The alternatives to disposable diapers...

Yes, there is an alternative and yes, I'm going down that route with KLM. Before you get all yucked out about the thought about poopy diapers in the washer, let's talk about some factors on why I choose Cloth.

Money: Did you know that the average cost of disposable diapers is around $1,080 a year? That's about $3,240 for that child's lifetime. If you did reusable diapers, you'd cut that lifetime cost down to less than a third of the cost, even more savings depending on what type of you decide to use. Source Here is a Diaper Calculator to see what the cost will be to you!


Environment: Did you know ONE diaper takes over 500 years to decompose? So basically after your great-great-great-great-grandchild is alive, your own child's diaper is almost done decomposing? EWW! Source

The Yuck Factor: Sure, disposable is easy to use and get rid of but reusable diapers aren't that bad either. For starters, you're already dealing with the poop... sure, you could throw it in the Diaper Genie and go about your business, or you could use a reusable diaper and use a sprayer and your toilet to get the mess off before you wash them in the washer. Yes you take a few more steps, but you get used to it.

So with all that being said and done, will I ever use disposable? Of Course! We know when we travel, it will be hard to wash diapers. We decided in those cases we will use eco-friendly disposable diapers like Seventh Generation, Nature Babycare, or Earth's Best. But for everyday use, we are going with reusable diapers.

Reusable diapers have come a long way... There are so many different options out there, from BumGenius 3.0 where the diaper gets bigger as your baby grows, to the hybrid kinds like gDiapers.

If you want to try them out and keep the costs down, in the March and April issues of Pregnancy, Motherhood, and Pregnancy & Newborn magazines have coupons for bumGenius diapers in them. If you are interesting in ordering them and want to use the coupon (buy one get one free) you can go here.

Need a drink to cool off?

Summerberry Cooler

2 cups sliced fresh strawberries
1/2 cup fresh raspberries
3 tablespoons frozen apple juice concentrate, thawed
1 12-ounce can diet lemon-lime carbonated beverage
Ice cubes*

1. In a blender, combine strawberries, raspberries, and apple juice concentrate. Cover and blend until smooth. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve; discard pulp.

2. Pour strained mixture into a small pitcher; slowly stir in carbonated beverage. Serve over ice cubes in chilled glasses. Makes 4 (6-ounce) servings.

Source

Friday Tips to go Green

• Pack a waste-free lunch: Use reusable containers and silverware. Time to eliminate tossing excess trash in that trash can. Just say no to sporks and plastic bags that you'll only use one. Not only will you save money in the long run by reusing, chances are you'll be able to pack a smarter and healthier lunch!


• Try making an effort to turn off lights when you leave the room. Keep a little jar on the counter top and those days you forget, drop in a quarter or dollar in the jar. At the end of the month, use that money to buy something like energy-efficient lights or your next trip to the farmer's market!


• Skip the gym and head outdoors. The weather is looking great so now it's time to wonder the streets or trails. By working outdoors, you're saving electricity!


• Time to wash those clothes in colder water. About 90% of the energy used in washing clothes is wasted on heating the water. Switch to warm or even cold and save!!!


• You're not using old school light bulbs are you? If you are guilty of it, time to switch. They are finally coming down in price and will save you money in the long run since they last longer!

Image Source

Project 12 - April update #1

Let's see how we are doing at the LMP household:

• Spend the month without using paper towels. I used one by accident. Only one.


• Set up a clothesline outside and use it 4 times Haven't put it up yet but hope we can get it up this weekend!


• Set up BBQ and start cooking outside 4 times this month. BBQ is ready to go. Will be BBQing tonight! Yum, Lemon Chicken and veggies!!!


• Instead of the gym, go take a walk at night Haven't gone into the gym and will go for a walk tonight.


• Turn off the thermostat Done! The hubby wasn't happy about that the onther morning when it was 55 inside!

How are you doing

Wednesday Ramblings...

• The weather has been weirdo lately. Monday I was in a sweater, a cover up, scarf and heavy pants. Today I'm in capris and a flowy top! Gotta love spring.


• I have on my desk another gala apple. Once I finish this post I will commence eating it. :)


• I start my bi-weekly appts today...getting close to the end! YEA!!!


• Last night I was teaching the hubby how to work reusable diapers. Our helper was our little puppy Ringo. He acted like the perfect toddler, wiggle-worming around while we put one on him. We quickly took it off but it was hilarious!


• The Side Patio's floor paint is 95% complete. To be honest, I don't think we are going to finish it ourselves. I think we might get someone else to get that 5% because you know what they say, the last 5% is always the hardest.


• Okay I lied, I already started eating my apple.


• I'm really digging the new show, Food Revolution. It's really interesting to see others' fears about changing habits and how others just don't get enough information about what is out there. If you haven't caught it, please check it out on Hulu!


• Speaking of TV, SIX DAYS till GLEE!!! YIPPIEE!!!!


• Have Pilates tonight. Can't wait to get a little work out in since I totally skipped Yoga last night.


• I'm stunned how much I've been blogging lately. I have to say I really did miss it. I hope I can keep this up at least till KLM is born!

Disaster...

You know how I was a bit scared to make Macarons the other week? Well, it was justified. I just couldn't even get the mixture right so I tossed the mixture and now moving onto something more fun. Whoopie Pies!!!



More like Banana Whoopie Pies!!! YUUMMMMYYY!!!!! I found the recipe while I was trolling through Martha's website and figured, this is more up my alley. Still out of my element because of the cream in the middle but willing to give it a try! :) I'm sure if I pull this off the hubby will be jumping for joy!

If it comes out, I will post how I made it happen, if not, expect another disaster post! Fingers crossed it works because I'm drooling right now over these things!

What's your footprint?

I decided I wanted to see what our footprint was and boy was I shocked by it. It made me realize how every little lifestyle choice has does a cause/effect to the planet.



While I'm happy about how I came under the U.S. Average, I still think we can do better!

Do you know your footprint? If not, check out this site: My Foot Print to find out more!

Take me out to the ballgame!