Environmental Mama

Cloth Diapers 101

Whew.  I am back.  We have been battling a few bugs here at the Environmental Mama household.  While I am nature friendly, that does not extend to critters in my kids' bodies :)  I also did another guest post on Fit Britt's blog (link on side) regarding finding the time to exercise as a busy mama.  Feel free to check it and the rest of her blog out!  I have had a few comments about cloth diapering, so I thought I would do a basic cloth diapering post about clothing in the twenty-first century.  So, where do I begin?

Basically, there are four different ways to cloth diaper you baby's bum:

1.  Covers and prefolds/inserts.  This consists of a waterproof cover (usually velcro, sometimes pull-ups or buttons--an updated version of an old-school "plastic pants") and an absorbent insert.  Most frequently used are Chinese cotton prefolds or hemp prefolds.  The cover usually fits snug enough to be able to simply lay the absorbent part inside.  Fleece layer optional.  
PROS:  Can be most inexpensive option, Less bulky than most
CONS:  Larger learning curve, more difficult for wiggly, older babies

2.  Covers and fitteds.  This option requires a fitted, absorbent diaper (usually affixed with snaps) and a waterproof cover.  This way is very similar to covers and prefolds, but uses a sewn diaper inside.  The cover is usually slightly larger than a prefold cover.  Requires less covers because diaper contains messes better.  Fleece layer optional.
PROS:  Easier for wiggly babies, runny poops are better contained
CONS:  Most bulky, Moderate learning curve and expense

3.  Pockets.  This option is similar to a disposable diaper.  The diaper is "stuffed" with an absorbent insert (prefold, insert, etc.) and contains a cover and fleece layer.  It is affixed with velcro or snaps.  Some are one-size to make more economical. 
PROS:  Easy to learn, "guest" friendly, nice for wiggly babies
CONS:  Most expensive

4.  All-in-Ones.  This option is just like a disposable diaper that you wash and reuse.  The cover and absorbent insert are all-in-one.
PROS:  Easy to learn, "guest friendly"
CONS:  Expensive, long drying time, hard to personalize for baby

It seems overwhelming at first, but the best thing to do is pick a few diaper types and try them out (perhaps age your baby with my guide below or go with the always favorite pocket).  If you like them, stick with it and order more.  If you have given yourself enough time and have decided it's not for you, file this one into the "work on later" category.  There are a wealth of websites out there with many more details and instructions for cloth diapering.  I will list my personal favorites at the bottom.  Browsing their site gives you further information and some ideas for where to purchase diapers.  Cloth diapering is an art form in itself, from the diapers to the washing system to the detergents and drying method.   

That basic info being said, here is my personal cloth diapering system after much trial and error and lots of practice.  Keep in mind, I have not played around as much with baby #3 as with #1 and #2.  It is possible that something fantastic has come out in the past year, but I probably haven't tried it just because I already have a ridiculously large diaper collection and would need triplets to make buying more diapers worth it!

Environmental Mama's diapering system:

I use a dry pail (aluminum trash can with lid, purchased at Walmart long time ago) with a diaper pail liner.  I have a minimal poop-touching rule, so after the diapers are thrown into the pail, I refuse to touch them again.  When it's laundry time, I pull the whole liner, empty into washer and then throw in liner.  (I only do diapers with diapers--no other laundry) I run a "prewash" in cold with no detergent (to essentially get the "yuck" out, so the diapers aren't being washed in dirty water), then a hot cycle with detergent.  This usually does it.  Then I dry all prefolds and absorbent materials in the dryer and hang covers on my drying rack.  I wash about every third or fourth day, but if you don't have as many diapers every other day works great as well.

For diapers, I like a combo.  I have found that pockets are my all-time favorites.  I hate AIOs, they seem great but don't work well in reality.  However, pockets are expensive, so here is my combo system based on baby age and stage and my pocket book (Keep in mind, my babies get really fat fairly quickly.  You may be able to do things differently if you have normal to small sized babies) :

Newborn and little baby (up to 3 mos):  Prefolds or fitteds and covers rock.  While I love pockets, they are expensive.  Baby is going through a zillion diapers a day with lots of runny poop.  They also aren't wiggly worms yet, but lay there.  This is the perfect age to learn how to properly position a cover.  The fitteds contain poop better, so you don't go through as many covers.  Baby also grows so fast, they outgrow newborns or small sizes without making the money investment worth it.  Three or four covers and lots of absorbers are great.

Medium baby (4-8 mos):  Pockets rule!  Baby isn't pooping as much, so you go through less diapers daily.  Baby isn't growing as fast, so you can stick with a size.  Baby is wriggly, but not too badly.  I use mostly pockets and my prefolds and covers on laundry day when I run out, or if I just feel like it. 

Older baby (9 mos -18 mos):  Pockets are still king!  Probably a size up, but still reasonable in daily diaper usage.  Baby is wiggly and on the go.  Chasing after a baby to put a diaper on keeps me almost exclusively in pockets.  Trust me, you don't want to be learning how to prefold and cover on this age baby.

Potty-training time (18 mos and up):  Back to fitteds.  You can certainly use pockets and I sometimes do, but lose the fleece liner and leave baby in a fitted without a cover.  This way you know immediately when they have gone and can work on potty-training.  When leaving the house, throw a cover back on and you're all set!

That about sums it up.  Here are some random thoughts about the subject:

• Prefolds make awesome burp rags!  I have found nothing better.  After having two babies with pretty serious reflux, I use my prefolds all the time.  They are also great for dish rags when needed.  
• Alternate uses for prefolds than with a cover:  All sizes--stuffers for pockets, doublers for fitteds.  Infant size--great burp rags, Regular size--floor changing cloth, serious burp rag, cover for crib sheet.  I have never regretted having lots of prefolds, even though I favor pocket diapers.
• Doublers are additional absorbents that go inside an AIO or fitted diaper
• Fleece layers go between absorber and baby to keep baby feeling dry.  Great at night and with a younger baby, but I lose them for the potty training age.  Pockets have a built in micofleece or micovelour layer.
• All the colors are fun to play with.  Remind yourself to stick with some neutrals if you are having more than one baby.
• While I love velcro, snaps are a necessity for at least some diapers because at some point your wee one will figure out how to unlatch their diaper.  Until you teach them not to, this is when you will need those snaps.
• I favor one-size diapers to watch cost.  There are many out there, and some are great.  Some stink.  I have one-size fitteds and pockets.  The only pockets my newborns wear are one-sizers because I refuse to buy size small for my fatties :)
• You will probably need different covers for fitted diapers and prefolds.  The prefold covers have to fit more snugly to hold the prefold in place.
• Clearly I have an obsession

Here are some of my favorite types of diapers by brand (these are the ones that remain in my collection after buying and selling lots):

Pockets:      snaps, sized--Fuzzi Bunz (the medium has a HUGE size range, 15-30lbs)
                   velcro, one-size--Bum Genius 3.0 (and 2.0, but I don't think they sell them anymore)

Fitted:     one-size hemp and bamboo--Baby beehinds

Fitted covers:  wool and regular--Baby beehinds

Prefold covers:  bumkins, hands-down

Prefolds:  Chinese prefolds in cotton and hemp sized infant and regular.  Preemie is a waste (unless you                 have a preemie) and toddler is just too big

Favorite websites:

www.nopins4baby.com

www.storkwarehouse.com

www.kellyscloset.com

I will have to post again on different fabrics and their pros/cons and my aforementioned absorbency "experiment" and my wipes method.  But for today, I am done.

As my daughter's swim coach would say, "questions, comments, or things I need to address?"

--EM

21 Ways to be “Green”: Making choices that help Mother Earth

1.  Use compact fluorescent bulbs instead of traditional bulbs.  CF bulbs use 75% less energy and last 10 times longer than traditional incandescent bulbs.  You may not think that is much, but multiply the energy savings by every light in your house and then by every house in the world…..

2.  Use cloth napkins instead of disposable napkins/paper towels.  Using disposable napkins and paper towels wastes precious resources to manufacture and adds senseless waste to our landfills.  Invest in some cloth napkins and kitchen towels and use them instead.  Both the environment and your wallet will thank you.

3.  Recycle as much as possible.  Why not?  Conserving materials allows us to maximize our landfill space (which is a finite resource). 

4.  Reuse even more than you recycle.  Even better than recycling an item is reusing it.  Objects purchased at secondhand stores, inherited from friends or reused within your own home is the best way to be environmentally friendly. 

5.  Use cloth diapers instead of disposable diapers.  It takes 80,000 pounds of plastic and over 200,000 trees to manufacture diapers for US babies alone.  Not to mention the array of chemicals that will sit against your precious baby’s skin.  Do your little tyke and the Earth a favor by cloth diapering.

6.  Breastfeed.  Not only is breast best for your baby, you reduce resource use and packaging materials by choosing to breastfeed.  Not to mention as a friend’s husband once said, “Why on Earth would you pay money for something when your body makes a superior version for free?”

7.  Reduce or eliminate unnecessary driving.  Utilize public transportation and carpools.  If you live in an area where it is an option, walk or ride your bike. 

8.  Do not water your lawn.  There isn’t a need.  I assure you I have never wasted such a precious resource as clean drinking water on my lawn and it is just as green as my watering-obsessed neighbors.

9.  Reduce water usage in general.  Only run full loads of laundry (or set cycle on “small”) and dishes.  Do not run the water while brushing your teeth or doing dishes.  We are too accustomed to taking clean water for granted. 

10.  Use Energy Efficient appliances and equipment.  If replacing televisions, appliances or other major energy uses, buy energy star.  Again, your wallet and Mother Earth will be grateful.

11.  Inspect your windows and doors for heat/cooling loss.  Why waste money and energy?  Make sure windows are closed and door seal tightly when closed.  Also ensure door and windows are shut when the air or heat are on.  Better yet, on moderate days, open those windows and door and turn the central air/heat off.

12.  Buy organic and whole foods.  They are hands-down better for the environment and your body.  It is worth the investment in the long run.

13.  Support local farmer’s markets.  You end up with fresher, more wholesome food at a lower cost and without all the transportation waste and packaging.  It’s win-win all around.

14.  Plant a tree/don’t cut one down.  Trees are one of the Earth’s greatest assets.  They naturally filter the air and protect the environment by providing habitats for animals and preventing soil erosion.  Keep the established trees in your yard and plant another while you are at it!

15.  Become a minimalist.  We truly do not need all the material things we are used to.  Use less.

16.  Enjoy nature.  Supporting national parks and wildlife goes a long way for resource conservation.  Plus, appreciating nature lends itself to being more aware of our green choices.

17.  Turn out lights and electronic equipment when not in use.  You aren’t using them….so turn them off!!  Why pay to waste energy?

18.  Use “natural energy.” (burn a few calories, too)  Choose options that require you to use your body as energy.  Push mowers, bicycles, rowboats, etc. are greener options that will leave you a healthier and fitter person as well.

19.  Buy biodegradable soaps, shampoos and detergents.  Phosphates in our soaps and detergents are causing a major problem in our lakes and rivers.  Clean drinking water is valuable, so protect it!  Biodegradable laundry and dish detergents as well as soaps and shampoos are more widely available than ever before.  Use them. 

20.  Eat less meat.  More than half of the water used in the United States today goes to animal agriculture.  Raising animals for food requires massive amounts of food and raw materials.  Farmed animals consume 70 percent of the corn, wheat, and other grains that we grow, and one-third of all the raw materials and fossil fuels used in the U.S. go to raising animals for food. Even if you are not willing to become a strict vegetarian, eating a few meatless meals a week will benefit your health and help the Earth. 

21.  Teach your children to respect the environment.  Ultimately, our time on Earth will end.  Teaching your children healthy, green ways of living ensures that future generations will care about protecting Mother Nature for thousands of years to come.

My 5 year Cloth Diapering Journey

So, it occurred to me that I have been doing quite a few posts about how NOT green I am, which is at odds with my claim of being environmentally friendly.  I think that is because I feel I have mastered some areas and like to focus on the ones I haven't.  BUT it would be nice to let my readers know that I am, indeed, earth friendly most of the time :)

I think my whole trip down the environmental lane started with cloth diapers.  It all happened by accident....

One dark and stormy day....I wandered down a lane.....just kidding.

I met a friend who invited me to a playgroup.  I was new at the mommy thing, with C being only four months old.  This is the age where playgroups are not for the kids at all (seriously--at four months they lay there), but for us moms who have finally emerged from the newborn stage and need an adult conversation once a week.  So, to make a long story short, the entire playgroup cloth diapered their babies.  It was interesting and I was due for a new hobby.  We did it all--swapped 'em, tested 'em, discussed the pros and cons of different types and covers.  You name it, we did it.  We even set up a scientific experiment on which types of material (cotton, hemp, bamboo, microfiber) held more liquid at a particular size.  Looking back, it is amazing how much time and energy we put into perfecting the art of cloth diapering.  I'm pretty sure I didn't save any money at all in my quest to cloth diaper C's little tush-ie (thank goodness I went on to have two more children--that is the only way my cd diapers were beneficial for our bank account).

Over time, I have gone into and out of clothing.  At first, it was a mission....no disposable diaper was going to touch MY baby's butt.  Then D arrived (with colic) and C was a nightmare in her 2's.  I had this all or nothing mentality....so since I couldn't keep up with the cloth diapers (heck, I couldn't keep up with anything in those days) I switched to disposables.  Then back and back again.  D finally settled out of his screaming around 7 mos and I was able to go back to strictly cloth.  On to baby #3, A, where I think I have finally found my peace.  I have decided that it doesn't have to be one or the other.  Every cloth diaper used saves a disposable diaper from the landfill (and pennies) and I refuse to feel guilty when I choose convenience over cloth.  So, A is in cloth most of the time, except for when we travel or if I'm having a really bad day and am behind on laundry.  Thankfully, he is a cooperative, happy baby and it is pretty easy to keep up.  I'm found my rhythm and it is in the middle ground.  

The clothing continues at my house.  I'm sure I will have more later on the subject...such as the wipes debate (I have a minimal poop touching rule).  Any readers with thoughts or comments?  Do you just plain think I'm nuts?  Have a great night!

--EM (I think I am finding I am rather verbose)

Being Frugal

Happy Monday!  Today I thought I would address a growing hobby of mine:  Frugality.  This is an area where I have lots of room to grow :)  Being frugal helps the environment is numerous way.  Of course the more we reuse, the less trash we produce and the happier our wallets and Mama Earth are going to be!  I am currently re-reading Amy Dacyczyn's The Complete Tightwad Gazette.  It is an awesome book on frugality, I highly recommend it for anyone interested in being frugal.  I periodically go back and inspire myself to be even more resourceful than I already am. 

While the book may be extreme to some, I think the overall message is the point.  Focus on the things you are willing to do to be frugal and green and let the other stuff go for now.  Perhaps after you master your new skills, you will be able to revisit something new to tackle.  For me, my biggest challenge is time.  I only have so much time (and patience) in between school pick up and drop off and naps and meals.  So, while I am MUCH better than I used to be about reusing things, not being wasteful, or buying unnecessary items, I have lots of room to grow.  One such thing I struggle with is the Thrift Store or Goodwill.

I have absolutely no problem with used clothes, in fact, I love them!  Hand me downs are my best friend.  Considering my little munchkins are all still at the age that every season needs a new wardrobe...and I wasn't bright enough to have any in overlapping gender/seasons.....that is three new wardrobes about every 4-5 months.  (I can get away with a little longer because our warm weather is substantially longer than our winters).  That is a lot of kid clothes, not even including clothes for myself and my husband. 

So, here's my problem.  All Goodwill/Thrift stores that I have been to are cluttered with tons of stuff and have GIGANTIC racks and bins full of clothes.  Great!  Now enter me....C walking ahead (and off into whatever she finds interesting), D holding my hand for a second before either following C or his own agenda and A...(well, I have options here--strollers are usually unable to navigate the aisles, so I tend to throw him in my handy dandy sling)...in the sling will start wanting me to bounce around.  So as I bounce/chase my way through the aisles and finally get to the correct bin for one kid and dig through piles trying not to dump A out of the sling and keeping the clothes out of his grabby little hands.  I fuss repeatedly at C and D is stay out of trouble (ignoring the glares I am now getting from other crabby shoppers)....chase them at one point...back to bin.  Whew.  Do you see where I am going with this?  It's been 30 minutes and I have hardly one thing for one kid at $0.99-1.99.

So, option 2.  Head to Target/Walmart or other inexpensive retail store.  Load D in top part of cart, C in large part of cart (or let her walk, depends on how nice I am feeling), A in sling again and mosey down large aisles in specific departments.  I am able to see everything nicely hung up on racks--I grab appropriate size in two seconds, throw in cart.  Return what doesn't fit later.  (Oh, and no returns at Goodwill).  I have accomplished clothes for all family members in the same 30 minutes and I am still a sane woman.  BUT....I paid $4.99-9.99 for the same item I could have gotten at the thrift store.  It's not much, but it adds up.  I keep trying to figure out a better plan for this one.  Hiring a babysitter ends up costing me more (plus, who hires a babysitter to go to Goodwill?!?!  That's so ironic, its not even funny).  

My all time favorite way of acquiring clothes is when a neighbor or friend says, "My kids have outgrown....would you be interested?"  YES!  Bring it on!  I love a bucket full of great, free clothes that were effortless to obtain.

Well, definitely random ramblings today.  Buying retail is a weakness of mine.....more for time and sanity reasons than anything else.  Anyone have any ideas on how to manage this better?  Hubby watching the kids is not an option at this time.  Perhaps a reader could help me out here with ideas on how to efficiently tackle secondhand clothing shops...

Environmental Mama

11 Things I Don't Do to be Green

Hmmm.....so is this list counterproductive?  Maybe, maybe not.  Perhaps it will show my zillions of followers (ha!) that I'm not a preachy, perfect tree-hugger.  I am simply one woman trying to make the best decisions in how to live my life and raise B and I's munchkins.  So, here goes....

1.  I don't buy recycled toilet paper.  Let's be honest here, that stuff is scratchy and tough.  It drives me crazy.  I like my very soft, plush Charmin, thanks.  Not sure I'm ready to work on this one yet :)

2.  I shower every day.  I suppose it would conserve water to shower every other day, but I enjoy my five two minutes of peace in really, really hot water.  

3.  I use my dryer.  Gasp!  I could lie and say that the entire reason is my home owner's association, which forbids clothes lines, but the truth is.....I would still use it.  I would probably use it less and hang more if I could, but between the cloth napkins, cloth diapers, and laundry for five people (clothes, linens, towels, etc.) I would spend my life hanging out clothes and taking them down.  Suppose this is one I should try to work on with at least some of my laundry.

4.  I like to be cold when I sleep.  I can not stand to be sweaty while trying to sleep.  My parents are able to keep their house at 80 degrees, and I admire them, but I can't do it.  I turn the air down at night and snuggle in to my covers.  Oh, well. 

5.  I like to buy books.  I like to own them.  I don't like to read off a computer screen, or get them from the library.  In my defensive, I am one of those people who re-reads books constantly.  So I am always digging in my personal library to re-read books.  But, I should use the public library more.  (Oh, and I really stink at returning my books on time).  Definitely working on this one. 

6.  I like to buy stuff in general.  Seriously.  I just need to face it.  I keep trying to convince myself that I am frugal and conservative, but the truth is--I really like new, expensive things...I'm a spendthrift at heart.  This one is an ongoing battle I am constantly waging.  I know it is better for my bank account and the Earth to be more of a minimalist.  I will have to blather on about this one later.  Maybe someone can help me out with tips of how to convince yourself you don't want to buy new stuff.  

7.  I use chemicals in my hair.  I've tried the natural stuff.  I have.  I end up with flat, helmet hair that I can't stand.  Maybe someday I will find a natural, organic shampoo and conditioner to go with the natural and organic everything else I buy (cosmetics, soap, lotion, food, clothes, etc.).  Until then, chemicals it is. 

8.  I use chemicals under my arms.  Refer to #7.  I've tried it.  I don't like being stinky and sweaty.  Until I find a natural alternative that works....bring on the conventional deodorant/antiperspirant. 

9.  I run on a treadmill.  Totally not environmentally friendly.  It's way better to go for a run outside in the fresh air than use electricity to operate the treadmill in my living room (yup, that's right--smack dab in the middle of the living room).  But it makes me happy.  I figure that counts for something.  I wouldn't get to run nearly as much if I always had to find child care or push a jogger.   

10.  I drive a mini-van.  And I love it.  Ha!  I swore to B that I would never drive one.  But after baby #2, D, was born, we got my mini-van and I have never looked back.  It has a DVD player, the doors and back open automatically, I can stash crap in the compartments under the seats, and it just plain makes my life simpler.  I suppose it may be better than an SUV, but is definitely not a very fuel-efficient car.  I do, however, try to eliminate unnecessary driving trips.

11.  I married a pilot who flies gas-guzzling, environment polluting jets on a regular basis.  We frequently have differences of opinions on the tree-hugging issue which leave him shaking his head.  But I am SO glad I married him :)

Anyone with vices they are either working on or have just embraced?  Some of mine may get better with time and older kids.  For now, I am going to turn off the TV in the empty living room...

Happy Sunday!

--Environmental Mama

11 Things I Do to be Green

1.  Use cloth napkins instead of paper napkins. 

2.  Use cloth diapers instead of disposables. (Yes, I do a lot of laundry)

3.  Refuse to put chemicals or fertilizers on my lawn.  (Not sure how my neighbors feel about this one :)

4.  Am a vegetarian.

5.  Try to use hand-me-downs with the minis (saves money too).  

6.  Consolidate trips to town and not go every day.

7.  Turn out lights if I'm not in the room.

8.  Use refillable containers instead of plastic water bottles.

9.  Always switch out traditional light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs.

10.  Wash my lots-of-laundry in cold water (except the diapers) to save energy.

11.  Bring my own reusable cloth bags when I go shopping.  (Actually, this is one I am working on.  I tend to forget about 50% of the time)

Any questions/comments?

Stay tuned for tomorrow when I cover the 11 Things I Don't do to be Green....

Good Night for now.  --EM

Fixing it Yourself

The journey of learning truly never ends.  I once foolishly thought that after I left school I would be done learning.  Little did I know the fun had just begun (hello?  being a parent?).  It turns out that I am a HUGE fan of self-help books.  I periodically get on these little kicks and suddenly own multiple informative books on my latest topic.  (What I should do is get these books from the library, but that's a weakness of mine...)  So, what does that have to do with "fixing it yourself"? 

We as a society love our disposable things.  Don't get me wrong:  I love them too.  They are simple, quick and effortless (plus, they require much less cleaning and I hate to clean!).  Unfortunately, not only are disposable things expensive but they are bad for Mama Earth.  Single use items clutter our household trash and landfills rapidly and get people used to a "throw it away" mentality.  Sometimes I think we get so used to throwing things away we quickly forget that things can be repaired.  Or, at least, I do.  My grandmother would quickly sew a seam or button back on clothes, whereas I generally think.....well, it cost 3.99 at Target.....the kids have worn it ragged.....they are about to outgrow it anyway....why bother?  So, I have been making an effort to fix what I have rather than buying something new.  It is also  helpful in the economy of today to be more frugal--and let me tell you, frugality does not come easily to me (more on that one later).  So, why all this information? 

My current kick has been do it yourself home improvement.  In the past week, rather than paying someone to do it, I have learned how to rewire new lighting fixtures to update my early 1990's kitchen (with the help of a girlfriend and my pops), repair a broken toilet seat that was scratching the kid's tushies, and install a shelf that needed wall mounting screws into my laundry room.  This may not seem like a tall order for someone who is handy, but I am not.  I am proud of my latest "fix it myself" attitude.  Especially with B off in a far away land, I am regularly learning how to do new things and hopefully saving more stuff and throwing less away.  It wouldn't hurt if I saved my pocketbook a few bills as well.  Oh, and I recently learned how to jar my own jam and jelly from the fruit that the mini's and I picked.  Oh, so yummy!

So, anyone have anything to add?  A new skill they have taught themselves recently?  One that benefits our big green planet?  Perhaps if I keep at it, one of these days I will qualify as "handy" myself!

Think green!

Fit and Healthy = Good for the Environment?

So, good morning EM followers!  You may ask what on Earth being fit and healthy has to do with being green.  Good question.  I believe being environmentally friendly encompasses much more than simply throwing an aluminum can into the recycling bin.  Your actions certainly play a big part, but how you take care of your body also plays a key role.  I find that care for the Earth's "body" frequently goes hand in hand with caring for your own body.  Over consumption of food reduces the availability of resources for others.  Not utilizing clean drinking water takes the privilege for granted.  Exercise is healthy for you, and often more green (ex. riding a bike or walking to work).  Caring for our bodies not only respects the Environment, but teaches our children important concepts.  Once again, better to learn now than later.  I will definitely have more to say later, but I thought for now I would point out a useful blog devoted to health and fitness.....Fit Tips from Fit Britt.  You can visit her here:  http://fit-britt.blogspot.com/ 

I have also guest blogged on her site, and plan to do more, so from time to time you may see more links to visit her.  My current guest blog regards breastfeeding, milk supply and diet/exercise.  Go check it out!!

Until next time....

--Environmental Mama

10 Ways to Teach Kids Environmental Responsibility

Why teach our children to care about the environment?  Many reasons....

Teaching them to care about natural resources teaches them the value of all things in life.  If a child is taught to turn out a light after leaving a room or to shut a door when entering the house, they learn that even small actions make a difference.  It also ensures that they will be more likely to have a healthier planet tomorrow.  The actions that our generation struggles to remember will be second nature to our children.  They will not even have to think to be environmentally responsible.  So, how to do it?  Start with these ten simple steps for children of all ages (C and D have already learned most of these at 2.5 years and 5 years):

1.  Turn out the lights when you leave the room.  Even small children can be taught to turn off the bathroom light after using the potty or their bedroom light when moving on to another room).  Plus, you save on your power bill and aren't running around like a crazy person turning off every blessed light in your two story house (sorry, that might just be me).

2.  Don't run the water while brushing your teeth.  C and D know to turn the water off when you brush.  You wet the brush, fill your cup, and turn it off.  Brush away!  After done, rinse and spit from your cup. 

3.  Shut the door!  Why children like to leave the door open is beyond me.  Thankfully, after hollering "shut the door" about 83 million times, my door gets shut most of the time.  Living in the south in July, it is particularly nice on the power bill just about now. 

4.  Don't waste food or drink.  Kids never seem to eat what you give them.  Either they are starving and gobble it up, or they don't touch a single thing on their plate.  It always seems like the days I put lots on their plate are the days they don't eat and vice versa.  My kiddos know to put their full juice cups on the bottom shelf of the fridge and to take small portions and are always welcome to seconds.  I'm not a fan of the clean plate club, but I am a fan of taking a little at first to see how hungry you are. 

5.  Recycle.  Recycle.  Recycle.  Think outside the box.  Our recycling bin also serves as a treasure trove.  Not only do the kids know to stick stuff in the recycling bin, but whenever they are involved in some imaginary game and need a prop, they dig through that bin with a vengence.  Now, I do tend to throw things in twice.....the first time and the time that I pick it up from under the couch after the kids have forgotten about it....but still, cheap toys, right?

6.  Wear sunscreen.  Okay, I suppose this one is a little far fetched, but I have an obsession with sunscreen.  I'm a little neurotic.  My older two won't even put on a bathing suit without telling me they need sunscreen.  Teaching them to be responsible for their bodies' health teaches them to be responsible for the Earth's health.

7.  Turn off the TV when you aren't watching.  I suppose in a perfect world, your kids wouldn't watch TV at all.  But, with B off in far-away land and three kids five years old and under, I would never shower, shave my legs, prepare a meal or do a million other things without some TV time.  So, that said.  Turn. it. off.  It drives me crazy when the TV is on (and costing you money) and the kids are playing in another room.  We are working on this one. 

8.  Take off your clothes if you are hot....put them on if you are cold.  I suppose this one only works within reason.  We have little kids here, and are on the natural side of things.  I'm not neurotic about the thermostat, but I'm also not going to adjust it every time someone complains about the temperature.  My kiddos know if you are cold, put a sweater on and if you are hot, take it off.  C usually sleeps naked because the child is always hot and I would have to keep the house 50 degrees to make her happy. 

9.  Be careful about using too much paper.  All types of paper.  Mini E Mama's can do some art projects that go through a whole stack of paper.  They can also use 59 napkins to mop up one spill and a half a roll of toilet paper to pee.  I try to emphasize that you can use both sides paper, a few squares when wiping and a towel instead of napkins.  Another one we are working on.

10.  Model environmental responsiblity to your kids.  Yup, a catch-all at #10.  Bottom line:  kids do what we do, regardless of what we say.  So, if you are caring, they will care.  

Whew. 

Beginnings

Well, here goes.....

Welcome to Environmental Mama.  I am trying my hand at this blogging stuff.  Here's some background for my readers:  I am a happy, healthy environmental mama to three beautiful kiddos.  My daughter, C, is five years old, my older son, D, is two and a half and the baby, A, is just four months old.  I have a Bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences and a Master's degree in Environmental Health and am currently holding down the homefront while my husband, B, is off doing his jet pilot thing.  I am passionately interested in all healthy earth subjects, which include attached parenting, eating healthy, exercising, raising a productive next generation, being frugal, and certainly being environmentally conscious in all areas.  Please feel free let me know topics of interest or questions you may have.  I look forward to our journey together!