..Going green, bloggy love, and a meme
#51 by missy wiggins on February 11, 2008 - 1:51 PM
right on!!!
i have my kids trained to throw everything in a trash can and never leave anything just lying around so someone else can pick it up.
they even help me sort my recyclables.
missy wiggins’s last blog post..talking trash.
#52 by Junebug on February 11, 2008 - 2:07 PM
I am truly going to clean up the high school grounds as soon as the weather permits and hopefully that will be this week. We have been having rainy, snowy nasty weather lately. I will link this week if possible.
Cause I believe in you!!!
Junebug’s last blog post..Fun Monday-The Song
#53 by Jenty on February 11, 2008 - 2:08 PM
Braden’s crying face is just classic. He looks sooo unhappy. Poor kid!
Well done with all the cleaning up you’re doing.
Jenty’s last blog post..I’m my own worst enemy
#54 by FireMom on February 11, 2008 - 2:15 PM
I recently posted about CDing on our blog. We use Fuzzi Bunz exclusively with our youngest and our older son gets them only at night as he’s an uber-pee-er. Best parenting decision I’ve made (other than breastfeeding). It’s saved us so much money. (That said, don’t pass up gently used options on DiaperSwappers.com! Save money and keep the earth-saving-ness going on for longer and longer!)
FireMom’s last blog post..What Would You Say In Your Six Word Memoir?
#55 by Lisa's Chaos on February 11, 2008 - 2:31 PM
You know, as geocachers we do this regularly. It’s called a CITO event. You should come hug trees with us.
http://www.geocaching.com
Lisa’s Chaos’s last blog post..Fun Monday – My song
#56 by Sister Sassy on February 11, 2008 - 2:42 PM
I think Sister Honey Bunch and I were supposed to do this but we’re buried in a bunch of snow so would have to dig out to find the trash.
JImmyEat World and I celebrate Earth Day each year with the kids. We try to do outdoor activities and give the kids educational gifts about the earth and plant flowers and stuff.
Maybe this year we’ll go pick up trash somewhere.
Sister Sassy’s last blog post..What is Your Weekend Latte Factor?
#57 by Jerseygirl89 on February 11, 2008 - 2:42 PM
We need to do more of this. We recycle and I have the reusable grocery bags, but sometimes I forget them. But I love the litter walk idea. Although I’m a little nervous about what Ironflower would pick up.
Jerseygirl89’s last blog post..Fun Monday!
#58 by Robyn on February 11, 2008 - 2:50 PM
I hope you see this in the midst of your “millions” of comments…LOL!
I have an award for you if you would like to drop by and pick it up….
Great post!
Robyn’s last blog post..Tagged again!
#59 by Dawn on February 11, 2008 - 3:20 PM
I know stuff about cloth diapers
Dawn’s last blog post..Project Support Beauty in Nature
#60 by Lottifish on February 11, 2008 - 3:35 PM
Good for you and thanks for helping to make our Earth beautiful! I applaud you and your family! Now I’m off to buy these fruit and veggie bags.
Lottifish’s last blog post..I Love Al Gore
#61 by Josh on February 11, 2008 - 3:37 PM
You sure do get a load of comments… I think that you should be encouraged to use your soapbox…
Check out CSA’s (Community Supported Agriculture) in your area. You basically pay a farm before the growing season gets going and you own a share of the crop for that year. Their are organic and conventional farms that participate… talk to any of the farmers at your local farmer’s market about it… they often won’t shut up about it once you get them started…. it’s great!
We like Delvin Farms (delvinfarms.com) (outside Franklin, Tn)… you will certainly eat much healthier. But beware, you can end up with a boatload of squash.
Josh
Josh’s last blog post..January Downtime
#62 by MP on February 11, 2008 - 4:05 PM
My husband pics up crap around our house, many things that drop on the way to the dumpster that people are too lazy to pick up.
I shop at Whole Food Market and use recyled bags once a month.
We don’t do near enough though to be proud of or to blog about. I was the damn teenager that through their McDonalds cup out the window..Yeah I was bad, I’m much better now. I don’t know why in the early 80’s we thought it was OK to litter..I mean we had the Italian man that pretended to be an Indian tell us not to litter..Oh well, eventually I learned my lesson
MP’s last blog post..Happy Monday!!
#63 by Michelle Dawn on February 11, 2008 - 4:18 PM
Hi, I’ve been reading your blog for a little while now and just wanted to say I love it! Love that red jacket you’re wearing too!
Michelle Dawn’s last blog post..Frugal Organization
#64 by Stephen on February 11, 2008 - 4:25 PM
Sounds like the frickin’ tree will return the affection.
Stephen’s last blog post..Izor
#65 by amy on February 11, 2008 - 5:08 PM
This is such an awesome project you have started! And we were totally going to the park yesterday, trash bags in hand until one of the kiddos started throwing up and well that just ruined our day! I’ve read quite a few of these posts and everyone has some great ideas about the little things we can all do. Can’t wait to try to implement some of these ideas into our daily life!
amy’s last blog post..The things they do, just to sleep with me
#66 by urbanhippiemama on February 11, 2008 - 5:10 PM
lotus,
i love this project! love love love it. it is so fun to make all of the initial changes that you can, too, and then it kind of becomes like a game, seeing where you can find great things to make, reuse, and repurpose.
there is an awesome tutorial for very cute reusable shopping bags here.
and then, cloth diapering, you ask??? there are so. many. options. maybe i will do a whole post on it… but, to start TODAY (which you should…there is no reason not to)–go buy a dozen prefolds, a snappi, and a box of country save laundry powder and you are ready. Oh, you might want a pair of fleece pants, wool pants, or a diaper cover, too.
Thank you for doing this!!!
urbanhippiemama’s last blog post..Weekly Winners
#67 by cynematic on February 11, 2008 - 5:11 PM
Hey! I love recycling so much I recycled a post from the NaBloPoMoFo Great Plastic Challenge back in November!
I did 4 weeks and tried to eliminate a new source of plastic each week.
Right now I’m working on beeswax waxed paper…great to wrap snacks and lunches. I’ll have a post up about it tomorrow. The best part is that you can join me in asking for this! It’ll be like a little experiment to see if companies listen to consumers.
Cynematic
PS To the blogger who said she’s a Republican–hey, it’s all good. It just means you’re a Crunchy Con!
cynematic’s last blog post..Feminists for Obama
#68 by Annika on February 11, 2008 - 6:23 PM
I JUST read an article comparing disposable and cloth diapers. Basically they are the same. The amount of energy used in washing and drying diapers makes them not a great option, but the energy in making, and shipping, and then filling landfills doesnt make disposables much better. The organic ones are supposed to be better (biodegradble and stuff) but they are wicked expensive. Also, some people talk about how the bleach and toxic chemicals in disposable diapers arnt good things to be putting against hineys…. and reproductive organs.
Cloth diapers get also really wet and gooky, where as disposables feel dry-ish after pee. Aparently kids who wear cloth diapers potty train faster because they are more aware of the wetness, when it happens and yadda yadda. My mom still uses my diapers (I’m about to graduate from highschool). She washes the windows, and the car. They are all around scrubbing and cleaning things. Super durable too!
I would highly suggest investing in a few diaper covers and a few cloth diapers- not a bunch- they are kinda expensive. There are so many options- but in my opinion the square ones are the best, and will be most useful in house-hold cleaning (I’ve been a nanny for three families, one disposable, and two cloth diapers.) Make sure you get the diapers a bit bigger than you think- he’ll grow fast, and buying new cloth diapers during potty training feels silly.
Good luck making the choice. Dont request that a baby sitter EVER deal with a poopy cloth diaper. Its not the most pleasant thing. And traveling with cloth is a pain. But I highly suggest them…. especially if you have your own washer, and could do some sun drying.
Good luck! And keep his bottom bare! He’s cuter that way.
#69 by Keppy on February 11, 2008 - 6:33 PM
I used cloth diapers with all my kids – they are much better for the environment than disposables… I personally liked prefolds and a velcro cover the best. I tried nearly all brands that were available about 8 years ago (there were TONS then and I’m sure that there are even more now…) I spent bunches on covers from all different WAHMs and from online stores. I actually ended up liking the Gerber EZ covers that I could buy from Babies R Us the best. They were cheap and never leaked. I know some people hated them, but I’ve tried the super expensive ones, and for me personally they weren’t any better value for the money. YMMV of course
#70 by LaskiGal on February 11, 2008 - 6:34 PM
I’m all over this idea. I’ve seen you around forever and even visited your blog–I always take forever to post–apparently I am a lurker . . . NOT ANYMORE! Love this post. Love this idea!
I wrote about this not long ago (Going Green and Toxic Free)–and that’s it, I’m hugging a tree, too!
LaskiGal’s last blog post..The Monday Mix: 100 Things Challenge and More
#71 by Huckdoll on February 11, 2008 - 6:38 PM
Nice job!
PS. Your red coat is loverly.
Huckdoll’s last blog post..Define Me
#72 by Shari on February 11, 2008 - 7:19 PM
I can’t believe how much junk ends up along the road. No one walks along our country road. That means people must roll down their window and throw it out on our property. I can’t believe the nerve of some people. It all adds up to a big mess – doesn’t it?
Shari’s last blog post..Monday Memories: First Kiss
#73 by Nancy on February 11, 2008 - 7:44 PM
Great inspirational post. I’m going to check out those one string bags … buying them, not making them … I’m not that inspired!
Nancy’s last blog post..Did you see HER?
#74 by amy on February 11, 2008 - 8:10 PM
You. Rock.
I’m off to get me some of those fruit bags!
amy’s last blog post..Dear Lord, Bless the Scorpions
#75 by Jenski on February 11, 2008 - 8:26 PM
Thank you for the link to onestringbag! I have a new project for gifts to my “green” friends…and maybe some of those who should be more green. This is wonderful that you are making such an effort to have better habits. It really is inspiring and motivating. I’m now in the habit of remembering my canvas bags when I go grocery shopping (one step at a time…). Great example you are setting for Braden too!
Jenski’s last blog post..Gasp!
#76 by stephanie on February 11, 2008 - 9:55 PM
Yay, Lotus! Great idea, fabulous post! Way to go making changes to get rid of the crud in other areas of life as well.
Speaking of crud, I’ve posted about cloth diapers before (like here: http://littlestuffoflife.blogspot.com/2007/07/diaper-poll-closed-but-debate-continues.html), and I was actually planning to get back to that topic next week. So feel free to stop by and share your opinion.
#77 by peppylady on February 11, 2008 - 10:22 PM
We have a bunch of snow left here on the ground and I bet once the snow melts one would see a bunch of trash.
One thing they do in Idaho you can adopted part of highway or some road way that one picks up it litter but I even seen groups do it.
peppylady’s last blog post..Number 48 and Heads or Tail (LOVE)
#78 by zoeyjane on February 11, 2008 - 11:38 PM
I did it as close to the end of day as possible, because I was conserving (my) energy by doing so! Seriously, the fabric produce bags are genius. I’m going to make me sumadose. Or, like, reuse the ones I already have collected in a junk drawer.
zoeyjane’s last blog post..Has it been two weeks, already?
#79 by cyndy on February 12, 2008 - 12:50 AM
Im going to post on reducing the use of plastic bags, also. I just saw that someone else posted it, but it’s worth spreading around! It’s so inexpensive to buy those cheap cloth ones and they save the lives of turtles and many other animals!
cyndy’s last blog post..Quirky Confessions
#80 by Shannon on February 12, 2008 - 12:55 AM
I am making the transition to reusable grocery bags and I love the mesh bags for produce. Gonna need to order me a few of those!
Shannon’s last blog post..Made with Trash
#81 by Kelsi on February 12, 2008 - 1:53 AM
Ok, my post is up! Thanks for the reminder and the challenge!
Kelsi’s last blog post..Six Steps and a Long Term Goal
#82 by To Think is to Create on February 12, 2008 - 2:24 AM
Loved this, thanks for making us all organized! It was the first time I actually put everything we do down in one spot. I look forward to adding to the our list, and maybe some day I’ll be energetic enough to do cloth diapers….
#83 by river on February 12, 2008 - 2:42 AM
Just before my first child was born I was told that I would need at least 5 dozen nappies (diapers). Back then the only option was terry towelling squares at $12 per dozen. So I bought 3 dozen and received another dozen as a gift. Boy did they last and last. Like another commenter said after 4 babies I was still using them, to clean the bathtub, wipe spills from floors etc. The best part is you don’t have to constantly buy them every week, and you pass them down to each child. And potty training IS easier because the child is more conscious of the wet/dirty factor. Soaking to remove stains is no trouble and line drying in the sun sanitises them. You have to do laundry on a regular basis anyway, what’s one or two extra loads?
I love the picture you found of the tulle bags. Mine are all the same colour but I’m thinking of making more, for myself and as gifts for my kids, so I think i’ll go with a variety of colours. Another way I’ve “greened” is I’ve planted a tree in every yard I’ve ever lived in.
#84 by Angela on February 12, 2008 - 9:20 AM
I absolutely love the colored tulle bags! I am soo making some! Oh, and good green gift idea! It’s perfect!
Angela’s last blog post..Support Beauty in Nature
#85 by cynematic on February 12, 2008 - 5:49 PM
Back again, with a bee in my bonnet. I’m trying to get people to let Burt’s Bees know that if they and their parent company Clorox made biodegradable unbleached waxed paper, that we’d use it for our kids’ lunches and snacks instead of plastic sandwich bags.
I’d buy beeswaxed paper, wouldn’t you?
Cynematic
#86 by Tonya on February 12, 2008 - 6:08 PM
I just bought us a six-pack of baggu bags (http://baggubag.com/) and I love them. Kind of expensive but they really hold a lot. Plus, the colors!
Curious what you hear about cloth diapers. We’ve been thinking about trying them again now that we’re not dealing with breast milk poop anymore. G diapers?
#87 by tommie on February 13, 2008 - 10:25 AM
Sorry I posted my name twice in that auto -link thing. BUT, Target has those recyclable bags for $0.99. They are red with a pocket on the front! Very cute.
tommie’s last blog post..Hand me downs
#88 by Kimberly on February 13, 2008 - 1:55 PM
Great idea – we’re pretty green at home, so I’ll have to join forces and get a post up.
Have you looked into gDiapers (http://www.gdiapers.com/) – sort of a hybrid b/w cloth and disposable. Some of our friends are using them for their babies and love them.
Kimberly’s last blog post..Statistics from a bad commute home
#89 by RubiaLala on February 16, 2008 - 9:36 AM
Love the clean up idea, but I’m writing because I have that same coat! Red corduroy peacoat from Gap, right? I love that coat.
RubiaLala’s last blog post..Date Night
#90 by Julie on March 8, 2008 - 5:55 PM
I love this! I usually pick up trash that comes across my path on my walk, but I’ve never put some major effort into actually chasing it down. Now I will!
And I’m sooo making some of those tulle bags. I’ve been wanting to buy some, but I’m cheap. Making things is fun!
Thanks for the inspiration!
Julie
Julie’s last blog post..Hemp, hemp, hurray!
#91 by Heather on March 5, 2009 - 12:54 PM
I was amazed when I went to Texas last year that re-usable bags were not available OR if they were, they were expensive. Here in the East Coast of Canada we can buy re-usable bags at the check out for $0.99 at almost every retailer around. I have one in my purse that’s been there for probably 10 years I use on a daily basis. Looking for green ideas? Come to Canada.
(Oh, but I will be making/buying some veggie bags, thanks for the info!)
#92 by Ecotrendbags on September 26, 2009 - 11:16 PM
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