Why I love natural fibers.

I'm always talking about how much I prefer natural fiber diapers and inserts over microfiber.  It's not just because I like natural fibers best as principal, but more that they work better in my opinion.  Here are just a few of my thoughts and experiences.

Natural fibers wash well.
I find that natural fibers are much more forgiving in the wash when compared to microfiber.  Microfiber's build seems to allow it to get buildup easier, which can cause it stink, not to absorb as it should or even repel.  Natural fibers do tend to stain more, but that's related more to their ability to absorb and retain colors.  This is easy to fix with some sun!

Natural fibers absorb faster.
I'm always surprised when I read that microfiber absorbs faster.  That is quite the opposite of my experiences.  Let me show you.  The video below is a comparison of a hemp insert and a microfiber insert.  You'll also see the hemp when compared to bamboo, bamboo with zorb and cotton - all of which absorb very quickly.



Based on my experience, and the video, I recommend that if you use both microfiber and natural fiber inserts at night, you should put the natural fiber closest to baby.  It will pull moisture in quickly and the microfiber can work as backup!

It's natural and breathable.
Natural fibers allow more air to make it to your baby's bottom.  Consider the difference if you were to wear a cotton t-shirt or a polyester t-shirt.  Which would keep you coolest?  The cotton, of course.  The same holds true with baby.  Natural fibers offer pleasant conditions in diaper land.

What about volume?!
Like numbers?  Let's see how they compare:
I gathered up some inserts and prefolds (for the cotton) and got to playing with my scale and a bowl of water.

Here's what I did:
First I weighed each insert for a dry starting weight.  Then I fully wet the insert in a bowl of water.  To get a wet weight, I pulled out each insert (one at a time to weigh), held it over the bowl until it came to a slow drip - not squeezing out any water, then placed it on the scale.  Below is how they measured up.

	Cotton Insert	Microfiber Insert	Hemp Insert	Bamboo Insert
Dry Weight	2.4 ounces	2.5 ounces	2.5 ounces	2.5 ounces
Wet Weight	12.9 ounces	13.3 ounces	10.75 ounces	10.6 ounces
% of Water Absorbed Based on Dry Weight	538%	532%	430%	424%

While the percentages between the cotton/microfiber and hemp/bamboo look like there is a big difference, keep in mind that we're talking about a small bit of fabric.  Based on inserts that are the same approx. size and thickness (not same weight), the difference in what they absorb amounts to approximately a tablespoon of liquid.

What's all of this mean?
When using quality materials, they all seem to absorb virtually the same (keep in mind that we're talking about diaper inserts, so the amount of fabric being used is small).

I would buy an insert based on it's other qualities (do you like the shape? thickness? washability? other feature?)  If you want to use cotton, stick with a dense fabric (not airy birdseye for example) to get more absorbency in a thinner insert.

Happy Earth Day!!!

I was hoping to put up some big post, but things have been so busy.  In a good way!  I think today I just want to send out a reminder to live healthy and love our Earth.  I want to thank all of you for coming here and making this blog what it is.  I love sharing with you, hearing your stories and I appreciate all of the support.

Because of you I have been blessed with the opportunity to learn and grow so much.  I have had some amazing opportunities locally to spread the word and I couldn't feel more blessed.  I wrote earlier about the new Moms Everyday television segments (we have another airing next week!) and for Earth Day we've just been featured on the front page of our local newspaper!

I hope you have a great day, enjoy the fresh air and maybe some fun Earth Day projects too!  If you care to share, I'd love to hear how you're spending the day!

HAPPY EARTH DAY 2011!

Local family sets ‘living green’ example

April 22, 2011By Ashley Hill - The Marietta Times (ahill@mariettatimes.com) , The Marietta Times

About three years ago, around the time Amanda Hearn's oldest daughter, Lily, was born, one of Hearn's friends told her about a study which shows that baby shampoo containing phthalates can potentially cause adverse health effects in children.

"They're hormone disruptors," Hearn said of the chemical.

After she did some investigating and learned more about phthalates, Hearn, of Vincent, started using natural baby shampoo, such as one manufactured by Burt's Bees, for Lily and her other daughter Gwen, 19 months.

But it didn't stop there.

"The more I learned...it snowballed," said Hearn, 28. "There are hundreds of thousands of chemicals that are used (in America) that haven't been proven as safe - it comes down to knowing what you're using and knowing what you're putting on their bodies and in their bodies."

Now, the Hearn family, which consists of Amanda, her husband, Trevor, Lily, Gwen and six-year-old Ethan, have dubbed themselves "the eco-friendly family," and Amanda even has a blog by the same name, theecofriendlyfamily.com, where she posts "green" tips and tricks with hopes of encouraging others to "go green."

Today is Earth Day, marking the anniversary of the start of the modern environmental movement in 1970. It's a time when everyone is encouraged to do things in their daily lives that have a positive impact on the environment.

Earth Day will be celebrated in Marietta April 30 during the 12th annual Earth Day Celebration at Armory Square. The event is hosted by Peoples Bank, the Ohio State University Extension office in Washington County, the Marietta Tree Commission and the Marietta Area Recycling Center.

Green technologies, hands-on activities for kids, environmental displays and demonstrations and recycling ideas are among the things that will be featured.

"We're going to have a little bit of everything," said Connie Grimes, a member of the Earth Day Committee.

Even when it's not Earth Day, there are plenty of things ordinary people can do to help the environment.

Cloth diapers are one thing Hearn recommends that all parents use for their children, because they don't cause as much of a mess as disposable diapers and they can be used over and over instead of being thrown away after one use, thereby lessening the negative impact on the environment.

Additionally, cloth diapers don't contain the chemical that is found in disposable diapers, Hearn said.

"They contain dioxin, which is a serious carcinogen," she said.

A U.S. EPA report found that only trace amounts of dioxins are found in diapers and that there isn't much cause for concern. Dioxins in the diet are more dangerous, according to the report.

Hearn is participating in The Great Cloth Diaper Change Guinness World Records diaper changing challenge Saturday. Locally, the event will be held beginning at noon at the Christian Life Center, 3211 Sixth Ave., Parkersburg.

"Everybody that's attending will change a cloth diaper at the same time," Hearn explained. "The whole idea is to raise awareness about cloth diapers."

Hearn will also offer an informational class about cloth diapers from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 30 at Barlow-Vincent Elementary School, which is free and open to anyone. She's trying to spread the message that cloth diapers that are available today aren't like what they used to be.

"For most people, it's getting past the visual you have of cloth diapers," she said, noting that cloth diapers are available in different styles and many feature buttons and velcro.

The Hearn family also eats as much organic food as possible, and firmly believes in composting and recycling.

"Between recycling and composting, we were able to get rid of our trash service," Hearn said.

Grimes said, she, too likes to recycle.

"I think it's important...to make a cleaner and better Earth for our kids and grandkids," she said.

Hearn not only likes to recycle, but she also prefers to use certain household cleaners, such as a combination of vinegar and water.

"(It) really will kill germs - it's not just something your grandma did for fun," she said.

Some people believe that going green is hard to do or costly, but Hearn said it pays off in the end.

"You have to start re-training your shopping habits," she said.

© Copyright 2011 The Marietta Times. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Healthy Child Healthy World Tweet-a-thon!

Like to have fun, a chance to win prizes and contribute to a good cause at the same time?  I do too!  Join me tomorrow for the Healthy Child Healthy World Tweet-a-thon!

Follow us on twitter, and then RSVP at the link above to qualify for prizes.  Use the #healthychild hash tag to join in on great conversations all day long.  I'll be checking it out throughout the day, but you'll find me as a panelist at the 10-11pm (EST) Earth Day Every Day time slot.  We'll be talking about activities and tips for healthy kids and a healthy world.

During our hour you'll get to hear lots of great tips, enjoy the conversation and have the chance to win an EcoMom gift certificate! EcoMom carries a great selection of eco-friendly products for the whole family (make-up too!).  I actually just picked up several items for our kids' Easter baskets - and maybe an item or two for myself.  

After your RSVP, be sure to make a donation.  If you're anything like me, you want to know where your money is going.  Be sure to check them out on Charity Navigator.  You'll be supporting a great organization and for every donation they receive, Healthy Child Healthy world will give a free Healthy Home Party kit to a family who otherwise couldn't afford one.  

If you haven't held a Healthy Home Party, you might consider it!  For a donation, you'll be sent a kit packed with tons of great information to help you educate your family, friends, school, and community about how to protect children's health and development from common toxins.

See you tomorrow!

Fun with kids: Compost Stew!

Our children love books, and we love books with a good message.  I was given the opportunity to review a new book called Compost Stew, by author Mary McKenna Siddals.  I have to say.. I love it!  It is filled with fun illustrations, by Ashley Wolff, and the wording has a fantastic sing-song rhythm.  It's fun to read and is teaching our children, in a memorable way, what goes into our compost pail.

This book makes learning about compost fun by engaging children as "Environmental Chefs".  Compost Stew is a fantastic book to share with young children at home, in classes and other opportunities for reading times.  This fantastic book is an A to Z recipe guide for learning how to make 'Compost Stew'.  There are lots of great illustrations giving opportunities to engage children in the story and recipe making.

This book is easy to turn into fun activities too, this would be great for classes!  After reading the book you could have your little one help collect items for your compost pail or make a drawing of what they think would make a good addition for their very own Compost Stew.

If you would like to share this book with your little one, head over to win your very own copy!  Can't wait?  Amazon has a great price on it so that you can get your copy of Compost Stew today!

FCC Disclaimer: I was provided the product mentioned to review. All reviews are my own and honest opinions. Review & Ad Information, Giveaway Guidelines

We're hitting the media!

Healthy living is so important to me and I want share that any way I can, especially in our communities.  As you probably know, I'm now offering cloth diaper classes locally with the help of several amazing companies.  I reached out to my local organizations and media; the response has been overwhelming.

The past month has been a blessed, planning whirlwind of amazingness.  I will be featured at our local Farmers' Market this weekend sharing cloth, answering questions and hopefully getting rid of a lot of myths.  An awesome eco-friendly mommy from theBump's eco-friendly board will be joining me to help answer questions too!  The local birth to three program is helping by distributing flyers to their families.  The local hospital is including the flyers in the birth packet that every mom gets when they have their baby and I've put up flyers anywhere I can.

For those of you interested in reaching out locally, I am working on putting together information packets that you can print and use, as well as easily customizable flyers.

In addition to all of the amazing organizations above, I contacted our local NBC station.  If you know me, that took a lot.  The thought of being on camera had me in stitches, BUT I care about this, so I took the leap.

Our local station has a new segment called Moms Everyday, and they have been an amazing help in getting the word out about cloth, and all things healthy home.  Not only am I able to share through my local station, my articles are being featured on the Moms Everyday pages all across the country!  Our first was published last week, you may even recognize it!

Just yesterday the first Moms Everyday segment was aired and I'd like to share it with you.  This is an intro to the blog, there are many more segments to follow about cloth, reusable products, safe cleaners, our detergent recipe, pet food and a whole lot more.  I hope to share each of these with you accompanied by a post further exploring the topic.


Thank you all for reading and being so supportive.  I'm feeling very blessed to have these opportunities to reach out.  If you have ideas for segments that would be of help to you, please leave them in the comments section or email me (info on our contact page).

Have you heard?!

Marcal Small Steps recently held the Small Steps for Big Change Environmental Awards.  Between January 1 and February 25th, fans were able to submit an essay on why their green hero was deserving of the award.  After the nomination phase, a panel of judges went to work choosing one grand prize winner and 4 runners up.

What's so great about these awards is that the chosen heroes win donations to environmental charities, made in their name.  The grand prize was for a whopping $5,000! First place - $2,500, Second - $1,500 and Third and Fourth place both received $500 to the charity of their choice.

The winners were announced Monday and if you take a look, you just might see someone familiar!

I am so thrilled and I'd like to extend a huge congratulations to all of the winners.  Their works are inspiring and I am honored to be in their company.  Thank you also to Marcal for these great awards and the good works that their donations will facilitate!

I chose Healthy Child Healthy World as my charity.  They are a fantastic organization that works to create safe and healthy environments for children.  As they say, "We ignite the movement that empowers parents to protect children from harmful chemicals."

You can learn more about them by visiting their site, and if you haven't seen it yet, check out their Wake Up Story!  It is truly inspiring.

Recycle, and earn gear!

Yes, you read that right!  There is a great program called Recyclebank that rewards you for recycling.  If you're like me, your area might not have that amazing incentive yet, but no fear - you can earn points online too for the products you buy, referring friends and various other awesome promotions.  I used 10 points last month to get a coupon that saved my husband and I $6 on our date night dinner bill!

If you'd like to see Recyclebank brought to your community, there are even forms you can use on their website to submit to your local government and trash service.  Imagine how much people in your area might recycle if it were offered curb side with incentives (as if helping the planet weren't enough)!

Head over start your very own Recyclebank account and start earning.  They actually happen to have a really awesome promotion going on right now for Earth Month, called the "Green Your Home" Challenge.  For this challenge Recyclebank is encouraging people to take one small green action a day and rewarding them for it.  It's so easy to do (I'm already over 100 points!)  In addition to featuring simple steps you can take toward a healthier, greener lifestyle, Recyclebank will post a challenge each day this month offering opportunities to earn points.

Not only will your points earn you access to awesome discounts and deals, the highest scorers at the end of the month (April) will win some fantastic prizes!  How would you like the chance to win 1 of 100 prizes, or better yet the grand prize of a green kitchen makeover worth $18,000 just for making your home a healthier place?  Yea, I'll take that!  Some of the prizes include a suite of energy efficient LG Studio appliances (including a refrigerator, dishwasher and LCD flat screen TV).


So what are you waiting for?!  You've got nothing to loose, and a lot to gain - and potentially win some amazing prizes!  Have fun with Recyclebank's Green Your Home challenge!  Good luck!

DIY Cleaners

There are so many good cleaning recipes out there, but I would like to share a few that we use in our home.

All-Purpose Cleaner
1 3/4 c Water
1 3/4 c Vinegar
1 tbs Dish Soap (a small squirt)
1 dropper full of Grapefruit Seed Extract or several drops of Tea Tree Oil

I gently mix this up (so I don't cause too many bubbles!) and pour it into a spray bottle.  You can mix this up with just vinegar and water if you like.  It will still do the trick :)

Glass Cleaner

1 1/3 c Water

1 1/3 c Vinegar

1 tbs Dish Soap (a small squirt)

1 dropper full of Grapefruit Seed Extract or several drops of Tea Tree Oil
1/3 c Rubbing Alcohol (this will give you a great streak-free shine)

Again, mix gently and you can leave out the dish soap and grapefruit seed extract (or TTO) if you need/want to.

Scrub
Baking soda!  Add a bit of water to make this a paste and scrub away.  You could also use a bit of dish soap to make it soapy/scrubby.

Tough Water Marks/Soap Scum
Apple cider vinegar.  In the bottom of the shower or sink, plug the drain, add hot water and some ACV.  Let it sit for a while and then you should be able to really wipe the scum away.

If you can't let this sit (it's on a virtical surface) try using hot water & ACV to scrub with.  Sometimes I'll add a bit of baking soda too.  Be careful if doing this with hot water/acv as it will foam up quickly.

Fabric Softener
Vinegar - use 1/4-1/2 cup per wash during the rinse cycle.  I like to use a Downy Ball to make it easy.

You could also use 1/4-1/2 cup of vinegar & baking soda.  Some people like to mix these up beforehand in a large batch.  If you do this, be sure to do it in a large bucket or other basin.  This will fizz up a lot.  Stirring the baking soda in slowly will help with that.  Once you're done you can put it into a container.  Be sure to give it a gently shake before each use as some of the baking soda may not dissolve completely.

Alternatively you could not use additives at all and simply keep some dryer balls in your dryer.  Read more about that here.

Bulk Clothing Laundry Detergent Recipe - more info & smaller batch recipe here
3 Boxes Arm & Hammer Washing Soda (55 oz each)
2 Boxes 20 Mule Team Borax (76 oz each)
1 Large Tub OxiClean (96 oz)
24 Bars of Soap, finely grated

Use 1-2 tablespoons per wash load.

If you're having trouble finding the ingredients, try Alice.com  You'll get a $10 credit once you spend $50, prices are great and shipping is always free!

Bulk Cloth Diaper Detergent Recipe - more info & smaller batch recipe here
3 Boxes Arm & Hammer Washing Soda (55 oz each)
2 Boxes 20 Mule Team Borax (76 oz each)
1 Large Tub OxiClean (96 oz)

Use 1 tablespoon per wash load - start out with half of this amount for a high efficiency machine.

If you use this for clothes use 2-3 tbs per load.  This recipe works well on clothes, though you may want to pre-treat tough spots.  I like to use a bar of Fels Naptha for this purpose.  I just wet it, the cloth and rub.

Concerned about borax?

A recent article by EWG cautions the use of borax for cleaning in the home noting that toddlers and young children face special risks from hand-to-mouth transfer of carpet or crack and crevice, dust or spray borax treatments. I would recommend not using borax as a general home cleaner - any cleaner (aside from pure water) used for these purposes will leave a residue.  I feel comfortable using the minuscule amount found in each use of the detergent. It is not used on open surfaces and is washed out during the rinse cycle.

You can read a bit more on this debate here - there are some great points of view in the comments.

Need diapers? Emergency or no cash? No problem!

I saw this amazing idea on a blog post this weekend.  The post is from the Cotton Babies blog.  In it Jenn Labit, creator, shares her story and journey with cloth from humble beginnings.  At the end of the post there are some great links for options on what to do when you simply don't have a diaper or can't afford to buy any.  One struck me as pure genius!  I love it and so I wanted to share it with you.  I'll can't wait to show this example at my cloth diaper classes.



The great thing about this idea, to me, is that t-shirts are so common place.  You can get shirts for next to nothing, or even free possibly from some organizations.  Wash them as you would any cloth diapers to increase absorbency.  My DIY recipe is very economical and can even be used on clothes.  I even prefer to use this on my towels to keep them absorbing well.

If you need a cover, many popular branded covers are inexpensive if you just need a couple.  Another option is to buy used or make your own from fleece or wool (buy something from a used shop and repurpose it!)

Need a closure?  Diaper pins are inexpensive, as are Snappis, but if you don't have a diaper store nearby you might have to order them.  If you're really in a pinch, get some large safety pins or even use a ribbon or scrap fabric to tie around baby's waist like a belt.  Just be sure to keep it loose enough for comfort.

Have other ideas?  I'd love to hear them!

Best Bottom Diapers - Review & Giveaway!

Earlier this year I was introduced to a new-to-me brand of cloth diapers.  Best Bottom diapers have many of my favorite features and are made in the US.  I was so excited to have the opportunity to try it out, and you'll have the chance to too!

The Best Bottom diaper system is a one-size diaper system, sort of.  The covers are one-size, with an adjustable rise for birth to 35lbs.  They feature two full layers of PUL, making them very durable.  Unlike other double layered PUL covers, the inside is the shiny side, making it easy to wipe out.  They have fantastic double leg gussets, which are great for containing messes.  The Best Bottom covers come in your choice of snaps or hook & loop.  They come in some great colors and adorable patterns.

The part of the system that is not one-size is the inserts.  With the Best Bottom system you use inserts for the size your child is currently wearing (small, medium & large).  This makes for a very trim diaper.  The inserts snap into place to keep them from shifting and bunching.  The Best Bottom inserts come in your choice of microfiber with a stay dry topper or hemp/organic cotton.  I love that this company offers a natural insert option!  They also have an overnight insert option.  I would definitely suggest this for an older baby especially.  I tried the standard stay dry insert at night and was not successful.  When I added a hemp insert on top, it worked beautifully every time.  I would suggest going with the hemp/organic cotton inserts with the overnight insert for nights, or even two hemp/organic cotton inserts.

As for fit, I have no complaints.  Our daughter is 18 months old right now and fits comfortably in the diaper with room to grow.  I am very happy with the trimness of the system as well.  The system is said to work from birth to 35 lbs.  I don't have a newborn to try this on, so I can't speak to that.  The adjustable rise has four adjustment settings.  You can see a comparison below of the diaper set to the smallest setting and to the largest.  Notice the waist adjustments and the size of the leg holes.  I think that's where it's easiest to see the sizing differences well.

Want a closer look?  Check out the video below to get an 'in person' overview along with a bit of an action shot.





Are you ready to try one out for yourself?  Best Bottom wants to give one of you that chance.  Enter below for your chance to win!

----Update! We have our winner!----

The giveaway portion is over :) Thank you to everyone that participated!

Congratulations to lar1203!

Enter to win!

Please leave a separate comment for each entry in order to have it counted.

This entry is mandatory! If you do not do this, your other entries will not count!

Follow our blog and tell me what Best Bottom feature you like best!  Include your email address (if it's not on your profile) and the words "Live Green" somewhere in your comment.

Want more entries?

*Follow EFFBlog & Best Bottom Diapers and tweet this giveaway! Please tweet, "Win the @Best_Bottom diaper system @EFFblog http://bit.ly/1jtGb1 #clothdiapers #giveaway" Comment with a link to your tweet. Tweet daily for more entries!

*Like us on Facebook, The Eco-Friendly Family & Best Bottom (be sure to tell them you saw them here!)

*Add our Blog Button to your blog or web page. Leave a link!

*Tell others about this giveaway on your blog or other social media (message boards, Facebook, etc!). Leave a comment with a link. One entry for each way you share!

and as always, Good Luck and Enjoy!

US Only. Giveaway ends April 8th.  I'll use random.org to pick a winner. I will email the winner. If I do not hear back within 48 hours a new winner will be picked.

FCC Disclaimer: I was provided the product mentioned to review. All reviews are my own and honest opinions. Review & Ad Information, Giveaway Guidelines