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Tell Me How You Live A Simpler Lifestyle...
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MontanaMama2009 posted:
or live more eco-friendly.

I also posted this on my new blog:
http://daisyheadmamas.blogspot.com/


Ways in which I live a simpler or more eco-friendly lifestyle:
* cloth diapering
* mama cloth and "Instead" cups (alternative menstrual products)
* all natural cleaning products (no more chemicals)
* buying organic or local fruits/veggies
* recycling
* gardening
* eco-friendly all-natural laundry detergent/dishwasher detergent
* laundry line to hang clothing outside
* wash nearly all laundry in cold water

I'm wanting to branch out into these areas next:
* No more paper towels, just rags for cleaning
* chicken coop for fresh eggs
* "family cloth" (alternative to toilet paper)
* new energy efficient light bulbs/appliances
* all-natural lotions/shampoos
* all-natural no-synthetic clothing
* more environmentally friendly vehicle
46 Replies |Watch This Discussion | Report This| Share this:Tell Me How You Live A Simpler Lifestyle...or live more eco-friendly.<br /> <br />I also posted this on my new blog:<br /><a rel="nofollow" href="http://daisyheadmamas.blogspot.com/">http://daisyheadmamas.blogspot.com/</a> <br /> <br /> <br />Ways in which I live a simpler or more eco-friendly lifestyle:<br />* cloth diapering<br />* mama cloth and "Instead" cups (alternative menstrual products)<br />* all natural cleaning products (no more chemicals)<br />* buying organic or local fruits/veggies<br />* recycling<br />* gardening<br />* eco-friendly all-natural laundry detergent/dishwasher detergent<br />* laundry line to hang clothing outside<br />* wash nearly all laundry in cold water<br /><br />I'm wanting to branch out into these areas next:<br />* No more paper towels, just rags for cleaning<br />* chicken coop for fresh eggs<br />* "family cloth" (alternative to toilet paper)<br />* new energy efficient light bulbs/appliances<br />* all-natural lotions/shampoos<br />* all-natural no-synthetic clothing<br />* more environmentally friendly vehicle
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mamatobe08 responded:
Let's see:
-Cloth diapering most of the time
-Elimination Communication--started with DS at 10 months old, can't wait to try it with the new baby! It's a very gentle approach at teaching babies it's NOT comfy to be wet, and I have seen babies a month or 2 old with my own eyes who give clear signals when they have to go. It's AMAZING stuff! No end result in mind, just focusing on teaching your child to recognize the natural processes of the body.
-Recycling
-I was all laundry in cold water too, besides diapers and towels.
-We use the energy efficient light bulbs
Report This| Share this:Tell Me How You Live A Simpler Lifestyle...Let's see:<br />-Cloth diapering most of the time<br />-Elimination Communication--started with DS at 10 months old, can't wait to try it with the new baby! It's a very gentle approach at teaching babies it's NOT comfy to be wet, and I have seen babies a month or 2 old with my own eyes who give clear signals when they have to go. It's AMAZING stuff! No end result in mind, just focusing on teaching your child to recognize the natural processes of the body.<br />-Recycling<br />-I was all laundry in cold water too, besides diapers and towels.<br />-We use the energy efficient light bulbs
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KCAimee responded:
Hmmmm.....

  • Cloth diapering (most of mine are organic)
  • no paper towels
  • all natural cleaners
  • Working on cutting out high fructose corn syrup
  • organic and/or local veggies and fruits
  • Growing tomatoes and strawberries (my first time. Hope to do a full garden next year!)
  • about 1/2 of our light bulbs are energy efficient
  • local, pasture raised beef (from my dad!)
  • got a breadmaker for Mother's Day (using for the first time today to make whole wheat pizza crust!)
  • whole grains vs refined and enriched grains
  • fresh eggs from farmers market or locally raised free range chickens
  • recycling (my city gives us recycle bins and takes about everything other than glass which I take some place else)
  • working on cutting out BPA laidened stuff
  • Use fabric shopping bags
Still working:
Report This| Share this:Tell Me How You Live A Simpler Lifestyle...Hmmmm.....<br /> <br /> <ul><li>Cloth diapering (most of mine are organic)</li><li>no paper towels</li><li>all natural cleaners</li><li>Working on cutting out high fructose corn syrup </li><li>organic and/or local veggies and fruits</li><li>Growing tomatoes and strawberries (my first time. Hope to do a full garden next year!)</li><li>about 1/2 of our light bulbs are energy efficient</li><li>local, pasture raised beef (from my dad!)</li><li>got a breadmaker for Mother's Day (using for the first time today to make whole wheat pizza crust!)</li><li>whole grains vs refined and enriched grains</li><li>fresh eggs from farmers market or locally raised free range chickens</li><li>recycling (my city gives us recycle bins and takes about everything other than glass which I take some place else)</li><li>working on cutting out BPA laidened stuff</li><li>Use fabric shopping bags</li></ul>Still working:<br /> <ul><li>Eco-friendly detergent. Just ordered samples from <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.crunchyclean.com/">www.crunchyclean.com</a> and <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.rockingreensoap.com/">www.rockingreensoap.com</a> (also want to support a WAHM!) </li><li>reusable sandwich/snack bags</li><li>more eco-friendly vehicles</li></ul>
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MontanaMama2009 responded:
BTW, this is OT for this, but I posted a video of our trip kayaking on the Missouri River on my blog.

Check it out!

I did EC for a bit with my dd, as well. I loved it. But I'm a FT working mom, and it was tough to keep going. I'm ALL for it.

And I did just buy some sandwich and lunch stuff containers so I quit using Ziploc baggies and then throwing the baggies into the garbage. Although my containers are plastic (ugh) I do just wash them out and re-use.

GREAT job, GIRLS!!!
Report This| Share this:Tell Me How You Live A Simpler Lifestyle...BTW, this is OT for this, but I posted a video of our trip kayaking on the Missouri River on my blog.<br /> <br />Check it out!<br /> <br />I did EC for a bit with my dd, as well. I loved it. But I'm a FT working mom, and it was tough to keep going. I'm ALL for it. <br /> <br />And I did just buy some sandwich and lunch stuff containers so I quit using Ziploc baggies and then throwing the baggies into the garbage. Although my containers are plastic (ugh) I do just wash them out and re-use.<br /> <br />GREAT job, GIRLS!!!
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mamatobe08 replied to MontanaMama2009's response:
I always feel like a broken record when I talk about EC on here, but I know that I'm one of the very few who have even heard of it, let alone tried it! I think it's amazing and I want other moms to know more about it. I used to think it was just for big-time tree huggers who had some weird reasons for doing it, but now I realize just how great it is.

We also have the reusable containers for leftovers, lunches, etc. Forgot that one.
Report This| Share this:Tell Me How You Live A Simpler Lifestyle...I always feel like a broken record when I talk about EC on here, but I know that I'm one of the very few who have even heard of it, let alone tried it! I think it's amazing and I want other moms to know more about it. I used to think it was just for big-time tree huggers who had some weird reasons for doing it, but now I realize just how great it is. <br /><br />We also have the reusable containers for leftovers, lunches, etc. <img src="http://img.webmd.com/community/images/smile.gif" align="top" border="0"> Forgot that one.
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MontanaMama2009 replied to mamatobe08's response:
Here's a link for those who aren't familiar with it:
http://www.diaperfreebaby.org/


http://www.adamcarolla.com/TPEBlog/2010/02/25/mayim-bialik-blossoms-child-star-to-natural-family-living-expert/
Report This| Share this:Tell Me How You Live A Simpler Lifestyle...Here's a link for those who aren't familiar with it:<br /><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.diaperfreebaby.org/">http://www.diaperfreebaby.org/</a> <br /> <br /><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.adamcarolla.com/TPEBlog/wp-content/gallery/ep105/03-elimination-communication.jpg&amp;imgrefurl=http://www.adamcarolla.com/TPEBlog/2010/02/25/mayim-bialik-blossoms-child-star-to-natural-family-living-expert/&amp;usg=__URBJvVXmEu4rAAuVfiznsTlTZT0=&amp;h=449&amp;w=600&amp;sz=32&amp;hl=en&amp;start=15&amp;um=1&amp;itbs=1&amp;tbnid=MHigRH5Z-7kU3M:&amp;tbnh=101&amp;tbnw=135&amp;prev=/images%3Fq%3DElimination%2BCommunication%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26safe%3Dactive%26sa%3DN%26rlz%3D1T4RNTN_enUS357US358%26tbs%3Disch:1"><img src=http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:MHigRH5Z-7kU3M:http://www.adamcarolla.com/TPEBlog/wp-content/gallery/ep105/03-elimination-communication.jpg class=post_img /></a> <br /><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.adamcarolla.com/TPEBlog/2010/02/25/mayim-bialik-blossoms-child-star-to-natural-family-living-expert/">http://www.adamcarolla.com/TPEBlog/2010/02/25/mayim-bialik-blossoms-child-star-to-natural-family-living-expert/</a>
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mamatobe08 replied to MontanaMama2009's response:
Diaper Free Baby also has local groups that meet up, for free, once a month to discuss their EC experiences--success, struggles, support. I only went once but it was great. That's where I saw the itty bitty babies fussing then peeing in their potties lol. It's crazy!

If anyone ever has any questions, let me know, I'd love to help out!
Report This| Share this:Tell Me How You Live A Simpler Lifestyle...Diaper Free Baby also has local groups that meet up, for free, once a month to discuss their EC experiences--success, struggles, support. I only went once but it was great. That's where I saw the itty bitty babies fussing then peeing in their potties lol. It's crazy!<br /><br />If anyone ever has any questions, let me know, I'd love to help out!
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MontanaMama2009 replied to mamatobe08's response:
Nettie was ECing when she was just 3 months old. It was just too cute.
Report This| Share this:Tell Me How You Live A Simpler Lifestyle...Nettie was ECing when she was just 3 months old. It was just too cute.
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jlcohen78 responded:
Here's my list....

- cloth diapers & wipes
- no paper towels and limited napkins
- hanging clothes to dry when possible
- cold water for washing clothing
- natural cleaning products
- reusable shopping bags
- energy efficient light bulbs
- thermostat settings - heat is 65 and a/c is 76
- re-usable containers and I try to limit them to Pyrex type, no plastic.
- recycling. I'm to scared to do a compost pile but I save our leftovers for my mom!
- trying to grow tomoatos and peppers this summer.
- natural body products for my kids

I'm still toying with the idea of family cloth, lol!
Report This| Share this:Tell Me How You Live A Simpler Lifestyle...Here's my list....<br /> <br />- cloth diapers &amp; wipes<br />- no paper towels and limited napkins<br />- hanging clothes to dry when possible<br />- cold water for washing clothing<br />- natural cleaning products<br />- reusable shopping bags<br />- energy efficient light bulbs<br />- thermostat settings - heat is 65 and a/c is 76<br />- re-usable containers and I try to limit them to Pyrex type, no plastic.<br />- recycling. I'm to scared to do a compost pile but I save our leftovers for my mom!<br />- trying to grow tomoatos and peppers this summer. <br />- natural body products for my kids<br /> <br />I'm still toying with the idea of family cloth, lol!
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jlcohen78 replied to KCAimee's response:
Aimee --- I'm a huge fan of Crunchy Clean!!!! LOVE, LOVE, LOVE her stuff!
Report This| Share this:Tell Me How You Live A Simpler Lifestyle...Aimee --- I'm a huge fan of Crunchy Clean!!!! LOVE, LOVE, LOVE her stuff!
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MontanaMama2009 replied to jlcohen78's response:
Geez, Jamie! You haven't started family cloth yet? YOU are the one who got ME super interested, LOL...

What's the hold-up?
Report This| Share this:Tell Me How You Live A Simpler Lifestyle...Geez, Jamie! You haven't started family cloth yet? YOU are the one who got ME super interested, LOL...<br /> <br />What's the hold-up?
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jlcohen78 replied to MontanaMama2009's response:
lol! I just need to cut up some material. I have a huge piece of fleece from liners I made for DD's diapers. If only I could remember where I put it....ha!ha!
Report This| Share this:Tell Me How You Live A Simpler Lifestyle...lol! I just need to cut up some material. I have a huge piece of fleece from liners I made for DD's diapers. If only I could remember where I put it....ha!ha!
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KCAimee replied to jlcohen78's response:
THANK YOU! I've been looking for someone who uses it! I am excited to get my sample packs and give it a try. I only worry about stains. I've had issues with stains not coming out of things when I don't use Tide so, fingers crosed one of these works. What is your favorite scent? Does the scent stay on the clothes after washing?

I forgot, I also try to limit dryer use!
Report This| Share this:Tell Me How You Live A Simpler Lifestyle...THANK YOU! I've been looking for someone who uses it! I am excited to get my sample packs and give it a try. I only worry about stains. I've had issues with stains not coming out of things when I don't use Tide so, fingers crosed one of these works. What is your favorite scent? Does the scent stay on the clothes after washing? <br /> <br />I forgot, I also try to limit dryer use!
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MontanaMama2009 replied to KCAimee's response:
Aimee,

My husband calls that "wetness" a "snail trail."

LMBO!!!!
Report This| Share this:Tell Me How You Live A Simpler Lifestyle...Aimee,<br /> <br />My husband calls that "wetness" a "snail trail."<br /> <br />LMBO!!!!
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RunninMama responded:
What I do now:

Use all natural cleaning products
Use a Diva cup
Buy organic when possible
Garden
Compost
Recycle almost everything
Use energy efficient bulbs (still transitioning)
Wash in cold (except for towels and blankets)
Eating more whole foods
Eating whole grains when it is available in a product
Do not buy anything with HFCS
Reusable shopping bags or recycle/reuse bags we get
Body products free of dyes and perfumes (I use this website:
http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com before I buy a new product)
Give away used clothes or take to salvation army
Give away before I throw away
Drive a vehicle until it's on its last leg before buying a new one
Replaced old vehicle with one that gets better gas milage and is a low emitter (not sure exactly what that means, but I know it's good for the environment!)

What I am working on:

Eliminating paper towels
Transitioning containers to all BPA free
Planting fruit trees, berry bushes, and more regular trees this summer (hopefully! Fingers crossed!)
Report This| Share this:Tell Me How You Live A Simpler Lifestyle...What I do now:<br /> <br />Use all natural cleaning products<br />Use a Diva cup<br />Buy organic when possible<br />Garden<br />Compost<br />Recycle almost everything<br />Use energy efficient bulbs (still transitioning)<br />Wash in cold (except for towels and blankets)<br />Eating more whole foods<br />Eating whole grains when it is available in a product<br />Do not buy anything with HFCS<br />Reusable shopping bags or recycle/reuse bags we get<br />Body products free of dyes and perfumes (I use this website:<br /><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/">http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com</a> before I buy a new product)<br />Give away used clothes or take to salvation army<br />Give away before I throw away<br />Drive a vehicle until it's on its last leg before buying a new one<br />Replaced old vehicle with one that gets better gas milage and is a low emitter (not sure exactly what that means, but I know it's good for the environment!)<br /> <br />What I am working on:<br /> <br />Eliminating paper towels<br />Transitioning containers to all BPA free<br />Planting fruit trees, berry bushes, and more regular trees this summer (hopefully! Fingers crossed!)
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