Viva Eco! Organic and Green Living Tips and Tools

The basic definition of Organic is to produce natural goods with fertilizers or pesticides of animal or vegetable origin, not manufactured chemicals.

The USDA National Organic Program (NOP) defines organic as follows:

Organic food is produced by farmers who emphasize the use of renewable resources and the conservation of soil and water to enhance environmental quality for future generations. Organic meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy products come from animals that are given no antibiotics or growth hormones. Organic food is produced without using most conventional pesticides; fertilizers made with synthetic ingredients or sewage sludge; bioengineering; or ionizing radiation. Before a product can be labeled "organic," a Government-approved certifier inspects the farm where the food is grown to make sure the farmer is following all the rules necessary to meet USDA organic standards. Companies that handle or process organic food before it gets to your local supermarket or restaurant must be certified, too.

source http://www.organic.org

Absolutely not. Organic products are cropping up everywhere (pardon the pun). Organic food, shampoo, baby diapers, clothing, bags, you name it- have become mainstream and can be purchased in numerous locations. From Hollywood celebrities to sport superstars to top chefs- it seems like everyone is going green these days. Though organic methods have been used in agriculture for thousands of years, the idea of supporting companies who refrain from using pesticides and harmful chemicals is finally catching on. It is one more way we are evolving into a more sustainable society. The popularity of organic products is evident in online sales- meaning anyone, anywhere, can go Organic if they choose to.

Why go Green? Our planet's natural resources are limited- and much has already been depleted. As the earth's population increases, this will surely put additional strain on our finite resources. If we intend to leave our children and grandchildren with the same standard of living we have enjoyed, we must preserve the foundation of that standard of living.

Here are just a few benefits of growing green

Solid waste reduction and better air quality
Cleaner, healthier water
Greenhouse gas reduction
Preservation of threatened species and their natural habitat
More active and conscious communities
Lower utility bills
Healthier/more productive living%u2028 and working environments for the present and future

From www.growingsolutions.com

Just about every gardener knows something about compost: how rich it looks and smells; how it replenishes the soil with organic matter, which is so essential to plant health; how it is teeming with beneficial microorganisms; how it helps conserve moisture and moderate soil temperature extremes; and how fun it is to make!

A relatively new twist on the use of compost is compost tea-a liquid extract of compost produced by "brewing" compost in water under controlled environmental conditions. The process consists of suspending compost in a vessel of water (70-75°F), adding a microbial food source, and aerating the solution continuously for up to 24 hours or more.

These conditions represent an ideal environment for extracting and growing beneficial microorganisms and for extracting the nutrients, micronutrients, and other plant-beneficial organic compounds present in compost. The finished compost tea is a rich, dark-brown liquid that has a pleasant earthy smell.

Compost tea should be used soon after it is made, since it is teeming with live microorganisms. Ideally, the tea should be applied within four hours of removing it from the brewer. Any tea that is not used immediately should be kept reasonably cool and out of direct sunlight in an open-top container. Periodic stirring or continued aeration will prolong its life even further.
Compost tea can be applied to the soil as a drench or directly to the plant as a foliar spray. When it is used as a foliar application, it is best to strive for thorough leaf coverage using a fine mist. Foliar applications are best done early morning or pre-dusk to minimize the effects of UV rays.

Although it does contain some nutrients and micronutrients, and may improve a plant's natural ability to resist pests and diseases, compost tea should not be thought of as a fertilizer or pesticide. Compost tea is more accurately described as a soil or foliar inoculant to be used in combination with other good organic gardening practices and inputs. Its inherent value is in providing the microorganisms and organic compounds that support biological nutrient cycling. This kind of "biofertility" is very effective at providing plants the nutrients that they need in the right amount and form, often reducing the need for supplemental inputs of fertilizer.

Compost and compost tea are used throughout the growing season at the Seeds of Change Research Farm. Previously, all compost used on the Farm was purchased from outside sources. In keeping with its goal of sustainability, the Farm has pursued the development of its own compost operation that transforms farm-generated plant residues into high-quality compost for use as a soil amendment on the Farm, thereby reducing dependency on external sources. The Farm's new on-site composting operation is expected to provide most, if not all, of its compost needs.

The Farm also makes its own compost tea on site and uses it in a variety of applications. Compost tea is brewed twice a week (25 gallons per batch) and applied as a soil drench after transplanting in the spring, and then as a foliar spray on vegetable crops several times throughout the summer. "We are less concerned with effects of the tea on foliar diseases, as these are not much of an issue here in New Mexico," says Emily Gatch, Greenhouse and Pathology Coordinator for the Research Farm. "We are primarily interested in the beneficial effects of the tea on soil microbial communities-the humic acids, micronutrients, and growth-promoting compounds, in addition to the beneficial microbes, that improve vigor and yields of crops." Gatch conducted greenhouse trials on tomato transplants and saw obvious benefits from using compost tea in greenhouse production.

To apply the compost tea, the Farm staff have primarily used backpack sprayers, but will begin using a tractor-mounted sprayer for more efficient application this year.

Compost has become a mainstay in organic farming and gardening, and compost tea is rapidly gaining similar status. Together, they represent a vital biological force of nature that is available to all of us in the pursuit of healthy and bountiful soils.

Cindy Salter,
Compost Consultant to Seeds of Change

Eggology was launched as a consumer retail company in 1995 after enjoying widespread success among bodybuilders and other savvy health aficionados with its flagship 100% all-natural, certified Organic Liquid Egg Whites. These athletes had discovered what mainstream shoppers soon would: Eggology's Egg Whites are cholesterol, salmonella, preservative, and chemical-free; ready-made; and safe to enjoy as is or in a protein shake - and they're actually quite delicious.

Eggology products are produced using organic and humane practices. They have been featured twice on the Good Morning America show as one of the Top 10 best foods. Their products have been shown on Oprah and The Food Network, and have been touted in scores of magazines, newspapers, and radio shows.

http://www.eggology.com

These recipes are for eco conscious individuals who want to prepare healthy meals with egg whites that are produced using humane and organic methods. Eggology, an all-natural egg white company (http://www.eggology.com), recently became the first egg white company to be endorsed by the Humane Society of the United States. Enjoy!

Spinach-Feta Omelet
Servings: 2%u2028
1 cup tomato, peeled, seeded, and chopped
1 teaspoon chopped fresh dill weed
1 teaspoon minced fresh chives
1 dash salt
vegetable cooking spray
1/4 cup chopped purple onion
2 cups loosely packed chopped fresh spinach
3/4 cup hot cooked rice, cooked without salt, or fat
3 tablespoons crumbled feta cheese (3/4 ounce)
1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill weed, divided
1 tablespoon minced fresh chives, divided
1 tablespoon skim milk
6 ounces Eggology fresh egg whites
1 dash freshly ground pepper
Optional fresh dill weed sprigs
Combine first 4 ingredients; stir well, and set aside. Coat a nonstick skillet with cooking spray; place over medium-high heat until hot. Add onion; sauté 2 minutes. Add spinach; sauté 1-1/2 minutes or until spinach begins to wilt. Stir in rice, feta cheese, 1-1/2 teaspoon dill weed, and 1-1/2 teaspoons chives, and set aside. Beat 3 oz egg whites in a bowl until thick and pale (about 5 minutes). Add milk; beat until well blended, and set aside. Beat 3 oz egg whites (at room temperature) and salt until soft peaks form. Add the remaining dill weed, remaining chives, flour, and pepper, beating until stiff peaks form. Gently fold into previous egg white mixture. Coat a medium-size nonstick skillet with cooking spray, and place over medium heat until hot. Spread egg mixture evenly in skillet; top with spinach mixture. Cover, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook 10 minutes or until center is set. Carefully loosen omelet with a spatula, and fold in half; gently slide omelet onto a warm serving plate. Spoon tomato mixture over top. Cut omelet in half; garnish with dill weed, if desired.

Earthly Ecstasy - Basil Potato Frittata
Servings: 4%u2028
2 cups diced baked baking potato (1 large)
vegetable cooking spray
1/2 cup thinly sliced onion, separated into rings
1/4 cup finely grated fresh parmesan cheese (1/2 ounce) divided
1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
2 tablespoons water
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon hot sauce
12 ounces Eggology fresh egg whites, lightly beaten
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
Place the diced potato in a medium saucepan; cover with water, and bring to a boil. Cook 7 minutes or until tender. Drain and let cool.
Coat a large nonstick skillet with cooking spray; place over medium heat until hot. Add onion; sauté 6 minutes or until tender. Remove from heat, and set aside. Combine 3 tablespoons of cheese, basil, and the next 4 ingredients (basil through egg whites) in a medium bowl; stir in potato and onion. Wipe skillet with paper towels, and recoat with cooking spray. Place skillet over medium heat until hot. Add egg mixture, and cook 6 minutes or until almost set. Wrap handle of skillet with foil, and broil 1-1/2 minutes. Top with remaining cheese, and broil for 30 seconds or until cheese melts. Drizzle vinegar over the frittata, and cut into 4 wedges. Serve warm.

Apricot Sticky-Lickedy Muffins
Servings: 12%u2028
1 cup apple juice
1/2 cup finely chopped dried apricots
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/3 cup uncooked farina (such as Cream of Wheat)
1/3 cup sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 cup stick margarine or butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup Eggology fresh egg whites, lightly beaten
1 (8-ounce) carton plain fat-free yogurt
2 tablespoons sugar
cooking spray
Preheat oven to 400º. Combine apple juice and apricots in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover with heavy-duty plastic wrap, and vent. Microwave at HIGH 3 minutes or until apricot mixture boils. Let stand, covered; cool completely. Drain apricots in a colander over a bowl, reserving apple juice.Lightly spoon flour into dry measuring cups, and level with a knife. Combine the flour and the next 5 ingredients (flour through nutmeg) in a medium bowl, and make a well in center of mixture. Combine 3 tablespoons reserved apple juice, margarine, vanilla, egg whites, and yogurt; stir well with a whisk. Add to flour mixture, stirring just until moist. Stir in reserved apricots. Spoon batter into 12 muffin cups coated with cooking spray. Bake at 400º for 20 minutes or until muffins spring back when touched lightly in center. Remove muffins from pans immediately; place on a wire rack. Dip muffin tops in remaining apple juice; sprinkle each with 1/2 teaspoon sugar. Makes 1 dozen. Baking time is 20 minutes.

Mom's Best Banana Bread
Servings: 16%u2028
Yield: 1 loaf, 20 servings (serving size: 1 slice)
WHAT YOU NEED:
1 cup sugar
1/4 cup light butter, softened
1 2/3 cups mashed ripe banana (about 3 bananas)
1/4 cup skim milk
1/4 cup low-fat sour cream
2 ounces Eggology fresh egg whites
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
cooking spray
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine sugar and butter in a bowl; beat at medium speed of mixer until well-blended. Add banana, milk, sour cream, and egg whites; beat well, and set aside. Combine flour, baking soda, and salt; stir well. Add dry ingredients to creamed mixture, beating until blended. Spoon batter onto 4 (5x2 1/2 -inch) miniature loaf pans coated with cooking spray. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Let cool in pans 10 minutes on a wire rack; remove from pans. Let cool completely on wire racks. Makes 4 loaves, Baking time: 45 minutes, To make one 9-inch loaf, spoon batter into 9x5-inch loaf pan coated with cooking spray; bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour and 10 minutes.

The following are Certified Humane standards which Eggology (http://www.eggology.com) strictly follows for its organic & cage-free products:

· Hens live and move freely in large community open-air hen houses
· No cages - hens have unlimited access to feed, water, and dirt for bathing
· Hens are fed a 100% certified organic diet comprised mainly of organic corn, organic alfalfa, organic soy, organic salt & limestone
· Hens that become injured for any reason receive immediate attention from an onsite poultry specialist to determine if the injury requires isolation for healing, or that the severity of injury will incur undo suffering in which case the hen is humanely euthanized
· Hens who die are cremated on the ranch to prevent any potential for disease
· Hens are not de-beaked

The shores of the Indian Ocean in eastern Africa are awash with industrial debris from as far away as China, Indonesia, Japan, and Malaysia. Hundreds of brightly-colored flip flop sandal pieces and parts wash ashore daily, not only causing blight along the coastlines but endangering the marine eco-system in the vast ocean that lies between these countries. The flip flop initiative by UniquEco is designed to clean up the environment by marketing products made from this waste back to the consumer who generated it, while providing employment opportunities to the poor communities hardest hit by this environmental degradation.

Champali means slipper in Swahili. Local women and children comb the shores to collect the indestructible pieces of rubber champali. Talented artisans and sculptors in the village glue the pieces together in multicolored patterns, then hand carve each carefully crafted animal, transforming recycled waste into stunning works of art. These unique pieces are now available through Organic Bug, a company specializing in contemporary eco-friendly, fair trade, and health-oriented merchandise, based in Edgewater (FL). Peggy English and Patty Nalley, co-founders of Organic Bug, offer these unique Champali Wildlife Sculptures through their online store at www.organicbug.com.

"These ingeniously crafted sculptures are a perfect example of how consumers can use their purchasing power to help preserve the precious marine environment at the same time providing employment opportunities to an inspired community half a world away! And they have a unique and exciting piece of art which they will enjoy for years to come!" said Ms. English.

The pieces are imported by Global Crafts, a fair trade company that works with artisan groups from around the world. The Champali Wildlife Sculptures from UniquEco Designs are sold through e-tailers like Organic Bug, The UniquEco Champali Animal Sculptures are featured in the Summer, 2008 issue of O at Home, Oprah's popular home decor quarterly magazine.

Recycling materials and transforming them into fashion accessories is a win-win situation. Designers and artisans who work with recycled materials are taking a product at the end of its useful life and turning it into a usable raw material to make another product. As a consumer, you are helping the environment when you support businesses that manufacture clothing and accessories made from recycled materials.
How are you helping? Scientists are noting our planet's landfills are filling at an alarming rate; many of the materials filling these landfills will remain for thousands of years. And the consequences will be disastrous if we do not follow basic recycling principles. Recycling reduces the demand for raw materials- and preserving our resources. It reduces air and water pollution along with energy usage.
The consumer in turn is rewarded by acquiring a quality product that is unique and well made. Products made from recycled materials are often handcrafted and manufactured by a fair trade organization that provides a fair wage and favorable working conditions for their workers.
Celebrities and fashionistas alike are spotted everywhere donning everything from bags made from recycled juice boxes, plastic bags or rubber tires to earrings made from old mason jars and Clorox bottles. As more and more of us are beginning to follow the green movement, designers are creating fantastic well crafted pieces fashion consumers will enjoy for generations to come. Making treasures out of trash has come a long way.

Here are some of my favorite recycled fashion pics:

Vy & Elle Bags- Made from PVC Vinyl (Recycled Vinyl Billboards)
An average person will spot hundreds of billboards with advertisements made of PVC vinyl each day. When these billboards are no longer needed, they are discarded into landfills where they create toxic pollution. Upset by this wasteful practice, Nicola Freegard and Robin Janson founded Vy & Elle in 2002 in order to transform this landfill-bound material into durable and vibrant products. The strength of PVC vinyl makes it an ideal material for reuse, and because of the different images printed on the vinyl, it's even more interesting as a fabric. The material offers colorful graphics that take urban art into everyday living. Each bag and accessory item Vy & Elle makes is unique: with random colors and designs, every product made is different, offering a chance to carry a piece of art on a shoulder, in a pocketbook or in the home.
http://www.raindogsonline.com

Rebagz from Half the Sky Designs- Made from recycled juice boxes (Pictured with America Ferrera as "Ugly Betty")
Moms everywhere love the convenience of disposable juice boxes. The square boxes used for liquids are called "Aseptics". Aseptics are made from complex layers of plastic, metal and paper. The aseptic industry has spent millions in public education on the issue of aseptic recycling. However, the actual recycling process is very expensive and awkward, and is therefore only available in a very few places. Fortunately, a group of enterprising women in the Philippines have found a way to incorporate this awkward material into fabulous designs. They cut the juice packs into strips, fold and weave them together to create some very cool stuff! Well-made, vibrant, fashionable and functional are just some of the ways to describe these water-resistant handmade creations. Rebagz is a line of bright durable totes, packs, handbags and wallets made from recycled juice packs and nylon rice sacks.
http://www.organicbug.com

Escama Bags- Made from Aluminum Tabs
These elegant and eye catching pieces are all made from recycled aluminum tabs. Based in San Francisco, Escama Studio works directly with two Brazilian craft cooperatives - Cia do Lacre and As Panteras do Lacre - to design and produce these sleek, modern pieces using traditional crochet techniques and recycled aluminum pull-tabs. Escama Studio believes that the world's abundance of 'junk' offers a lot of creative potential. Did you know that recycling aluminum saves 95% of the energy cost of processing new aluminum?
Sold at http://www.raindogsonline.com

Bottled Up Designs- Jewelry made from recycled glass
Why use recycled glass? The manufacture of glass uses energy in the extraction and transportation of the raw materials, and during processing, as materials have to be heated together to a very high temperature. Large amounts of fuel are used and the combustion of these fossil fuels produces carbon dioxide - a greenhouse gas. Glass can be recycled indefinitely as part of a simple but hugely beneficial process, as its structure does not deteriorate when reprocessed.
The artisans at Bottle Up Designs polishes and molds the recycled glass to eliminate any sharp edges. The glass is then skillfully mounted in delicate spirals of sterling hoops to produce enchanting pendants and earrings that catch the light with every move! Each pendant is strung onto a simple contemporary round neck cord made from recycled rubber tires. Each piece comes with the Story of the Glass, so the artist includes a card with each selection relating the approximate age and original use of the antique glass. The Amber Square Pendant & Earrings hail from the broken remains of antique Clorox bottles! The vivid deep blue color of the Antique Cobalt Glass Square Pendant & Earrings comes from the broken remains of old Noxema bottles!
http://www.organicbug.com

Maasai Beaded Necklaces- made with recycled paper beads
The young women from the Teenage Mothers and Girls Association of Kenya (TEMAK) use a combination of handmade paper beads and Maasai glass seed beads to string fun, colorful jewelry. TEMAK, a Fair Trade organization, trains young women in life skills and craft making to support themselves and their families. Using recycled materials such as magazine, calendar & brochure pages, tin cans and wire taken from car engines, each artisan develops her own unique style that is apparent in each piece of jewelry. The paper is cut into triangles then rolled to form the beads-wide, short strips for narrow beads & long, thin strips for chunky beads. Applying a high-gloss varnish as a finish, each recycled paper bead looks like polished stone or wood! It's amazing! Some necklaces have matching beads but most are mixed with an array of muted colors as you can see by the images.
http://www.organicbug.com

Cut down on home water and energy use (save some dough!)

1. Set your thermostat a few degrees lower in the winter and a few degrees higher in the summer to save on heating and cooling costs;

2. Install compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) when your older incandescent bulbs burn out;

3. Unplug appliances when you're not using them. Or, use a "smart" power strip that senses when appliances are off and cuts "phantom" or "vampire" energy use;

4. Wash clothes in cold water whenever possible. As much as 85 percent of the energy used to machine-wash clothes goes to heating the water.

5. Use a drying rack or clothesline to save the energy otherwise used during machine drying. If you must use a dryer, consider adding dryer balls to cut drying time.

6. Take shorter showers to lower your water and heating bills.

7. Install a low-flow showerhead. They don't cost much, and the water and energy savings can quickly pay back your investment.

8. Make sure you have a faucet aerator on each faucet. These inexpensive appliances conserve heat and water, while keeping water pressure high.

9. Plant drought-tolerant native plants in your garden. Many plants need minimal watering. Find out which occur naturally in your area.

Use less gas
1. If possible Walk or bike to work. This saves on gas and parking costs while improving your cardiovascular health and reducing your risk of obesity.

2. Consider telecommuting if you live far from your work. Or move closer. Even if this means paying more rent, it could save you money in the long term.

3. Lobby your local government to increase spending on sidewalks and bike lanes. With little cost, these improvements can pay huge dividends in bettering your health and reducing traffic.

Eat smart.
1. If you eat meat, add one meatless meal a week. Meat costs a lot at the store-and it's even more expensive when you consider the related environmental and health costs.

2. Buy locally raised, humane, and organic meat, eggs, and dairy whenever you can. Purchasing from local farmers keeps money in the local economy.

3. Watch videos about why local food and sustainable seafood are so great.
Whatever your diet, eat low on the food chain [pdf]. This is especially true for seafood. Eat low-mercury fish like tilapia & pollock, rather than high-mercury choices like tuna & swordfish

4. Skip the bottled water. Use a water filter to purify tap water instead of buying bottled water. Not only is bottled water expensive, but it generates large amounts of container waste.

5. Bring a reusable water bottle, preferably aluminum rather than plastic, with you when traveling or at work.

Be a Smart Consumer
1. Buy in bulk. Purchasing food from bulk bins can save money and packaging.

2. Wear clothes that don't need to be dry-cleaned. This saves money and cuts down on toxic chemical use.

3. Invest in high-quality, long-lasting products. You might pay more now, but you'll be happy when you don't have to replace items as frequently (and this means less waste!).

4. Keep electronics out of the trash. Keep your cell phones, computers, and other electronics as long as possible.

5. Donate or recycle them responsibly when the time comes. E-waste contains mercury and other toxics and is a growing environmental problem.

6. Recycle your cell phone.

7. Ask your local government to set up an electronics recycling and hazardous waste collection event.

8. Make your own cleaning supplies.
Making your own cleaning products saves money, time, and packaging-not to mention your indoor air quality. All you need are a few simple ingredients like baking soda, vinegar, lemon, and soap.

These amazing necklaces are made from natural grass beads and hand strung by the Maasai women who live in Kenya. Philip and Katy Leakey worked with these women to create Zulugrass, a line of hand crafted jewelry and provides a much needed income for the tribeswomen and their families.

The Maasai are a pastoral group of people that live in the magnificent Great Rift Valley of Kenya and Tanzania. A tall, proud, and graceful people adorned in colorful clothing and ornaments, the Maasai still keep their traditions intact - herding cattle and living off the land as modernization changes the world around them.

A terrible drought that ended in 2001 lasted several years and devastated pasture lands. The Maasai's livelihood disappeared as their cattle died. The men had to drive the few remaining cattle hundreds of miles away to search for better grazing and it became evident that the women desperately needed a way to obtain medical supplies, and to feed, clothe, and educate their children.

Philip and Katy Leakey, who live among the Maasai in the Kenyan bush, wanted to help their neighbors and to provide work opportunities without changing their culture. They came up with an imaginative idea that would utilize the excellent beading abilities of the Maasai women, and it used grass, an available sustainable resource, as the primary element.

Soon the women were harvesting grass, one blade at a time. The long grass was dried and cut into bead-size pieces and dyed lovely hues - blues, greens, reds, yellows, pinks, purples, earth and natural tones - which were then strung into necklaces and bracelets. The Leakeys added brilliant Czech glass beads to their designs, mixing them with the soft luster of the grass beads and giving sparkle and a contemporary flair to the jewelry. Zulugrass was born.

In short order, the women learned that they could bring their babies and toddlers with them and they would be paid by the piece as they chose to work. As word passed through the Maasai community, women started walking as much as two hours each way to have their first chance to earn money. Now over 1400 hundred Maasai women are making Zulugrass while continuing to lead their lives in their traditional life style, and they can use their income to better their lives as they wish. Some have been able to reunite their families after earning enough to purchase cattle to restock herds and one woman has bought her own goat herd.

Philip and Katy Leakey's inspiration gave birth to Zulugrass - the beautiful jewelry handcrafted by experts, the Maasai women of Kenya.

These days, many new parents are making their best efforts to make environmentally sound choices for their family. Dozens of environmental sites, blogs and companies provide a wealth of information and tips on raising a green baby in an eco friendly home while living a sustainable lifestyle. Some eco friendly choices come easy- trading out old light bulbs for eco friendly fluorocarbon bulbs, recycling, using fuel more efficiently, etc. While these efforts are to be applauded; there is something plaguing the conscious of new parents everywhere-disposable diapers.

Most new parents make the choice to use disposable diapers based on the perception that cloth diapers are out dated, unsanitary, inconvenient, gross (but all diapers are), expensive and uncomfortable. Some would argue the chemicals used to clean the diapers are more harmful to the environment than simply disposing them.

But what many of us do not know is there are now businesses that create cloth diapers systems that are not difficult to follow. Gone are the days of pins and rubber diaper covers and the awful stench left behind. Some companies such as Diaperaps, http://www.diaperaps.com, offer consumers an easier way to use cloth diapers; with Velcro tabs instead of pins, naturally absorbent cotton diaper covers instead of vinyl, and the ability to launder and sanitize the diapers easily in your own washing machine.

Good Reasons for Choosing A Cloth Diapering System
1. Natural Fibers. Cotton is the most natural diaper you can put next to your baby's skin. There is no need for gels or chemicals.
2. Mystery Ingredients. Do you know what's in a disposable diaper (there are no ingredients listed on their package)? Try this - cut a disposable diaper in half. Pour water on half and watch what happens. There are tiny chemical crystals that turn into a spongy gel when water hits them.

3. The Environment. A baby will use either 7,000 disposable diapers or 80 cotton diapers. A disposable diaper is used for 2 hours - a cloth diaper is used for 3 years. Think of all the resources used to produce a product that will last for only 2 hours and then be thrown away. Think about where all the billions of throwaway diapers are going to end up.

4. Less Diaper Rash. Studies have shown there is less diaper rash with the use of cotton diapers than with disposable diapers.

5. Disposable Diapers are Expensive! You will save about $2000 if you use cloth over disposables. While disposables are priced very cheaply for the newborn sizes, as your baby grows the diapers start costing a lot more. Use that savings towards their education!

6. Cloth Diapers are Easy To Use. In your mom's day you needed pins, rubber pants, and time to fold a long flat cloth into a diaper. Now with cotton pre-fold diapers diaper covers, it is quick and easy to change your baby.

7. Babies Potty Train Earlier when they use cotton because they can feel the wetness.

8. Cloth Diapers Use Fewer Resources. It takes a cup full of crude oil to produce the plastic for one disposable diaper.

9. Teach Your Children Well-Babies learn by imitation. You can teach them by example, the responsible way of dealing with waste. You don't just wrap it up and throw it away.

10. Change Diapers Less Often. This is music to the ears of any parent with a child in diapers. Because they are made from natural materials, cloth diapers can be changes every 3 hours as opposed to every 2 hours required with disposable diapers.

The Bottom Line (no pun intended): The choice to use a cloth diapering system or disposable diapers is not an easy one to make. Some have found success using a combination of both! In any case, it is important to research both options and make the best decision for your family.