Thursday, April 21, 2011

How I Turned Green: Earth Day Tribute and GIVEAWAY!


I've always been a little bit ecologically-minded. With a Biologist father who has specialized in conservation with The Nature Conservancy and research for The U.S. Forest Service my entire life, and a full-blooded Native American mother, I grew up with some basic natural-lifestyle fundamentals: I was extendedly breastfed, cloth diapered, taught NEVER to litter, to compost, to try to avoid medications, to grow a garden, don't start forest fires...that type of thing. Other than that, I was raised pretty mainstream... surrounded by chemicals, preservatives, GMs, BPA, PVCs, phthalates, HFCS and all of those things that most of our parents had no idea were dangerous.
It wasn't until after BubuMan (my 2nd child) was born that I really started thinking green. I had already been practicing attachment parenting (breastfeeding, babywearing, gentle parenting), and going green seemed like the next practical step. Bubu had very sensitive skin and recurring rashes and diaper rash. When he turned a few months old, I visited a perfume boutique downtown that was going out of business, and I noticed that their entire display of Burt's Bees was on clearance. I had always been curious about the Baby Bee products, but honestly, at the time the price was kind of steep for me to risk buying it and not liking it. Well, I bought some on sale and wow! I used the wonderful-smelling diaper rash cream on Bubu (this was when he was still in sposies) and tried out the baby wash and milk bath and within a few days his skin rashes disappeared! I was also very impressed with how fast the diaper cream cleared up irritation, which he got often from sposies. I also made the switch from chemical detergents to seventh generation, and went all out buying natural soaps and cleaning products from our local health food store. When I decide I wanna go for something, I go for it all the way! Watching Woody Harrelson's documentary "Go Further" persuaded me to start eating organic and to avoid preservatives and GMOs. I got increasingly interested in recycled products (I started only buying recycled paper towels, toilet paper, copier paper, notebooks, ect).  I was venturing on the right path.
Then it occurred to me to start cloth diapering. This was about 3 years ago, and at the time, I had NEVER seen another baby cloth diapered in my life. In my mind, cloth diapering consisted of prefolds and pins. I didn't even know they needed a cover. I already had about 2 unopened packs of those Gerber 'burp cloths' that are labeled for some reason as 'cloth diapers', so I decided to give it a shot. I googled how to fold a prefold and took them right out of the package and tried it, securing the diaper with a regular large safety pin from home. I thought the fluffy butt looked so cute...but then he peed, and ultimately, it was a FAIL! I was so curious as to how people possibly kept those things from leaking, so I googled once again and learned they needed a cover! Thats when I came across more modern cloth diapers, and my research began!! I wanted to learn everything there was to know about cloth diapering before making the investment. I was already hooked on how cute new modern cloth diapers were--I was amazed by their simplicity (just adjust the velcro, or snap it on, and go!), pleasantly surprised at their versatility (one-size?? really???), and somewhat overwhelmed by all of the different types. I had decided at the time, that I only wanted natural fibers touching Bubu's skin, considering how rash-prone he was. So I ordered 3 Tiny Tush One-Size Organic Hemp fitted diapers, a Tiny Tush Organic Wool Soaker, 3 Drybee's One-Size Bamboo Fitteds, and an upcycled wool Grateful Buns Soaker. Shortly thereafter I also ordered some gDiapers to put those gerber "prefolds" to good use. And that began it all... my cloth diaper addiction. =P
Three years, one more baby, and MANY cloth diapers later, and I'm proud to say that we are a Green family! A recycling, composting, organic, chemical-free, cloth-diapering, non-medicating, breastmilk-medicine, holistic, mama-cloth-wearing, family-cloth-using, reusable-bag-bringing, herb-picking, farmer's market cruising, toxin-free, rash-free Natural family!
Needless to say, Earth Day is pretty much our holiday of choice. =)

Thats why I'm obliged to give one lucky family the chance to get started on their way to being a green family!

EARTH DAY GIVEAWAY!!
In observance of our favorite holiday that honors the protection of our planet, I've put together a little Eco-Friendly Baby Bum Basket to giveaway to one lucky winner!
The Gift Basket will include the following items:

--1 Kawaii One-Size Heavy Duty Diaper (Gender Neutral color)
--1 Travel-Size Jar sample of CJ's BUTTer (Scented)
--1 Sample of Rockin' Green Cloth Diaper Laundry Detergent (Smashing Watermelons scent)
--1 Package of Cloth Wipes/Washcloths
--1 Container of my homemade Organic Vegan Anti-Fungal Cloth Wipe Solution

HERE'S HOW TO ENTER:

1. Comment on my blog for one entry, telling me "Why you would like to Go Green", or "In what ways you have already Gone Green!"
2. Comment on my Facebook Page for an extra entry telling me "Why you would like to Go Green" or "In what ways you have already gone green".
3. Tag the Boheme Mom Rhapsody Facebook page, telling your friends about the giveaway, for another extra entry!
4. When your friends post to this blog and/or Facebook Page, telling us you referred them, you get an EXTRA entry!!

This contest will run through Earth Day! The winner will be drawn randomly at Midnight (Central US time) after Earth Day!

Your chances of winning depends on the amount of LOVE you show!! =)  So go ahead and enter, you could be the next winner! =)

Love,
BoheMom

ps. I <3 Giveaway time!

51 comments:

  1. We've alrady went green by: cloth diapering, recycling, driving as little as possible, and eat local produce and meat.

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  2. I commented on your fb page!!
    trisbog@aol.com

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  3. http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=140810705991399&id=100001874105332

    tagged on my fb page Trisha Durham
    trisbog@aol.com

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  4. we have gone green by using cloth diapers, green cleaning products, avoiding paper/styrofoam dishes, recycling, composting, paying a little extra for "green generation" electricity, growing our own produce in the summer, trying to buy more organic stuff from the stores, buying meat from my father-in-law (a local farmer who grows grass-fed beef), and driving fuel efficient vehicles!

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  5. We have also gone green. We cloth diaper, recycle, attend clothing swaps, we try to be a chemical free as possible,use seventh generation products husband carpools to work and we buy organic products when possible.

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  6. we've gone green by cloth diapering, line drying, composting, and recycling just about EVERYTHING we can.

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  7. i posted on your facebook page!!


    SamanthaS1217@yahoo.com

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  8. I wish we were MORE green. We cloth diaper, donate used items, use reusable coffee mugs and water bottles, try to eat organic and local produce. My next goal is to start recycling more. We currently recycle pop bottles and cardboard only. I am going to start paper and plastic next, at home and in my classroom. It's important to me to be green because it's healthier for my family and I care about our environment.

    Leza
    teachkessler@comcast.net

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  9. I'm cloth-diapering, cloth-wiping, using washcloths instead of paper towels, consignment-shopping, upcycling, and buying organic when I can to be green!

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  10. Commented on FB as Samantha Bunnell

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  11. We have already gone green by cloth diapering and thinking about cloth wipes and mommy cloth.

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  12. I also commented on your FB page entry #2
    Tagged your FB page #3
    **Bonus entry for being one of the first 10 telling you how many dipes we own

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  13. I am trying to be as green as possible! We use cloth diapers/wipes and I use mama cloth!
    Happy Earth Day!
    lovemyhnk@yahoo.com

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  14. ive gone green by cloth diapers and wipes momma cloth and diva cup and unpaper towels
    mrsnaweiss/at/aol.com

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  15. @Hoosier Mama: There's a great pie shop near me by that name. Now I want pie!

    As for how we've 'gone green':
    -We recycle in a city (Chicago) that doesn't always make it easy.
    -We're going to cloth diaper.
    -We have installed low-flow faucets/shower heads, and put a brick in the toilet tank to reduce water usage.
    -When we own our own home, we're going to put solar panels and/or wind turbines on the roof.

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  16. Commented on your FB page
    Fluffy Bums
    lovemyhnk@yahoo.com

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  17. i commented on your fb as nicole weiss
    mrsnaweiss/at/aol/dot/com

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  18. Posted this giveaway on my wall and tagged you
    Fluffy Bums
    lovemyhnk@yahoo.com

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  19. tagged on fb
    mrsnaweiss@aol.com

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  20. I'm already going green by using cloth diapers but would love to learn more ways to go green.
    hcaraway @ yahoo.com

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  21. Comment on my Facebook Page for an extra entry
    hcaraway@ yahoo.com

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  22. shared on facebook
    hcaraway@yahoo.com

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  23. I've gone green by cloth diapering, starting to use cloth wipes, breastfeeding, recycling, line drying diapers and growing some of my own herbs and vegetables. I'd like to go green by starting to compost.

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  24. I posted on FB as Nicole Knox Riccioni.

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  25. Referred a friend(Kristine Kulaga -Torres)YAY
    lovemyhnk@yahoo.com

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  26. Referred a friend to your FB page :)
    (Maria Espana)
    lovemyhnk@yahoo.com
    ~I'm Fluffy Bums :)

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  27. We use cloth whenever we can: towels, napkins, bags, diapers, etc.

    lovelydomesticdiva (at) gmail (dot) com

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  28. We have gone green by: using cloth diapers,wipes,unpaper towels,snack bags,home made detergent,buying used items and selling gently used clothes.

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  29. I commented on your FB page as Lissette reinbold

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  30. We use cloth diapers, breastfed my Daughter, make my own laundry soap and cleaning supplies, Recycle, shop goodwill, All organic natural bath products, cloth mama pads, cloth nursing pads

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  31. I am going green by using earth friendly cleaners, We installed Ceiling fans in every room to not use so much electricty with our air conditioner and we recycle. If I had a kid of my own I would cloth diaper, they are pretty cute, but my friend cold use this prize. :)

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  32. I have gone green by starting cloth diapering with my first baby this year. I love it! I also use cloth nursing pads, recycle, try to conserve electricity, and are currently making one car work out in our family...

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  33. So, I never thought I would use cloth diapers - too gross. But the bug hit me two days ago and I have been obsessed with cloth diapers since. WE are expecting our first (a girl!) in June, and her bum is definitely going to be clothed and not disposed. I already use natural cleaners for family and home, recycle paper (the only thing local recycling allows), compost, and keep the heat waaaay down in the winter (45-55). The things I love about being green are it is healthier, simpler, and more cost-efficient!

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  34. I went green as soon as I found out i was pregnant 2 years ago. I switched all my household cleaners, I cloth diaper and hang to dry, I made all my own baby food and we walk to the local grocery store instead of drive.

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  35. I posted on your fb page.

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  36. We cloth diaper, recycle, use cloth napkins and cloth bags, and shop local farms in season. I'd like to continue reducing our footprint by composting and further reducing our garbage.
    olivia.lasting at gmail dot com

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  37. I posted on FB as Olivia Lambert Lasting. Thanks!
    olivia.lasting at gmail dot com

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  38. FOr me, being 'green' has always been a state of mind! However, it has always been hard to make that first step into living a natural life and living without buying into the corporate world! 23 years and I've always knew what the right choices were for this planet, the humans, and all of the species out there that deserve to live on earth, 23 years of knowing but unable to get past the temptations of consumer technology and unnecessary conveniences, 1 day.... just 1 beautiful day... The first Thanksgiving that opened my eyes and I finally took my first step.. the day my son was born, November 25th, 2010! Now I live for today, i live in the now and take life day by day! I know it's not about doing something over night, or being rushed, but about making those steps, one at a time! Together we are making a difference for our lives and everyone else's! We love our Mother Nature :)

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  39. • We use cloth diapers, cloth wipes & homemade wipe solution in spray bottle
    • Use All natural Virgin coconut oil for diaper rash, yeast infections and many other health remedies.
    • Drink herbal teas for various Ailments. Example: Sore throat or cough we drink Roobois tea.
    • Every year we grow a veggie, berry and herb garden
    • We reclaimed an old entertainment center that we are transforming into a play kitchen for our kids!
    • We use glass "to go" water bottles
    • We use old condiment jars for drinking glasses (mason jar style)
    • Fill 3 recycles bins every week but a full trash only monthly
    • Wear recycled clothes from goodwill and consignment sales only
    • Use Baltic Amber teething necklaces as a natural medicine for both teething and general immunity
    • Practice natural cleaning with lemon, vinegar and baking soda
    • Have an energy saving washer and dryer (in the house we own and are renting all our appliances are energy saving)
    • Purchased fuel efficient cars
    • Utilize the laundry line for hang drying outside
    • I salvaged chairs, curbside, for extra outdoor seating, sanded, re-enforced and restrained them into colorful shabby chic!
    • Save our errands for multi-errands trips
    • Use reusable grocery sacks
    • Mend our own clothing to prevent from needing to purchasing more
    • Much of our indoor furniture was curbside salvaged and refurbished to "like new" pieces
    • We practice extended breastfeeding, and also use breastmilk for other purposes. Its great for ear infections, eye infections, thrush, diaper rash, cuts and boo-boo's (they will heal insanely fast with breastmilk on them) facial blemishes (which includes pimples AND cold sores), sunburns, the list goes ON :)
    • We practice the Sympto-Thermal method of birth control, so that all of those nasty harmful hormones are not going thru my body, and in turn, into the public water system making our boys more prone to get unsettling amount of female hormones thru their consumption.
    • Our kids use "rain buckets" to collect the rain and bring inside to water our inside plants
    • We utilize inside plants to naturally filter and clean our air inside our home to make it more germ and pathogen free!
    • We turn our faucets off when not in immediate use ( while brushing our teeth, doing dishes..we used to just let it run)
    • We consolidate baths and spread them out throughout the week rather then daily or bi-daily. Usually Daddy will bathe with the boys and mommy and baby shower together.
    • We are CONTEMPLATING family cloth :) we've been talking about it for about a month, we just need to commit to doing it, and save a few spare rolls for company :)

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  40. Posting on your FB page!

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  41. I started going green about a year and a half ago when I switched my son to cloth diapers. Now I've stopped using paper towels/plates, stopped using plastic baggies, unplug any electronics when not in use and I have a little balcony garden :-)

    Jessica.R.Adler at gmail.com

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  42. posted on your fb page.

    Jessica.R.Adler at gmail.com

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  43. tagged you in a post on fb: http://www.facebook.com/J.Rizzle.Adlizzle/posts/723150149404

    Jessica.R.Adler at gmail.com

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  44. I am trying to be as green as possible.
    -I compost (I even take my scraps home from work)
    -I use waste water to water my organic garden (e.g. from our dehumidifier, outside buckets of rainwater, etc.)
    -We are trying to build up our stash of CDs for when baby gets here in July
    -I make rags out of my husband's old t-shirts.
    -We make our own laundry detergent.

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  45. Jessica sent me!
    Jessica.R.Adler at gmail.com

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  46. I posted on your FB page.
    https://www.facebook.com/bohememomrhapsody#!/permalink.php?story_fbid=167276876663448&id=23303525

    rutheadler at gmail.com

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  47. I tagged you on FB.
    https://www.facebook.com/bohememomrhapsody#!/permalink.php?story_fbid=10100147348170114&id=23303525

    rutheadler at gmail.com

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  48. I tagged u on my post on fb

    Lissette reinbold

    Lissettereinbold1@yahoo.com

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  49. I am trying to go green by using cloth diapers on my baby who is due June 3. I also use my own reusable bags when I go shopping. I plan on hanging my cloth diapers on a clothes line to dry and making my own baby food!

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  50. I commented on your facebook!

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