green mommy in a plastic world

The Endless Debate: Cloth Vs Disposable Diapers

There are certain debates that just never get resolved. Working mom or stay-at-home? Boxers or briefs? And of more importance to me lately, my favorite eco-debate: which is greener: cloth vs disposable diapers?

The average baby goes through a head-spinning 5,000 diapers before being potty-trained! Because most of those diapers are disposable, they typically end up in landfills. But I have heard compelling arguments on both sides. And with a little one on the way, my family has to make a decision – and soon. (We also need to decide on a name, but that’s a whole other post….) So for those of you in the same rocking boat, here are a few things to think about when making your decision

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Sexy Valentine’s Day Ideas Gone Green

Recently I read an alarming statistic that 57% of women have chosen cleaning their homes over “sexy time” with their partners. Ladies, what are we doing?! Taking care of a sick child instead of sexy time? Of course. Working late at your job? Sure. Reading those last few chapters of the Twilight series? Obviously. But CLEANING? No. Something is clearly wrong.

With Valentine’s Day right around the corner I urge you to get your cleaning done quickly and make sure you have a green – and fun! – holiday this year with these cute, eco-sexy ideas.

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One Small Thing: Get a HEPA filter

Recently we had a big rite of passage in our home. I’m not talking anything fun, like first loose tooth or first accidental curse word (still trying to prevent that one from happening!). No, I’m referring to Z’s first inhaler. It seems like every kid has one these days and mine is no different. After months of a lingering cough we finally tried the inhaler and just like that, she stopped coughing and slept through the night.

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Five Green Things We Love – Green Bathroom

Depending on whether you have kids and how old they are, your bathroom is either a sanctuary or a stage. (I have heard urban legends of mothers who are able to shower, primp or do their business without an audience of tiny faces peeking through the door crack – or just busting right on in – but that has not been my experience.) Either way, there’s no reason your space can’t be green, clean, and pretty as well! Here are 5 Green Things We Love right now for the bathroom.

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Holiday Traditions

Now that we have our own little expanding family unit (yes, you read that right, Green Mommy has another green bun on the way!) I’ve been thinking a lot about creating some new holiday traditions we can call our own. Of course, the greener the better. But since I have “pregnancy brain” and cannot think clearly, I’ve asked some friends – on Facebook, natch – to share traditions of their own.

Here are their great, green ideas.

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Green Gift Guide

Even if you are stressing about the holidays, you have to admit looking at all of the holiday baking, cooking and decorating ideas is pretty fun. And don’t even get me started on the gift guides. Even if I can’t afford the same champagne that Gwyneth gets Jay-Z, it’s still fun to look.

But what if you want to go green this holiday? There are always “experiential” gifts that require no wrapping: tickets to a play or sporting even, a trip to the museum or theme park, or my favorite (note to husband) – cooking classes. But in case you do want to put something physical under the tree (or Menorah or wherever), here are a few green gift ideas to get you started.

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Holiday Cleaning Tips: Getting Ready for Guests

I am super lucky when it comes to Thanksgiving: turkey, stuffing, pumpkin pie, cleaning — it all happens at my parents house in Florida. Typically, I can be found tending to Z and whatever bug she caught on the plane ride over, while my mom toils in the kitchen making amazing food that no one will be able to sit together to eat because the kids are running around like maniacs.

Still, I do try to help with cleaning — especially this year when we’re having extended family. What do you need to go from stress to sane? A good green cleaning plan! Here’s mine.

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Fun Fall Activities for Kids and Family

I’ll never forget when I bought my daughter a zoo animal patterned water bottle while we were out on a walk. I said “Look, a lion!” — and Z looked for one out on the street. In her (then) one-year-old mind, it was entirely plausible that our neighborhood would be teeming with wild life.

While your child’s mind is so open to possibilities, it’s the perfect time to help her care about the environment by connecting her to it. We’ve already talked about summer nature walks, but just because the weather has cooled, the geese have flown south, and the leaves are a bit crunchy, doesn’t mean you can’t still explore nature. Take the time to slow down, throw on a jacket, and check out these fun fall outdoor activities for kids and family alike

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Hosting a Green Baby Shower

Other than the cake, I’m not a big fan of baby showers. While I truly appreciate the love and attention of family and friends, the “games” feel designed to highlight how much weight you’ve put on (40 pounds? Who me?) and many of the gifts just ratchet up the anxiety of a first time mom (Why so many burp clothes? I’m supposed to use this to suction what out of where?).

Hosting a baby shower is another story. Not being the center of attention frees you up to eat more cupcakes – and have fun with a cute theme. Here’s one you may want to consider: throw a green baby shower!

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Top 5 Ways to Make Halloween Black, Orange and Green

When it comes to Halloween, I do not want to be an evil witch. Well, that actually is my costume (nothing more flattering than all black!) but I mean that there’s no reason to clamp down on your kid’s joy (and sugar high) just because you want to be more eco-friendly. That said, there are always ways to go a little greener without compromising on the ghoulish fun.

Here’s a few to get you started.

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