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Safely Using Tap Water

Posted by krissy on March 8th, 2010

Like many other people these days, I think bottled water is unnecessary.  Some people have concerns about the safety of their municipal tap water.   However, there are ways around it so no need to go the bottled water route!  Aside from getting a water filter, there are a few other tips.

First of all, DON'T USE HOT TAP WATER.  This is especially important if you have a baby and you're using tap water to make a bottle of formula.  This is because hot water dissolves contaminants more quickly than cold water and sometimes pipes in homes have lead that can leach into water.   ... read more

Ode to bumGenius 3.0 Cloth Diapers

Posted by krissy on February 25th, 2010

I just wanted to write a post proclaiming my adoration for bumGenius 3.0 cloth diapers.  They're not only the best cloth diapers I've tried so far, they're the best diapers period.  They simply don't leak!  The best part of them is that they are adjustable and fit babies of all shapes and sizes, from younger babies to toddlers up to 32 pounds!   

isaac in bumgenius diapers.  

That's my Isaac showing off his bumGenius.  ... read more

Organic Brands: Who Owns What?

Posted by krissy on February 8th, 2010

I was always a big fan of Tom's of Maine.  From their deodorant to their toothpaste, I've bought many of their products.  Aside from the fact that they offered widely available products without all the garbage in typical personal care stuff, I also liked that they were not a major corporation. In 2006, I was a little disheartened when the Colgate-Palmolive company purchased Tom's of Maine.

It made me think a bit about some of the other big brands of natural and organic products, and who owns what. ... read more

Reusable Baby Wipes

Posted by krissy on February 1st, 2010

Before having my baby, I did a lot of research about cloth diapers but I never really thought much about reusable baby wipes.  But, it's very easy to make, WAY cheaper, better for the environment, and super easy to just toss in the laundry with your cloth diapers.  Some cloth diaper websites sell reusable baby wipes, but it's simple to make them.

If you're not sure what to do with all of those receiving blankets people gave you, they're perfect for baby wipes.  Same with baby washcloths.  You can also use old t-shirts or go to the fabric store and buy some fabric.  If you're sewing savvy, stitch the ends in a zigzag stitch so they don't unravel.  We also use the newborn inserts for our BumGenius diapers as wipes because our baby is too big for those now.  

You can just spray the wipes with water OR you can make a solution to spray on the cloths.  You can buy a premade solution but I think it's easier to make your own, especially because most of the recipes are filled with items you probably already have around the house!... read more

The future of garbage in Palo Alto, CA

Posted by Michal Lenchner on January 29th, 2010

What’s in your trash receptacles? Palo Alto is in the process of crafting a new Recycling and Composting ordinance to restrict recyclables and compostables from the garbage.

On January 27, 2010, the City of Palo Alto conducted its first public meeting regarding the proposed Recycling and Composting Ordinance. ... read more

Reusing Clementine Boxes

Posted by krissy on January 23rd, 2010

One of my favorite wintertime treats are clementines. The sweet satisfaction of eating candy with the nutrition of oranges. YUM!

reusing clementine boxes... read more

Children's Orchard Greenest Mom Contest

Posted by krissy on January 18th, 2010

One of my favorite ways to be green and thrifty at the same time is buying used baby items.  Before my baby was born, my husband and I went to Children's Orchard, a franchise that has used baby and kid stuff.   We wound up getting our bassinet there.  

Children's Orchard is currently running a "Greenest Mom Contest."  You can learn more information and enter at their Facebook page.   The winner receives a $500 gift card to Children's Orchard!  The contest runs until April 5.  ... read more

Rain Water Harvesting Workshops

Posted by akisigle on January 17th, 2010

Level 100 workshops are one day introduction courses open to anyone interested in learning more about rainwater harvesting in non-potable applications, such as landscape irrigation. This course will provide an overview of rainwater harvesting, history, uses and applicability to conserving rainfall as a natural resource. Concepts and techniques are introduced on harvesting rain for non-potable uses such as landscape irrigation and wildlife management.... read more

Apple Working on Home Energy Management

Posted by tlewis on January 17th, 2010

Some details surfaced this week about a patent Apple filed last May for a system to manage power delivery to home electronics.  It is based on the HomePlug standard, and it appears there is a provision for energy storage in the home.

See these links for details: Link1 Link2

 

 

 

... read more

Green Bag Tag at CVS

Posted by krissy on January 15th, 2010

Another store giving an incentive to bring your own bags!  While running errands today, I discovered that  CVS now has the "Green Bag Tag" program.  It's a little tag you put around your reusable shopping bag.  The tag costs 99 cents, and they scan it along with the Extra Care Card when you make a purchase.  You get a $1 "Extra Buck" every 4 purchases when you bring your bag.  The tag itself is made of corn, instead of plastic.... read more