Find Reusable options

Did you know:

• 80% of US products are used once and then thrown away. (from cenyc.org)
• If someone were to load all of the disposable wipes purchased by consumers in North America last year onto 18-wheel semis, the caravan would number 9,000 trucks and stretch for 68 miles (from greenhome.com)
• If 25% of Los Angeles residents make 1 pot of coffee in the morning using a paper filter, (one used filter measures 5cu. Inches) this amounts to 81,159 cu. Ft. of trash per DAY. 81,159 cu. Ft. is aprox 10,000 sq. ft. an area, the size of two McDonald buildings. (from ecofilter.com)
• use and toss products are alluring for their convenience but is a multi-million dollar industry with lasting environmental impacts.

There are many options out there for those of us looking to "go green" in our lifestyle. Some of these are really simple to switch to, and some take a little more effort. But think about the amount of waste you generate by using disposable items, and see where you can make little changes to make a big impact! Maybe you didn't know there were reusable alternatives out there for some of these - take a look! Check out the links for more information and ideas!

• baby wipes - washcloths or handmade cloth wipes and wipes solution
  
• baby food  - homemade baby food has no packaging!
• batteries - use rechargeable when you can!
• coffee cups - bring your own travel mug!
• coffee filters - reusable fabric coffee filters, permanent reusable filters, or a filterless coffee system.
• cotton pads/cotton balls - crocheted facial scrubbies
• disposable diapers - cloth diapers (or even elimination communication)
• dryer sheets  - dryer sachets, wool dryer balls
•  food "doggy bags" - bring your own container if you think you may have leftovers
• gift wrap - reusable fabric bags, furoshiki
• kleenex - super soft handmade hankies are much nicer on the nose too - use once and wash 
• menstrual products - cloth pads, menstrual cup
• napkins - use cloth napkins instead 
  
• nursing pads - check out lilypadz or cloth nursing pads (some even with waterproof backing)
• one time use cleaning products - use a rag with vinegar and baking soda instead, or rubbing alcohol and water to disinfect
• plastic produce bags - use reusable produce bags
• paper towels  - un-paper towels, washcloths, Skoy cloths
• plastic baggies - reusable baggies/sandwich bags
• razors - may be hard to eliminate but try to make them last longer
• shampoo bottles - solid shampoo bars eliminate the need for bottles.
• shaving cream cans - solid shave bars and old-fashioned shave brush
• shopping bags - reusable bags are more and more popular. Get into the habit of bringing them!
• sponges - crocheted kitchen scrubbies and dish rags
• swiffer pads - handmade cloth pads can be washed and reused!
• water bottles - always have one (or two) on hand and keep them full

What other things have you found that can replace disposable items?? Leave a comment and share your thoughts! 

Valentine's Day themed listings - and more!

I listed 7 new things today - it was a busy week! Finally getting some things going since being gone for vacation. These 4 are sort of Valentine's Day themed, but cute for any day! Check out my store for the details and to see the others!

Friday Favorite - Mossopotamia terrarium

I am in love with these little jars full of life! I ordered one for my husband's office for Christmas and now need to get one for myself. Sherri at Mossopotamia was wonderful to work with, and even sent along a tiny golf ball shaped bead for me to put in, as I was trying to mimic a golf course. The terrarium came securely packaged, with easy to follow instructions. I love having a bit of nature inside (and MUCH easier to care for than a plant!).

Custom soaker from the latest giveaway

Here is the soaker that the winner chose from the Ditching Disposables Event (Confessions of a first time mom's blog giveaway). This is bright swirls with raspberry trim. The possibilities are endless with my custom listings! I currently have 33 prints and about 38 solids to choose from.

I'm baaack!

Well, after a long weekend trip to sunny Southern CA, I'm back and ready for work! Look for new listings as well as custom openings!
Also, I'm doing a bit of work with the Etsy Cloth Diaper team - including promotions for giveaways and weekly cloth diapering tips. Check out the blog there as well!

Friday Favorite - shampoo bars

We've started using all natural soaps, and are loving them. My recent favorite though are shampoo bars...all natural, no plastic packaging to throw away, and they work great! If you've never tried them, give them a shot - your hair will be squeaky clean with no build up.

I've used a few, and right now my favorite is this White Birch Bark shampoo bar by Pink Parchment Soaps.  It lathers nicely, smells fresh and clean, and she ships quickly! Next on my list to try is a shampoo bar by Bar None. 

Does anyone else have any all natural soap or shampoo bar recommendations? I'm also looking for an all natural conditioner...

Wordless Wednesday - one of my favorite places

It's trash day!

A couple of things prompted me to write this post...
First, our neighbor asked how it is we have so little trash to put out each week. (We put out about 1 kitchen sized bag a week. We have 2 adults and 2 small children). Second, my husband spent about 10 minutes de-constructing our holiday wreath so he could put the greenery in the yard waste bin and the wire frame in the trash. It occurred to me that we may be in the minority with the amount of trash we generate.

So, I'm curious - how many bags of trash do you put out each week (1 bag = 1 kitchen sized bag)




I know many factors play into this, including recycling opportunities in your area, but the landfill impact remains the same. (And...if you have recycling options but don't use them, 2010 could be a good time to start!)

Feel free to leave comments regarding this topic as well!

Friday Favorite - ZJayne

Today's Favorite is one of my most favorite Christmas gifts this year--a personalized pouch by ZJayne. It's beautifully made, unique, fun, and meaningful. I admit, this has been on my "wish list" for a while, but I never knew what to put on it. My husband snagged the idea for a gift, and came up with the perfect saying - "Momz" is what my boys call me :) He was happy with his shopping experience and I'm tickled with my product! I have no idea what I'll put in it....the options are endless!

Get your own, or check out her other awesome products from dryer sachets to market bags. All from reclaimed t-shirts! AND, she's a fellow member of the Eco Etsy Street Team!