Not So Disposable

Cross-posted and archived from DC Metro Moms.  Original post date December 24, 2007.

We all know that once you have kids messes are made all the time. Almost every 2.5 seconds it seems and there is more trash than you ever thought possible leaving your home. If you own a diaper genie or some other stink holder then you know that the trash you put out more than doubles once that cute bundle arrives. It is like the diapers are having diapers inside that contraption. Diapers that clog our landfills and linger for years to come.


There must be something we can do right? There must be a better way that does not involve those cloth diapers. Because really? We are not all cut out for the washing of the poo. This video, Not So Disposable, by Dana Hackley, gets to the nitty gritty of what diapers are doing to our world. She offers yet another way to possibly solve this diaper dilemma by lobbying our state legislature to find a way to recycle them. A company called Knowaste already does this with great results in the UK and even here in this country. When you consider the fact that diapers, including adult ones, are one of the only household items not to be recycled these days added in with the 500 years it takes for them to decompose it doesn't take a math genius to realize we have a big problem on our hands.

It is incredibly easy to just throw those diapers away. They are disposable after all. Who wants to deal with safety pins, expensive diaper services, and washing nappies late into the night when you are already a sleep deprived parent to begin with? Our grandmothers and many of our mothers did it. So why can't we? I was a cloth diapered baby for purely economical reasons as was my spouse. I oddly didn't even think twice about an alternative to the Pamper when my daughter was born despite my preoccupation with natural baby products, organic food and a whole slew of other green techniques I institued in our house.

It wasn't until Dana's video that I really began to squirm in my seat and realize the mess I was creating from well, my daughter's messes. However, even when presented with the facts I'm at a loss on how to really begin finding a new alternative to buying that ginormous box of gel inserted diapers every two weeks. I applaud Dana's efforts to seek an alternative to disposable diapers because we aren't all cut out for the cloth nappy technique. We really should be finding other options out there. I think just speaking up about it opens a whole new realm for discussion and thought. I welcome anyone's suggestions on how to get this started in the DC Metro area or if anyone has experiences using products like the g-diaper or vinyl pants. That one I just can't wrap my brain around.

Comments


Bonacci said...


In Toronto, recycling of diapers has been in full swing for several years now. The "green bin" program allows all organic wastes, bones, and sanitary products to be recycled. All the surrounding cities have started taking part now also. To enforce the recycling programs, the city now limits garbage pickup to once every two weeks, and there is a two bag limit per pickup.






At first it's something you're not particularly happy about, but when you start to realize the benefits and finally get into the routine, it's great. My finance and I are down to about a half bag of trash every two weeks... There are so many things that are recyclable in our city now that it's pretty difficult to generate a lot of trash.






Bonnaci


Reply December 24, 2007 at 06:48 AM ElleDee said...


It's really not that hard to adapt to using cloth diapers if you sign up for a diaper service. With our second child, I'm considering washing our own though, although I'm feeling a bit apprehensive about it. (I need to research if the diaper service's use of water is more efficient, for example; anyone know?). I've collected a lot of diaper covers and although you have to change wet diapers more frequently, it's not that bad. We did use a paper diaper at night though because our daughter was such a heavy nighttime wetter. This is a good site about using cloth diapers - http://www.diaperjungle.com/washing-cloth-diapers.html


Reply December 24, 2007 at 10:58 AM Vicky said...


Wow Leslie, Thanks so much. I had no idea about the paper diapers for nighttime either. I will definetly check this out!

Happy Earth Day!

It's Earth Day and I feel like I should be telling you to go out and plant a garden today.  How about just taking a walk on your lunch break?  Or getting out with the kids before or after dinner, if weather permits. If it doesn't then play in the rain. I still enjoy that as an adult. 

I'm all about being more green.  But you already knew that.  Earth Day is no exception.  I don't even want to tell you how TD reacted when I told her that the recycling company wasn't taking her daily yogurt cups anymore.  The kid has grown up green and saying things like, "sight-kling!" each time we tried to throw things away. 

In honor of my kid who wants to either be a Vet, Trash Woman or Earth Doctor, here are some great ways to go green that maybe you hadn't thought about or learned of just yet. 

-Did you know that you can recycle your old electronics for visa gift cards?  At Walmart you can. I know, I just promoted the big W.  Did you know that gulp, they are greener than the bulls-eye store in many practices?  Anyway, this new online program at Walmart.com rewards you for recycling your old electronics. Walmart’s Electronics Trade-in Program allows customers to trade in unwanted electronics and earn Walmart prepaid Visa cards that can be used at Walmart stores and online at Walmart.com. Don’t let an old digital camera or cell phone end up in the landfill–recycle those products responsibly and earn a Walmart prepaid Visa card in return! The electronics trade-in program, powered by Gazelle, accepts thousands of used consumer electronics, and new categories are added regularly. More information is available at http://walmart.gazelle.com/.

-Twelve year-old Adora Svitak has collaborated with GreenMyParents (GMP) to help kids conserve energy, water and more.  Learn about this amazing kid and GMP here.

-Coupon Sherpa has created this great eco-frugal guide to help your wallet and you go green.  It's worth checking out just for the list of energy saving appliances.

-Check out all the green, organic and earth friendly products that Mummy's Product Reviews has done over the years.  I'm sure you will find something you didn't know about. 


Lastly, Earth Day is just a day to reflect, if you ask me. Sure, you can begin some new practices, do a project or talk to your kids about the importance of being good to the world around them, but it shouldn't be a chore.  Being more conscientious is just smart and it benefits you, your family, your budget and the world around you.  It may seem complicated at first but it is really all about simplifying.  Couldn't we all use more of that?

I Don't Just Write. I Speak in Public Too.

Recently, I had the pleasure of speaking to a local women's group. The topic for the night was Earth Day.  Along with me was a woman from my local Public Works office. After she discussed recycling, volunteerism and much more (There are over 22 trash companies serving my county and only two trash inspectors! Animal waste running into our rivers and streams is a HUGE issue. Blech.  Pick up your yard poop was the message.)  I got up, rather nervously, to speak about products that help you green your life. 

After about a minute I found it quite easy speaking to this group of women. They were interested, had loads of questions and since I genuinely love the topic of green products I felt like I was on a roll.  I could have gone on for over an hour if I wanted to just talking about mineral make-up, laundry detergent, floor cleaner and the amazing eye make-up remover I have found.  All of it earth and people friendly.  Which, quite frankly, so many of our products are not. 

At the end of the night I was happy.  I had found a new outlet* and something that was scary (I used to dread public speaking and presentations more than a bag full of cats on meth being dumped on me.) wasn't anymore.  It was just the boost of confidence I needed for this upcoming month when I will be speaking to five more groups around the country.  The idea which previously had my palms prematurely sweating.



*I would be happy to speak to you and your organization about going green, easing into a green lifestyle and the products that can help take you there.  If you want more information about how to make that possible, contact me at veamason AT gmail DOT com.

In addition, if you live in the Northern Virginia area, a new chapter of Holistic Moms is meeting tonight. Details are here. 

Blame it on Earth Day

Maybe it is all the PR pitches about Earth Day that has me in the green mode more than normal.  Maybe it's my pregnancy or the spring time with its feelings of renewal and spring cleaning.  Whatever it is I've become incensed lately when I see something going to waste.  Well, more so than my normal ranting, undapants in a wad, shaking fists fury. 

Case in point, today is trash day in my 'hood.  I look across the street and see my neighbor is throwing away a grill, two strollers, a bike, a little tikes car and a tiny pool table. Then there is some actual trash.  I say to H, "I hope that's for Freecycle."  To which he replied, "Nope.  It's trash."  One man's trash as they say... and I dashed across the street and went to look over the pile.  The bike and kid car are fine.  The strollers too.  Who knows about the grill but everything else is left for a landfill and it is such a waste.  As a freecycler I know that there are people out there looking for this stuff who need it.  I'm sure there are plenty of kids who would love a "new" bike and it's not in their parents budget.  I'm tempted to grab the strollers and freecycle them myself.  I can't stand to think of them being crushed in a trash truck and sitting in a heap for eons to come. 

Next door to this house is a home that was recently foreclosed on and an investor bought it from the bank.  In the last two weeks a giant metal dumpster has resided in front of the house holding all the trash and debris the rehab crew has tossed.  I looked inside this weekend and saw a lawnmower, televisions, cabinets and more.  Things that Habitat for Humanity would take and use at their Restore.  Those electronics don't belong in a garbage dump either.  I wanted to hurl myself inside it and start dumpster diving just to properly dispense of the items residing inside. 

Halfway through this blog post my neighbor called and asked if I wanted to go trash picking.  I told her I would meet her outside.  Minutes later my kids were the excited owners of a little tikes car that works well and looks new. My friends son has a new red bike.  The strollers sadly, while completely new were covered from handlebars to wheels with mold.  Such a waste. 

If you want to know more about Freecycle for your area, visit here.  I'll be speaking to a local Mom's Club chapter next month about becoming more eco-conscious and the amazing products that don't cost an arm and a leg to help put you in the green. 

Overheards- The Earth Doctor

Scene: TD and I are headed out the door. As we climb into the car TD spies a displaced plastic container lying in the grass nearby. It is filled with trash despite being casserole size.

TD: "Momma? Why is that plastic container lying over there? What is it doing? Is it trash?" She says as she climbs into her car seat.

V: "Yes, it is trash. I don't know why it's there, but it shouldn't be." I say, reaching for her safety belts and fastening them.

TD: "Why? Because it will hurt the earth?" She looks perplexed.

V: "Yes, trash does hurt the earth. Very good!" I am a bit stunned but beaming and proud.

TD: "Momma, when I grow up I am going to be a trash doctor so that the earth won't be hurt." She sits back in her car seat, satisfied with this proclamation.

Ugh. My heart seized then melted when I heard those words. Her face, so serious and solemn, it broke me. I just squeezed her tight and said, "That is a great idea. The earth needs a doctor just like you."

Fat Camps and Obesogens and Greening- Oh My!

Remember when you were growing up and there was just one overweight kid in your class? Yeah, that's right I'm going to talk about childhood obesity today and more. Why? Because it bothers the heck out of me. That's why. Gone is the one child with a weight problem and now we have classrooms full of them.

When I'm at the gym and I see the British governments initiative being pooh poohed (OH NO! The government is trying to think healthy! They want kids to have a longer, healthier life! Back off you meddling government! How dare you!) because it wants to create "fat camps" as Fox News called them (Don't get me started on that network.) and people are up in arms. You know what? Maybe we need those camps because so many schools no longer have the funds for gym classes anymore. Recesses are not as long and kids sit a whole lot more. The fact that there is so much television, computer games and junk food available is a contributing factor as well to be sure. We don't know how to choose and teach healthy lifestyles. We are not educated to do it and we don't have the time. Or so it seems.

But how about this new side of the obesity coin? Newsweek published an article this week titled, " Born to be Big" by Sharon Begley (please, read). At first, I was really incensed by just the title alone. However, when I began to read further into the article it started to make sense to me. The idea that the chemicals we ingest from our foods, all those plastics and the environment is changing the chemistry in our bodies and creating obesogens, which can make you fat, is not entirely unbelievable. It is fascinating to me and while not an excuse for every overweight person (over 50 it does not apply) it is just another reason that we need to get back to basics. It is yet another red flag that we need continue to seek out the healthier alternatives and rid our lifestyles of the junk we are placing in our homes and on our plates.

All those BPA-free bottles I bought, all those cleaning and household products I converted over to in the last four years are not just because I am glomming onto the greenie trend. It's because I really believe that all those chemicals, the pure crap that companies put in our food and household goods because it is the cheap alternative and not because it is good for us are inherently bad for us on so many levels. To think that using that stuff could potentially be changing the cells in a fetus while I'm carrying it is like something out of a very scary sci-fi thriller when you think about it. Soylent Green blips across my mind.

We are weakening our bodies and our children's futures by plying our lives with all this pure junk. We pour a highly toxic cleaner on our floor and let our kids play on it. We douse our dishes and ourselves in high lathering phthalate chocked products and have no idea that we are killing ourselves slowly. I truly believe that much of the allergies, cancers and other afflictions we now suffer from in droves are due in part because of the toxic levels of junk we allow into our homes without a second thought. We are ingesting it, breathing it in and slathering it on our bodies and we need to stop and think about what we are doing. Everything is connected whether we want to think about it or not.

Resources for Kicking the Chemical Habit:

Big Green Purse

Safer Cosmetics Guide

Our Stolen Future

The Green Mom Review

Women's Health Issues

Earth Day is Every Day

For weeks my inbox has been flooded with PR requests to review earth-friendly products to share with my readers. "Do you have a green guide gathered together for Earth Day?" The PR people ask me. No, I do not. Here's why.

I celebrate Earth Day every day. Not just one day a year where I buy a reusable bag. When I review products at Mummy's Product Reviews (MPR) I try do review as many sustainable, eco-friendly products that I can get my hands on. In the past few years I have consistently tried to make less waste, recycle more, use my reusable bags to shop and tote things around and freecycle my heart out. I donate a lot of items instead of throwing them out. I use household cleaning, beauty, health and kid/baby products that have less packaging and chemicals than the typical alternatives. Since I began this 'green our lives' journey (read: clean the tub with baking soda and lemon juice or the toilets with vodka or borax. You heard me. I said, vodka.) many of the popular name brand and even store brands have come out with green alternatives. It makes life a lot easier but you still have to do your research. Buying something with a leaf on it doesn't always mean it is green.

I make goals each year as well. When we repaint our bathroom and den this summer it will be with VOC-free paints (are you listening Valspar and Benjamin Moore! I could review paint for you!). I'm hoping to find a used light fixture for the bathroom as well instead of buying new, if possible. I buy most of the kids clothes from consignment sales too. I try to buy from small businesses who practice green tactics as well as buy locally when possible. It can take more time but I feel I'm helping my community at the same time. Just look at what these Nesty women are doing together!

As I type this my three year-old has just finished a to-go cup of applesauce that she put into a paper cupcake holder. Upon finishing it she said, "Recycle these! I need to recycle these!" I could not be more proud. I can only hope that what I am teaching her now will really stick and create habits that will last and sustain her lifetime, not just for one day in the year.


In celebration of Earth Day have your child color this Sid the Science Kid activity sheet. PBS Kids website has some really great stuff for the whole family as well-

-How to Throw a Green Birthday Party
-Incredibly helpful and insightful “green” articles
-An expert Q&A where parents can submit their own personal questions!

and more...

Angry Woman Kicks 1,4-Dioxane to the Curb

I'll admit I'm a bit cantankerous today. I was up all night with TD who has a hellacious cough and the poor kid is just not herself. Combine that lack of sleep with an issue that just generally gets me riled up anyway and you've got one angry woman on your hands.

That must mean it is time for a SOAP BOX RANT! I've climbed up. Attention please! Let me begin.

I love my kids. I want what is best for them in every possible way. I want them to feel safe and secure at all times. Their welfare and health is at the tip top of my list on a daily basis. So that is why I get so steaming, hell-fire breathing mad when I read that companies that many parents have trusted for generations, companies that love to court us mommy bloggers, just really don't give a shit. There. I said it. They don't. It's all about the bottom line. Duh. I feel like they are duping the consumers. Especially when we mommy bloggers have asked repeatedly at certain events if their products are really as safe and harmless as they say. We are a skeptical lot us mothers and we protect our young with a ferocity that cannot be imagined. When we find out that chemicals that cause cancer have been pumped into our tiny babies bath soap we get angry.

Really angry. I feel like I want to rip someones jugular out today and not just because I'm feeling all sleep-deprived and primal but because I'm damn mad that the makers of these products just don't care what they do. It's all about the easiest, cheapest way to make and market the product and who cares what the general public thinks. "Put a green leaf on it boys and the moms will go mad thinking it's all-natural!" When really it's chock full of formaldehyde and 1,4-dioxane. Kiddie leukemia anyone?!

Grrr... Much teeth gnashing and I'm looking for blood.

I don't even care if it isn't my country that this is effecting though I'm quite certain that it is chemical poisoning is just as rampant in the US as it is in foreign lands. These chemicals just aren't required to be listed on our products labels according to US laws. Feel angry now? And just because it isn't in my house doesn't mean it isn't effecting me. Yet it is effecting my house because last year I got a ton of free baby bath products, kids shampoo, soap and lotion from this company. Trying to not be wasteful, especially during the time of my husband's lay off, I began using all this stuff just to save a dime. I'm almost done with all of it too. Despite my concious always eating away at me over the last few months I kept using it all too. But as of today it's all being chucked in the trash. Instead of waiting to be done with it and then going back to my safety-checked bath products I'm just going back now. No more chemicals for my kiddos. Because this?

The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, a consumer safety watchdog group, last
Friday reported that dozens of popular children’s bath products marketed in the
US contain two cancer-causing chemicals, 1.4-dioxane and
formaldehyde. Twenty-three of the 28 products tested for formaldehyde were
shown to contain the chemical, and 17 of those products contained both
formaldehyde and 1.4-dioxane. Among those were the highly popular Johnson’s
Baby Shampoo, L’Oreal Kids Extra Gentle 2-in-1 shampoo and Pampers Kandoo
foaming hand soap, which contained enough formaldehyde to trigger a skin
reaction in highly sensitive people, the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics said in its
report.

Is completely UNACCEPTABLE. I'm not just going to single one company out either because this stuff and more is in so many of the products we use on a daily basis to clean our homes and simplify our lives. I have been trying to weed items like this out for the past few years and often there are much more wallet-friendly solutions that you just need to do a bit of searching for versus always buying the sometimes expensive and not always effective green marketed products crowding our shelves these days. Don't despair and feel defeated! You can take action in some very simple ways.

What you can do:

Contrary to industry statements, there are no regulatory standards that limit formaldehyde, 1,4-dioxane or most other toxic chemicals in personal care products sold in the United States. There are signs the U.S. is gearing to catch up, but for now it's up to consumers to consider carefully before they buy. Here's some suggestions for safeguarding your family's health:
Simplify: Select products with fewer ingredients and no synthetic fragrance or dyes, and use fewer products overall.

Choose safety: Search EWG's cosmetic safety database, Skin Deep, to learn more about the products you use and find safer alternatives. Also check out EWG's Safety Guide to Children’s Personal Care Products.

Read labels: Select products for baby and yourself that don't contain the ingredients listed above, which are commonly contaminated with formaldehyde or 1,4-dioxane.
Take action! Can’t memorize these lists? Nobody can. If harmful contaminants and ingredients weren’t allowed in products, you wouldn’t have to. Tell Congress you want safe cosmetics for babies, adults and everyone in between.

Spread the word: Send an e-card letting friends and family know about this report.

Finally you don't have to be a parent to be angry about this issue. It's a matter that everyone should take to heart. It is your health after all too. Your pets as well. The more of us that take action the better off we will all be in the long run. Not only healthier but safer. And by God maybe then some of those green products will have to come down in price as well!

The Thirty Day Challenge Finis

As quickly as it started the Thirty Day-use-less-waste-less-Challenge is over. During that time not only did I try to buy less, consume less and waste less I found that I had a whole lot more in my house than I ever realized.

There I was using vinegar to clean my mirrors and I had three bottles of different types of glass cleaner sitting under sinks in my house. Madness, I tell you, madness! Not to mention the two bottles of toilet cleaner, four bottles of all-purpose spray, three kitchen cleaners and three shower/tub and tile cleansers. Seriously, folks- how does this happen?!?

Then there were the beauty regime products. You would think I had a silo somewhere on my property with all the scrubs, lotions, potions, serums and more lurking in my bathrooms. TD had three types of detangler sitting in her room alone. Is this necessary? Does it make sense?

No. No, it does not.

I realize that most of this stuff is sent to me to review and once I've tested it out for a while it gets put away so I can review another fantabulous or craptastic product. However, I also never throw the dregs away and that creates clutter. This challenge made me take stock and inventory of what was has been cluttering up my home and realize that I not only had some cleaning to do but recycling! That became another goal as I launched this project. If the container could be recycled it was going to be. No more throwing plastic in the bathroom trash if it could go in the green bin downstairs. I created a little space for all those bottles and jars and once a week it all went into the recycling bin. Just making that tiny change made me feel better.

While I have made my way through quite a bit of sample packets, bottles, facial cleansers, body lotions, serums, hair products and more there is still loads to do. This challenge has reached other places of our home too. I have begun purging closets and drawers as well. Each place contains items long forgotten and a bit bizarre. A book holder in my underwear draw? Lotion keeping space with my shoes? Why? I seem to just toss stuff wherever at times and it makes no sense. If anything this challenge has made me slightly more organized and cognizant of what is coming into and going out of our home. No more sunblock with the toothpaste either.

I'm going to keep this up and only buy what is necessary. It was hard sometimes when I would see a new lip gloss I wanted or a deliciously scented candle while three languished unused on a table or a nail polish just begging to lacquer my nails, but I think that saving money and creating less clutter and more open space is far more satisfying than a cabinet full of half-used bath salts and eye creams.

For the final rundown of products used and tossed in the last thirty days visit here.

Did anyone join me on this quest or purge themselves. If so, then share your ideas and experiences by commenting. I would love to hear what you all do in your home. Or what dirty secrets are living under your bathroom and kitchen sinks...

Happy Earth Day to You & Yours!

Yes, it is Earth Day. I think when I was in high school I wore some giant t-shirt with a globe on it to commemorate the day and that was that. Now that anything green seems to have become Eco-chic we are inundated with ideas on how to go green. It's a bit overwhelming isn't it?

In our house we try to be good stewards of the earth. There is talk of a vegetable garden if we can get our collective butts in gear this spring. We recycle all we can. We reuse goods and try not to buy new if we can find an alternative. In the past year we've implemented a few other changes too.


We got rid of paper napkins. It was easier than I thought it would be. I bought two twelve packs at Bed, Bath & Beyond and voila! No more paper! My mother said, "Oh! You don't have to use cloth napkins just because I'm here.." I quickly set her straight. Here is another alternative.

T.D. has the most sensitive skin and I clearly do too. We have done away with a lot of harsh and synthetic products in our house this year. Even our guest bathroom got a green makeover. We've noticed a real difference in how we look and feel.


We've discovered the joys of simplicity and less waste in all of this and it has made an impact on our family as a whole. We seem to appreciate more and think things through instead of going on impulse so much. By doing the three R's we are learning day by day and seeing a difference in our lives for the better.

It's not hard to implement and you don't have to overhaul your life. It takes a bit of practice but it's fun to green your world. Now I'm off my recycled soap box and I ask you-

What do you do in your house that helps Mother Earth?

Earth Hour- TONIGHT! Are you Ready?

Maybe you have heard of it, maybe you haven't but tonight all over the world between 8-9 p.m. we are powering down. For one solid hour there will be no lights on in my house. Just candlelight.

Earth Hour is a great way for your whole family to get involved and learn about conservation. While T.D. will be in bed by that point, the dog and I will sitting quietly.

On March 29, 2008 at 8 p.m., join millions of people around the world in making a statement about climate change by turning off your lights for Earth Hour, an event created by the World Wildlife Fund.

Earth Hour was created by WWF in Sydney, Australia in 2007, and in one year has grown from an event in one city to a global movement. In 2008, millions of people, businesses, governments and civic organizations in nearly 200 cities around the globe will turn out for Earth Hour. More than 100 cities across North America will participate, including the US flagships–Atlanta, Chicago, Phoenix and San Francisco and Ottawa, Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver.

We invite everyone throughout North America and around the world to turn off the lights for an hour starting at 8 p.m. (your own local time)–whether at home or at work, with friends and family or solo, in a big city or a small town.

What will you do when the lights are off? We have lots of ideas.

Join people all around the world in showing that you care about our planet and want to play a part in helping to fight climate change. Don’t forget to sign up and let us know you want to join Earth Hour.

One hour, America. Earth Hour. Turn out for Earth Hour!

Wii Crazy

While ellipticizing my butt and thighs at the gym the other day I was again astounded by the Wii craze. There it was on the news, lines of sheep (ahem)people lined up for the Wii. Yes, the Wii is BIG FUN. I personally would love to own one. But do I want to sit outside in the freezing cold outside a big box store for over 24hours to obtain one? That would be a no. I prefer to wait. Which means I'll probably never buy one.

It hit me then that those lines are such a distraction. People get so wrapped up in the media-induced frenzy of Black Friday and getting 'the gift' of the season for kids and adults EVERY YEAR that the message of the season really does get lost. How can you think of goodwill towards men when you are jockeying in line for hours on end while catching your death? What comes of it? Nothing. You play with the new toy for a while, then next year like everyone else in the rat race, you find yourself in line again. There you are waiting for a golden ticket to hopefully get you inside the warm store and purchase that ultimate gift. Why?

Then, I saw this video and it cemented all my feelings of our holiday consumption and our every day consumption. I am guilty of getting lost in the "what did you get me?!" too. I admit it. I love getting gifts and I want them to be the most thoughtful gift ever, each time. I shop 'til I drop for presents too. I shop for no reason. I can be a greedy little whore of a consumer. I've been in DA (Debtors Anonymous) and it nearly ruined my life and marriage at one point. When Oprah had her show on shopaholics I answered yes to 9 out of 10 questions. Instead of putting down the bottle I had to put down the cards. Every one has their vice and mine was shopping. I realize now the error of my ways. I saw first hand how it can destroy relationships just like any other addiction.

Here is the thing. This country? Is addicted to consuming. We jump like lemmings over a cliff to get a new product. We are in fact consumed. I'm not trying to rain on your holiday parade or anything. I'm just trying to make a point. We only keep 1% of what we buy. 1 freakn' tiny percent. Stuff is made to be useless. We complain about the quality of products not being what they should, but hm... are they not designed for us to discard them right quick? Is that what is happening? So while it might be late in the game this year it isn't for 2008. My resolution for the new year is not just going to be fighting the urge to smoke but also to just consume less. To buy less. Save more. Anyone else want to join me? Anyone else want to get off the roller coaster of consuming just for the sake of consuming?

I've been SBUX sober for over two months now and while the shakes and urges can be pretty damn strong it's just one less thing I'm consuming.

Green Your Routine

I am very pleased to announce the incredible news that Dana Hackley is the winner of Ziddio's Green Your Routine video contest.

Who is Dana Hackley and why should you care? Dana was one of my college roommates, we shared a bunk in an insanely tiny room together in our sorority house and we didn't kill each other in the night. That is an amazing feat if you were to see the size of the room. I think prisoners have bigger cells. We've been in each others weddings and lives for over ten years now (ugh I feel old) and had our first babes within a year of each other. Dana is a busy woman. She writes, she teaches and she creates Academy Award winning videos. That's right. My old roomie has one the Global Green Academy Award. I'm so (sniff) proud.

Here it is- Not So Disposable, by Dana Hackley




For more information and an interview with Dana please visit Moms Speak Up.

I think of Leonardo DiCaprio Everyday

Yes. It's true. I think of Mr. '11th Hour' daily. It's not like I'm some crazy stalker person. I'm not. Sure he's nice enough looking, but really it's not like that. It's simply this.

Back in 2005 I saw DiCaprio on Oprah (probably one of the last time's I actually sat and watched that show) and he was talking about living green. He explained that it's not a life over hauling thing. It doesn't have to be expensive or complicated. There are a million and one ways to go about your daily life living greener that actually do make an impact. The way we live has to change and it can be changed. I was riveted. I am all for bettering the planet but it does seem rather confusing sometimes doesn't it? Organic or not? Local vs. convenience of the grocery store. Hybrid car price vs. lower priced more polluting vehicle?

So I listened to Leo and decided from here on out I'm changing things. It was slow going at first. I unplug all the items in our house that don't need to run all day like the coffeemaker, radios, cell phone chargers, hair dryers, the list goes on. Even lamps. If it's not on it shouldn't be sucking energy. We changed out the light bulbs and have bought energy efficient appliances as the old ones died out. We stopped using plastic bags and bought the stores cloth ones. And you know what? It wasn't all in a day. It was over time. Each step I made had me feeling better and wanting to do more. Before I knew it we were shopping locally when possible. Buying earth/people friendly cleaners, using less water, less paper, eating less meat (very energy inefficient to produce it) and are driving less. If it's nice out I'd rather walk than spend the gas to go to the gym.

I even grow herbs now. Freaky isn't it? The change has been on-going and through it I'm more aware of my daily actions in life and how I treat myself and others. I'm reluctant to call myself some granola munching-tree hugging-do gooder who poo poos everyone else. That is NOT what I'm saying. I'm only re-emphasizing the idea that one small step, one little action has an impact. If we all pick a few things to help preserve this planet it will benefit us in so many more ways than we can imagine.

So each time I unplug my coffeemaker I think of Leo and those first few galvanizing thoughts he put in my head.

Some great sites for making those small changes-

Low Impact Living
Pristine Planet
target="_blank">Izzy Mom's Thoughts on Things and some Good Links
No Impact Man- One Man's Quest

And they say celebrity's can't endorse a cause. Heh.