Mom raised nine kids when her budget could only feed a family of four. How’d she do it? She was a super-sustainer; I just wish I would have known that she wasn’t being cheap and mean – she was just progressive and being green.
Here are some simple, money-saving, tricks and sustainable hints Moms can use to help save money and protect the planet at the same time:
• Soak a washcloth in water, place it in a baggie and put it in the freezer, when it’s slightly frozen, it will be a crunchy, soothing teething toy for baby to munch on without any worries about worn-out teething rings.
• Instead of using baby powder, which is talcum powder, use cornstarch. It’s cheaper, earth-friendly and totally organic.
• Extend the life of disposable diapers—at least at night—by using a cloth diaper, folded length wise and placed in the center from belly to butt. This will double the absorbency of the diaper, help you get a better night’s rest and cut down on waste in the landfills.
• Hang cloth diapers outside in the sun, at least in the summer. Saving energy one-third of the year is better than not at all and you’ll be letting the sunshine bleach your diapers rather than harsh chemicals.
• Mash up fruit and veggies for baby, rather than buying jars of food. If the mixture is too thick, add a little water. It’s cheap, organic and great for baby.
• Wash baby blankets, diapers and clothing in vinegar and baking soda rather than harsh chemicals. Use ¼ cup white distilled vinegar and ¼ cup baking soda.
• If baby is congested, put 1 tablespoon Baby Vick’s Vaporub in a humidifier and let it run in the baby’s room overnight. The adult Vick’s has Camphor which you don’t want to use for baby.
• Instead of buying specialty toast for baby to chew on, make your own toast and let it sit out for an hour or two, until it stiffens. Cut it into fourths and let baby chew on homemade toast.
• Always use rechargeable batteries rather than the one-use variety.
• Take digital pictures rather than one-use cameras, even on vacations. They don’t take up that much space and it’s so easy to email photos to family and friends.
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8 comments:
These are great tips! Thanks, Kim. I had a friend when I was little whose mom saved little bits of soap and put them into a cut-off foot of a nylon. It was amazing how well they lathered up and they used every bit of their soap. I always thought it was odd, but then those nylon scrubbers came out and I realized that's why they worked so well. :)
When Son was a baby, I actually did make his baby food...at the time it was because of lack of money. I had found a book in the library that told how to do this and that was 22 years ago...I also never used baby powder and always used cornstarch...again, because of money...but I never used the cloth diapers...I just couldn't picture doing that...bad me...
Thanks for the tips...
These are great ideas. I think my own children sometimes think I am being ridiculous with ways I save. I always tell my self they will get it when they are in their thirties. Then I cross my fingers and hope :)!
We always put spoons in the freezer for our teething boys to gnaw on. Giod ideas...simple and green and cheap!
Thanks of the tips. I need reminders like these (and some of them are new ideas too)
Thank you :)
Great tips! For our parents and grandparents "being green" was just a way of life. It is funny how things come full circle!
Making my children's babyfood was surprisingly easy. I never thought it would be something that I would do but I just could not bring myself to feed my children something that does not expire for over a year.
Yes, digital camera has been soooo great. I remember all the wasted photos with my old ones. So many pictures printed that weren't even print worthy!
All great tips. Not only do these things save the environment, they save $$.
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