I just read one of my twin mom's blogs about cloth diapering and it reminded me of why I started this blog. When I first started this blog, my goal was to write about living as naturally and as green as possible. Lately, I'm not sure that I have really been talking a lot about this area.
When I started this blog, I had just started cloth diapering. I have been cloth diapering my three kids for the last year and a half. I have had to use some disposables off and on (due to rashes or traveling but as I got used to cloth diapering I just used cloth when we were traveling) within that time frame, but overall, I have been able to keep up with cloth diapering. I have also started using cloth wipes, and they have made such a difference. I still have disposables for when we are out, but I have used old receiving blankets to make the wipes and I am using just a little bit of castile soap and some tea tree oil in water for the solution. I really believe that my kids have sensitive skin and using the disposable wipes all the time, is just too harsh on their skin. The only regret I have is that I didn't start using cloth diapers and wipes sooner.
When I started this blog, I mentioned how I wanted to use thrifted clothing, up-cycled clothing, or make my own. I have been able to do this a lot for my kids, but not so much for me. To be honest, I haven't really bought new clothes for me, but I haven't looked in thrift stores for clothing for me either! As I mentioned above, I have used old receiving blankets for cloth diapers and since I still have a bunch, I am thinking about making some "momma pads" which I have heard from reliable sources are much more comfortable than disposable ones. I just have to sit down and draft a pattern and then sew up a few. Another great way to use those old flannel blankets.
I am trying to be good at using homemade cleansers for the house. I have one cleanser that I am using which is really just water, castile soap, and lemon essential oil. I use a steam mop for the floor, so I am not using any floor cleanser, but I am using energy. I'm not sure what the best /most efficient way to wash the kitchen floor is! I will be looking into more homemade cleansers. I am a huge fan of baking soda though!
I am doing better with using natural body products. I have been using my homemade deodorant which is really just equal parts baking soda and cornstarch as well as coconut oil with some essential oils added in. I don't have the exact amounts right here, but if anyone is interested, I will post the recipe that I use. The other thing that I am doing is not using shampoo to wash my hair. I have loved not having to rely on shampoo to wash my hair. I have been following the protocol in "Curly Girl" by Lorraine Massey, and when I feel like I need to shampoo, I use a shampoo with ingredients that I can pronounce. I am using a fairly natural soap, but my goal is to learn to make my own. My husband's cousin is going to show me, but I just haven't set aside time to learn. I had been using baking soda and salt with some essential oils for tooth paste, but I got away from that and need to get back to it. I hate using products with ingredients that I can't pronounce. When I use hair gel, I am using gel that is made from flax seeds. I have to say, that I am impressed with how much hold there is.
I have been much better at making my own meals. I actually have a weeks worth of meal planning completed and now I need to prepare the next week. This is actually helpful in grocery shopping. I need to go to the grocery store today, but I know what I need to get and I don't need to stress about what supplies I need. I need to move on to the next week so that I stay on top of this. I am really liking having a plan and only buying what I need instead of buying too much and wasting food!
I am sure that I can be better at using less energy. I try to take short showers, but I do use awfully hot water. Not only is that probably not the most environmentally friendly, but bad for my skin too. I try not to run the water needlessly wether it is when I am brushing my teeth, doing dishes, etc. I try to shut off lights when I am not using them. I am going to try to limit my driving since it has a negative impact on the environment as well as my pocket. I'm sure there is more that I am doing as well as more that I could be doing.
I do need to make more handmade things. This is one area that I have been lacking in. The worst part about this is that I really enjoy making things, but yet I tend not to. I guess, I just need to make the time to do it. As I've often written, I need to stop watching so much TV, using the computer, using my iPad and iPhone. I need to just set up a project to work on and do it. Knitting projects are perfect for doing while I watch tv. I'm sure that there are plenty that i have to work on.
This post was as much if not more to remind me of what I need to be doing and what I am doing. I need to give myself credit for what I have already changed, yet I need to be aware of what I still need to change!
Amy
http://www.hillbillyhousewife.com/sanitarypads.htm
ReplyDeleteThis is the pattern I used. I LOVED the home-made pads. I am planning on making more. Due to circumstances a almost three years ago, I ended up having to go back to disposable one (they suck.)I can say that I didn't make them quite like on the site. I didn't make the wings, inserts or make them attach to the panty. I just made them in different thicknesses to use. Flannel is GREAT.
During the time of the month I had a bucket with cold water sitting next to the toilet that I was able to drop the pads in (some times I would put some vinegar in the bucket with the water). When I did wash I would throw them in. I find that home-made pads are MUCH better. There was a lot less "accidents" and a lot more comfort.