Finally...

So, I finally got my recycling to the curb. (I'm imagining virtual applause at this moment) I'm proud to say that while it did pile up in my garage, kind of a mountain of recyclable materials, none of it ended up in the garbage. Honestly my garbage cans wouldn't have fit anything else in them. But what is with there not being a bin for plastic? I don't get that. The bottom of the plastic bottles say that they can be recycled. I will have to research that I guess. Unless anyone has a quick answer for me....anyone??

Today I made banana bread. Yum....ok, so what is green about that? I didn't throw away the brown bananas?? I did use whole wheat flour!

I used my home made carpet deodorizer today. I think it smells good. It is baking soda with tea tree oil and a tad of lavender oil. Sprinkle and leave for at least 1/2 an hour. I love the smell of tea tree and lavender.

Baby's crying.....gotta run.

What a beautiful day!

Today was an absolutely gorgeous day!! Nothing is better here in the PacNW then a sunny mid 70's day with a slight breeze. Ahhh, what a nice break from the rain.

My garden is officially planted. I have corn, green beans, carrots, onion, peppers, cucumber, rosemary, pumpkin, tomatoes and as the request of my hubby, rhubarb. Today we got some raspberry plants too. Now I just need to learn how to make pickles, jam and how to can. I guess I'll have to buy the strawberries to make strawberry rhubarb pie...yum. I also have to figure out how to keep the neighbor kids out of the garden.

I'm still working on getting the babies into cloth diapers. I have a few made but not enough for even a full day in cloth. It's difficult with two babies to find the time to sit and sew for more then a few moments at a time. So today I had to go and buy disposable diapers again. grrrr. I hate that. But I thought in a quest to be more green, I would walk to Target instead of drive. I know that in no way off sets the use of disposable diapers but it's something. Anyway, I loaded the kids into the double stroller and headed out for the 2 mile round trip walk. Fortunately they enjoy the stroller rides. Sharrah sits in the front and giggles and babbles the whole way there. David falls asleep. We go and find the cheapest diapers possible and I'm hoping that these will be the last "sposies" that I will have to purchase. Time will tell I guess. At least I saved a little bit of gas and got some good exercise in.

While I was digging the weeds out of the front flower beds (which have no flowers in them) I noticed a lot of ants. I didn't find any RAID, but thats not a green solution anyway right? So I used the vinegar, lemon, tea tree and water solution that I had used for cleaning. I have no idea if it will do anything to the ants, maybe their "home" will just be really clean. LOL.

Until next time....

First try....

I made my first cloth diaper. It is not pretty by any means, but it would work as a diaper except for the elastic in the leg opening. I tried the clear elastic but it just didn't work out. So I bought a different kind today, so I will rip that seam out and try the new elastic.

My goal was to get the recycling out on Monday. Well I must confess that I didn't get it out. But none of the recyclables were thrown away, they are in the garage waiting for next Monday.

I bought vinegar, lemon juice and baking soda for cleaning products today. Good natural green cleaners! But I don't have the heart to throw out all my other cleaners. It seams like such a waste of money. I cleaned some of the floor with vinegar and lemon, but you sure don't smell the lemon at all, whew....vinegar stinks, but the floor sure is shiny in that spot! I need to do the windows.

My next adventure is to get a garden plot dug out in the back yard. I want to grow corn, tomatoes, peas, carrots, bell peppers, onions, and some herbs. We'll see if I can actually grow something!

ttfn

Cloth Diapers?

So I have spent the past two days researching and looking at cloth diapering options. I know all the reasons it is better to use cloth diapers than disposables. But let me tell you all the cloth diapering options out there are daunting. Prefolds, flats, flushable inserts, covers, soakers, all in ones, pocket diapers, fitteds, doublers etc. And then, is it more cost effective to make your own or buy premades? I think I would like to try and make some, but exactly what fabrics to use. I think I would use PUL for the outside, but what mixture of fabrics do I use for the inside? Decisions, decisions. It will be an adventure worth while I'm sure.

First blog....

I have definately known about the green lifestyle for a long time. Have I lived that way? I have to confess, no, I haven't. I even admit to throwing away a soda can or two instead of recycling it. This blog will be my confessional as I try to live a greener lifestyle. I want to reseach products that are not only green, but also cost effective. I want to live a green and FRUGAL lifestyle. I know it is possible, but I also know that my husband will probably fight it at times. But that will just have to be my test as to how determined I am.

My first task is going to be taking recycling to heart. If I recycled all that I could, I would probably be able to have only one garbage can. Well, maybe not, with two infants in diapers, that is alot of garbage space. I know I need to change to a green diaper option, but that is for another blog and goal.

This week, my goal is to put out my recycling bins with the garbage on Monday morning. I will not throw away any cardboard, or mixed paper, cans, or glass. That will all be on the curb.