Cloth diapering can be confusing simply because of the number of varieties now on the market. From pre-folds to all-in-ones, cotton to hemp, it’s hard to know where to begin. Start here as I break it down for you. Diaper Definitions: Pre-fold Diaper – Usually made of cotton, a pre-fold is a rectangular cloth designed to fold around your child. It needs to be covered by a plastic or wool diaper cover. Pre-folds are the cheapest way to get started in cloth. And unlike your mama’s...
Read More
A few months ago, a discussion came up on one of my on-line forums about energy efficient Compact Fluorescent Light bulbs. I finally had to admit publicly that, even though I do many other things green in my life, I still burn the ol' incandescent bulbs. The light is softer on my eyes: I've had nightmare images in my mind of having to cuddle up with a book under the flickering greenish glare of fluorescence. Plus, I excuse myself by saying that there are plenty of other things I do, I...
Read More
We're trying to make sure this blog is discovered by Technorati . Please, talk amongst yourselves during this post. Technorati Profile
Read More
Reducing your paper towel waste is unbelievably easy. So easy that it’s a little hard for me to understand why so many people still use paper towels in excess. Either shell out a few extra pennies for the rolls with sheets that are perforated in smaller sizes, or rip the sheets in half before using. A normal sheet of paper towel is way too big for most uses. Hang a cloth towel next to the kitchen sink for hand drying. There’s no reason for people to be drying their hands with paper...
Read More
If you’ve always wanted to try cloth diapering but you’re not sure where to start and you’re convinced you’ll be over-whelmed by laundry, how about beginning with just the wipes? Diapers aren’t the only thing filling landfills as a result of baby bottoms. Wipes take up a lot of space, use a lot of resources for their creation, and are often soaked in unnecessary chemicals. Pre-fabricated Cloth wipes bumGernius Flannel Baby Wipes Kissaluvs Baby Wipes Baby washcloths come anywhere from 3 to...
Read More
This past weekend, before putting my child to bed, I turned out all the lights in my house. By 8:20, when I emerged, Earth Hour had begun. For the next 40 minutes, I read by candle light and slowly but surely my body relaxed into sleep. By the time I could, with a clear conscious, turn my lights back on I actually had no desire to do so. All I wanted to do was go to sleep. Without the awake-inducing distraction of lights, computer, and the general visibility of the pile of dishes in my...
Read More
If you're like me and approximately 30 million other households and businesses in America, you've got a pretty tree sitting in your living room or entry way. Whether or not you plan on stretching its lifetime through valentine’s day or just through the new year, don’t trash it, recycle it! Here in the Pioneer Valley, almost all of the Transfer Stations and Recycling Centers will accept your tree. To find a recycling center near you, visit Earth911.com. They have a great search engine:...
Read More
By Mary Ellen Slayter Washington Post Staff Writer Sunday, October 14, 2007 This time of year, homeowners' thoughts often turn to ways of keeping their heating bills in check as the weather cools. If the brisk air isn't enough to motivate you, the federal government is kicking in a little incentive. Tax breaks for installing and replacing energy-efficient doors, windows, water heaters, and heating and cooling systems are set to expire at the end of the year. But boosting your...
Read More
It's one of the easiest ways to conserve energy, lower your utility bills, and keep your house from heating up: hang your laundry out to dry. But did you know that many communities ban laundry lines? Winnipeg Free Press published this story about speaking out for Laundry Line Rights. Ever since dryer sheets took the place of the summer breeze, clotheslines seemed to have gone the way of the porch radio — quaint traditions of previous generations, now confined to black-and-white...
Read More
You don't need a huge garden to reap the benefits of companion planting. Start simple with a windowsill herb garden: Fresh herbs will make your cooking delicious Plants in your home will create a higher indoor air quality Save money: store-bought herbs are expensive Create less trash: no packaging to throw away Here are some resources to get you started: Get really simple by buying a Garden-in-a-Bag . Just open and water. Penn State has put together this fantastic Searchable Database...
Read More
Not up for making your own composting toilet? You can still make a difference! Buy tissue paper made from recycled paper. Use less water when you flush. If you are about to re-do your bathroom, then consider purchasing a low-flow toilet. If not, you can either adjust the water level yourself, or go old-school and displace some of the water in your tank. But, don't use a brick, it can crumble over time and cause blockage in your water system. Fill up a plastic or glass jug with sand or...
Read More
