Here at Growing a Green Family we’re looking at how to save $50,000 by going green. In case you’re curious, so far we’ve managed to save $13,761.00, just by taking some basic green actions. That does leave us $36,239 left to go, but cloth diapers should cut a nice big chunk off of this figure.

Image by Flickr User simplyla

How many disposable diapers will you need?

The average newborn baby can speed through 12 diapers in a single day. Older babies and toddlers use less, but still average around 6 to 10 diaper changes a day. That’s a whopping total of 7,500-8,000 disposable diapers over 2.5 years. However, many babies are in diapers longer. Still, for the purpose of this post, we’ll assume you toilet train one of your children super fast.

How much will all these disposable diapers cost you?

It sort of depends on which diapers you use. This being a green blog, I suggest you use the least toxic disposable diapers possible. I’ll be using Seventh Generation Free and Clear Baby Diapers because they’re probably the most popular less toxic disposable diaper around.

Seventh Generation Free and Clear Baby Diapers

Below are typical diaper prices, if you buy in bulk, along with the sizes you’ll need for various baby ages – although note, the sizes are only average estimates. Some babies run bigger or smaller of course.

• Newborn diapers – up to 10 lbs – 25 cent per diaper (1 mos to 1.5 mos) – 12 diapers a day – 540 diapers = $135
• Stage 1 diapers – 8-14 lbs – 20 cent per diaper (1.5 mos to 4 mos) – 10 diapers a day – 750 diapers = $150
• Stage 2 diapers – 12-18 lbs – 25 cent per diaper (5 mos to 7 mos) – 8 diapers a day – 480 diapers = $120
• Stage 3 diapers – 16-28 lbs – 18 cent per diaper (8 mos to 23 mos) – 8 diapers a day – 3,600 diapers = $648
• Stage 4 diapers – 22-37 lbs – 32 cent per diaper (2 years+) or Stage 5 diapers – 27+ lbs – 37 cent per diaper (2 years+) depending on your kid – 5 diapers a day – 750 diapers = $255

Total diapers needed – 6,120 for one kid, 12,240 for two kids.

Total cost = $1,308 for one kid, $2,616 for two kids.

You’ll also need some Seventh Generation Chlorine Free Training Pants (55 cent per pant). We’ll assume one of your kids potty trains fast, by age 2.5 and the other not until 4. For the first child you’ll need about 5 months of training pants, along with regular diapers, or about $247 worth of training pants. For the second child, you’ll need about $1,133 worth of training pants. That’s a total of $1,380.

Total diapers + training pants for two kids = 14,749

Total costs for two kids = $3,996

Keep in mind that research shows that the average family, with two kids will go through 16,000 diapers, so there’s a good chance I underestimated price.

How many cloth diapers will you need?

Again it depends on what sort of cloth diaper you use. In this case, I’m going with ease of use, which for me, means you use all-in-one-cloth diapers or a hybrid, which are a little more expensive, but also easier than traditional pre-fold cloth diapers. Some choices include:

• GroVia
• gDiapers
• Kushies
• FuzziBunz
• Charlie Banana

Once you choose a brand, you’ll need to choose sizes and amounts. I suggest going with real sizes, not one-size-fits-all, mainly because fit can be iffy. To read more about how to choose the best cloth diapers, I suggest reading Eco-nomical Baby Guide, which has an excellent cloth diaper section, or you can simply read Cloth Diapering Myths to get started.

gBaby Bundle

Overall, say you use gDiapers with reusable inserts. You’ll need about 6-8 little gPants per size (small, medium and large). You can get the gBaby Bundle which comes with 12 tiny gPants, 6 small gPants, 80 gRefills and a swishstick for just $125. Then you’ll also need 8 gDiapers Little gPant Diaper Covers Medium ($136), gDiapers Little gPant Diaper Covers Large ($79) and 3 or so packs of reusable gDiapers Cloth Diaper Inserts ($79). Plus probably an extra 6 or so diapers along the way ($79). Total cost for the gDiaper system = $498.00.

Now, if you go with another brand, like FuzziBunz Perfect Size Diaper, you’ll need about 12 small, 12 medium and 12 large diapers. That’s a total cost of $577.

If you don’t want to work too hard, you could also go with a mega set, such as the GroVia Live Package ($349), which pretty much allows you to cloth diaper your baby for his entire childhood so long as you add 24 extra shells ($196). Charlie Banana is also easy, as they offer quick sets with 6 reusable diapers + 12 reusable inserts. Once you buy all the sets you need, it’ll be about $600.

You won’t need training pants, as larger size cloth diapers double up as both diapers and trainers.

Charlie Banana cloth diapers

Other supplies you’ll need for cloth diapering:

• A few wet bags, which hold wet cloth diapers and inserts on the go, such as Itzy Ritzy Zippered Wet Bag – $36 for two.
• A bin for wet and icky diapers – same cost as the garbage can you’re using for disposables.
• Disposable inserts some of the time (maybe) when out and about or on a trip. $34+ depending on how often you use them.
• A book about how to use and care for cloth diapers. Again, I suggest Eco-nomical Baby Guide – $14.
• Water for washing and laundry soap. You can use basic, natural laundry soap and cold water. You’ll wash maybe every two days or so. I’m not figuring in this cost because you’ll also spend money on gas to go and get disposables, plus extra garbage fees to toss those disposables, so I’m guessing it all evens out.

Total diapers needed for cloth diapering – about 36, although most people collect a few more. Plus you’ll need reusable inserts – about 24 to 30. If you use disposable inserts, you’ll need more and it’ll cost more, but I suggest reusable inserts on most occasions.

Total cost of cloth diapers – it varies depending on brand, but on average about $556 plus supplies = $636.

Note that this is a high estimate in my opinion. You can easily pick up gently used all-in-ones at your local thrift store or baby consignment shop. Seriously, we’re talking $1 to $2 diapers, which would bring your costs down considerably. You can also register for cloth diapers for your baby shower.

Plus, don’t forget, cloth diapers will last through both kids. Assuming you need to replace some diapers and inserts, which you will, your total cloth diaper costs should only be around $700-$800 if you splurge and $120 – $300 if you really shop around at consignment stores. If you use basic pre-fold diapers, you’ll save too.

Here are some more cost comparisons of cloth diapers – what real parents spend, cost of cloth diapers and cost savings of cloth diapers.

Comparing costs

Overall, if you have two children, you’ll spend $3,996+ on disposable diapers. If you go with cloth you’ll spend about $300 to $636 for both kids that’s a savings of $3,360 for two kids. Even if you totally go nuts and splurge on all sorts of adorable reusable cloth diapers, plus buy brand new for both kids you’ll still save around $2,724.

Image by Flickr User IngaMun

PLUS…

Beyond cost benefits you’ll be helping the planet. Most research suggest that 250 to 500 years is a conservative guess as to how long disposable diapers will sit in the landfill after you toss them and most conventional disposable diapers are 100% gross. They’re stuffed with icky SAP, pesticides, perfume, latex, chemicals and plastic (made with non-renewable oil) and other junk.

Where we’re at right now…

• Save $3,360 by using cloth diapers
• Save $835 per kid by using to reusable baby wipes
• Save $1,612 by using homemade green cleaners
• Save $2,960 by having a less consumer Christmas
• Save $1,000 by ditching paper towels
• Save $1,354 by using cloth napkins
• Save $6,000 by switching to reusable water bottles

TOTAL SAVINGS SO FAR: $17,121.00

$ left to save: $32,879

Hey all. Today I’ve got the winners of our miYim Winnie the Pooh Organic Plush Giveaway.

In case you’ve forgotten, both winners will receive an adorable 100% organic plush of their choice (one of the choices shown above).

• Learn more about the organic miYim Disney Collection.

So, I’ve randomly picked two winners and they are…

Carolsue who says, “My favorite was (is) Pooh; my daughter’s is Tigger.”

AND

Kaylie who says, “I loved Eeyore growing up. Whenever a sibling was complaining I would mock them in the “I’ve lost my tail” voice. Hehehe, always put a smile on our faces! My kid’s favorite is Tigger. T-i-double g(uh)-er!”

Congratulations to our winners! Remember, I’ll be emailing you for more info asap, so watch your email. Thanks to everyone else who entered and big hugs to miYim for sponsoring this fabulous giveaway.

We’ve been talking a lot about how to scale down your holiday spending and keep it green – this contest will help you do both. Just in time for the holidays, you may win an adorable organic gift for your child, simply by entering this fun giveaway.

WHAT YOU CAN WIN!:

Two Growing a Green Family readers will each win their favorite Winnie the Pooh organic plush doll from the miYim My Natural Disney collection. If you win, you’ll have your choice of Winnie the Pooh, Eeyore, Tigger or Piglet. All are totally adorable and 100% eco-friendly.

• Learn more about the organic miYim Disney Collection.

GIVEAWAY DURATION:

This giveaway starts today, December 5, 2011 and ends on Monday, December 12, 2011. Midnight – my time (west coast time).

HOW TO ENTER:

Leave a comment on this post, telling me which Winnie the Pooh character was your favorite growing up (mine was Eeyore) and also tell me which character is your child’s favorite now.

IMPORTANT RULES:

• U.S. residents only please. Although miYim (and Growing a Green Family) love our worldwide pals, shipping is only possible in the U.S. for this giveaway.
• One entry per household please.
• On December 12, 2011, I’ll draw two random winner from all eligible entries, post the winning name here and also email the winner.
• VERY IMPORTANT! If you’re the winner, you’ll need to email me back by December 15, 2011 with your contact info. I know that’s quick, but it would be nice to get these sent out maybe in time for the holidays. If you don’t email back by the 15th, I’ll assume that you’ve changed your mind and I’ll choose another winner.
• To get your prize to you, I’ll need your full name, U.S. mailing address, valid email, and phone number. I don’t share this info with anyone but miYim. However, if you’re not comfortable giving this info to me, please do not enter.

GOOD LUCK!

Hey there all. Today I’ve got the winner of the awesome Baby Gourmet Organic Baby Food Giveaway.

In case you’ve spaced it, our winner will be receiving a very nice sampler pack of Baby Gourmet, USDA certified organic baby food. The sampler includes 15 pouches and all nine Baby Gourmet flavor taste sensations.

• Learn more about Baby Gourmet organic baby food.

Just a quick reminder, if you haven’t entered to win a great starter pack of Baby Gourmet Organic Baby Food, today is your last chance.

Baby Gourmet Organic Baby Food is a new line of USDA certified organic baby food created by mama and Baby Gourmet company founder, Jennifer Broe.

Each Baby Gourmet food item is cooked up in a kitchen, not a lab and is made healthy with:

• USDA Organic certified food
• No thickeners or fillers
• No added sugar
• No added salt
• Kosher too
• Comes in BPA-free re-sealable packaging

Enter now!

The other day I told you about a brand new organic baby food – Baby Gourmet. If you’re interested in your baby trying this organic baby food, today is your lucky day, because you may just win some if you enter our Baby Gourmet giveaway!

WHAT YOU CAN WIN!:

One Growing a Green Family reader (including one very lucky baby) will win an awesome sampler pack of Baby Gourmet, USDA certified organic baby food. The sampler includes 15 pouches and all nine Baby Gourmet flavor taste sensations.

• Learn more about Baby Gourmet organic baby food.

GIVEAWAY DURATION:

This giveaway starts today, November 4, 2011 and ends on Sunday, November 13, 2011. Midnight – my time (west coast time).

HOW TO ENTER:

Leave a comment on this post, telling me what stage your baby is at eating-wise – it’s okay if your baby hasn’t started on solids yet. AND tell me why you’re interested in feeding your baby organic food.

IMPORTANT RULES:

• U.S. and Canada residents only please. Although Baby Gourmet (and Growing a Green Family) love our worldwide pals, shipping is only possible in the U.S. and Canada for this giveaway.
• One entry per household please.
• On November 13, 2011, I’ll draw one random winner from all eligible entries, post the winner’s name here and also email the winner.
• VERY IMPORTANT! If you’re the winner, you’ll need to email me back by November 18th with your contact info. If not, I’ll assume that you’ve changed your mind, and I’ll choose another winner.
• To get your prize to you, I’ll need your full name, U.S. or Canada mailing address, valid email, and phone number. I don’t share this info with anyone but Baby Gourmet. However, if you’re not comfortable giving this info to me, please do not enter.

GOOD LUCK!

There’s a new baby food in town, and it’s not only organic, but affordable. Baby Gourmet Organic Baby Food is a new line of USDA certified organic baby food created by mama and Baby Gourmet company founder, Jennifer Broe.

*Note – stay tuned to Growing a Green Family, if you’d like to win some of this tasty organic baby food. A cool giveaway is coming up!

Each and every Baby Gourmet product begins right at home, in Jennifer’s kitchen, not in a factory or lab, so we’re talking homemade baby food goodness, only without the pots, pans and blenders or time commitment. Baby Gourmet comes in BPA-free re-sealable packaging that’s easy to serve. Squeeze some into a bowl or let your baby go pouch wild.

All Baby Gourmet baby food products have some healthy features in common, such as…

• USDA Organic certified
• No thickeners or fillers
• No added sugar
• No added salt
• Kosher

Simple Purées: for 6+ Months

Simple Pureés are the perfect first baby food and are made with the youngest babies in mind, focusing on food allergy avoidance and simple, yet healthy ingredients, plus a consistency that’s just right for young babies.

Yummy Combos: for 7+ months

More experienced eaters can move on to stage two’s exciting flavor palate, such as wholesome fruits and veggies paired with cinnamon and vanilla. All Yummy Combos include multiple ingredients, gently cooked and puréed to a perfect consistency.

Tasty Textures: for 8+ Months

By eight months, your baby is ready for different textures, so all the Tasty Texture stage baby foods are based on more substantial family recipes, adapted for your baby, with zero sugar or salt added.

Where to buy:

Baby Gourmet is now available at Walmart stores nationwide and retails for an affordable $1.74 per pouch. That’s a killer deal on organic baby food!

Learn more:

• Visit the Baby Gourmet website
• Join Baby Gourmet on Facebook
• Friend Baby Gourmet on Twitter

Somehow, it entirely skipped my mind that Green Sprouts Festival is happening tomorrow. What the… ?

In any case, I go every year, and if you’re in PDX, you should attend as well. Green Sprouts celebrates and promotes the nurturing of life through nature, with a heaping dose of green goods and services, plus activities for the entire family. Parents can learn about and explore eco-friendly, community-involved, natural, and healthy options to raising their families, while kiddos can enjoy the special events tailored just to them.

Special events and types of exhibitors this year:

• The Alma Midwifery Education & Movement Workshops
• Acupuncture
• Aromatherapy
• Breastfeeding
• Childbirth & Related Services
• Birthing Services
• Body care products
• Doula Services
• Energy Work & Healing
• Family wellness
• Holistic Practitioners
• Homeopathy
• Belly Casting
• Lactation Services
• Massage & Bodywork
• Children’s Activities, Events & Parties
• Early Education
• Environmental Education
• Yoga for Pregnancy and Parents
• Environmental Organizations
• Financial services
• Green Parenting
• All sorts of home energy and green home goods
• Alternative Transportation
• Car pooling
• Transportation Alternatives
• Sign Language
• Socially Responsible Investing
• Sustainability – Education
• Natural birthing options
• Wellness
• Cooking
• Grocers – Organic & Natural
• Organic and Natural Food Delivery
• Organic Foods
• Vegan & Vegetarian Goods & Services
• Women’s Health
• Outdoor Recreation
• Arts and Crafts
• Kids Activities
• Ecotravel Activities & Education
• Baby Carriers & Slings
• Bamboo Clothing
• Children’s Apparel
• Diapers: Cloth & Alternatives
• Eco Baby Gear
• Hemp Products
• Belly Dance Bliss for Pregnancy and Beyond
• Recycled Clothing and Products
• Toys: Handmade, Plastic-Free
• AND MUCH MORE!

Other cool stuff going on this year includes Portland Parks & Recreation Ladybug Nature Walks, Josiah Hill III Clinic Lead Testing, Arciform “Get Home Schooled” creative reuse bus, Carmen Phoenix Photography “Parents of Portland Photo Series” Clothing Swap, The Bug Chicks “Insect petting Zoo”, Village Free School (my son’s school) “Thinking Caps Crafts”.

WHEN: Tomorrow, Sunday, September 25, 2011, 10 AM to 5 PM.

WHERE: Peninsula Park

COSTS: Admission is free!

In a move based on customer feedback about Bisphenol A (BPA) safety concerns, Cincinnati-based Kroger announced this month that they’re going to make sure that all baby products sold in their store are BPA-free. Additionally, Kroger stores will also be eliminating BPA from Kroger store brand canned foods and purchasing BPA-free paper for store receipts.

No official timeline for the switch to BPA-free products has been noted, just that Kroger plans to be using all BPA-free register paper by the end of the year and to replace canned food lining asap.

Kind of like the Kroger bag banning shenanigans, they’re not doing this to be eco-friendly or healthy, they’re working the PR angle.

Kroger spokesman Keith Dailey told the The Columbus Dispatch:

“While there is no conclusive scientific evidence that minimal exposure to BPA in can linings poses any risks to consumers, Kroger has begun a process that we believe will result in the removal of BPA in the linings of canned goods in all of our corporate brand items. Customers are interested in the issue and what the company is doing on the issue.”

Kroger apparently, officially, feels that BPA is fine and dandy, but they’re trying to ease customer concerns. Do I care that Kroger is patronizing other consumers and myself? Not terribly. Fred Meyers is the closest grocery store to my home, so I tend to shop there. I’m down with any healthy decisions Kroger may make – I don’t much care why.

Additionally, the Kroger co. currently owns 2,458 grocery retail stores in 31 states, along with 786 convenience stores ad a bunch of jewelry stores, food processing and manufacturing facilities, supermarket fuel centers and pharmacies. They also employ about 334,000 individuals. There’s probably a Kroger something near you.

Any positive changes Kroger makes (no matter the reason) is sure to impact many people plus make other grocers stand up and take notice.

Now, if only Kroger would solve their factory farmed organic milk issues…

+ Source

Two days ago, the FDA finally agreed to take a closer look at the safety of food coloring. Well, not so much the safety I suppose, but they did agree to take a look at the link between hyperactivity and artificial food dyes.

Just this afternoon it’s been announced that the FDA’s Food Advisory Committee voted 11 to 3 that there is not enough conclusive evidence to link artificial food dyes to hyperactivity in children.

Disappointing – but not a surprise. Yesterday, the meeting was already running toward the food coloring is a-okay side.

Not that I’m a huge advocate of hyperactivity. Honestly, I think people forget, in this day and age, with all this sedentary behavior, that kids are actually naturally quite active. Or used to be anyhow. Hyperactivity, in my opinion is seriously overused term.

That said, I was still happy to see the FDA looking at food coloring because there are many negative issue linked to fake food dyes. I figured this was a good window into the food dye conversation. The FDA could have decided to look at some other issues too, not just the hyperactivity issue. Sadly, it seems this conversation is over for now, at least so far as the government is concerned.

You can still avoid artificial food dyes in your own home though – see ways to avoid chemical food dyes (skip to the end of this link).

Image ©beverlytaz via sxc.