Monthly Archives: December 2008

My Big Green Goal for 2009 – Greening Baby

I can’t believe I’m nearly 8 months pregnant. Where does the time go?

In terms of being green, there are a lot of things I like to do. But in 2009, my focus is pretty much going to be on greening my baby experience.

Some of it will be pretty easy. I already have the minimal driving habit, although we are going to need a second vehicle. Our current car won’t hold the entire family after the baby comes, and with all the doctor appointments babies need, calling on family for a ride just won’t cut it. It would be necessary too often.

But we are looking used, and fuel efficiency is a big consideration along with budget.

Clothes and many other supplies aren’t a big issue. We have tons of handmedowns coming. We still own our original cradle and crib.

A king size pillowcase makes for a wonderful sheet for a cradle mattress. They’re the perfect size. Just a little trick my mother taught me that saves trying to buy cradle sheets. Crib sheets, on the other hand, may need to be purchased, although I think we still have some in decent condition.

I still have to actually buy my cloth diapers. Time to just buckle down and get the research done so I can finalize my decision.

Then the fun part of explaining them to my mother-in-law. Oh, probably my side of the family too, but I know who tends to be the most vocal about when I do something out of the expected. But cloth diapers really aren’t what they were when she had kids, and I expect that by the time baby is 6 months to a year old, she’ll get it.

At least, that’s how long it took for her to quit complaining about me breastfeeding my first. She does understand the benefits now, though, and is a huge proponent of it. Just took a while.

We’re also looking at making baby food at home. We already own a VitaMix, although I will have to teach my husband to clean it really well. He’s rather trusting of a quick rinse on too many things. Soap and hot water, dear, especially when cleaning something to make it safe for making baby food! Better safe than really, really sorry.

The Beauty of the Season

What can I say? I don’t expect to post much this week.

Time instead to enjoy the beauty of the season, whether or not you celebrate Christmas. Enjoy the snow if you have it. Enjoy your favorite hot beverage… hot chocolate for me, thanks!

Take a walk if weather permits. If not, get cozy as a family, enjoy a good movie, a good fireplace or play some games together.

I’ll be making cookies with the kids at some point this week and trying to get the house organized. It’s a bit tough doing all the things I’d like to do while 7.5 months pregnant and dealing with hip issues that keep me from feeling comfortable cleaning anything off the floor… good thing the kids are closer to the floor and can handle it when I insist!

I’m determined to have the time to just enjoy things. To enjoy the holiday season. To enjoy being pregnant. To enjoy my family.

I hope you do likewise.

Sunday Links 12-21-08

Holiday Gift Guide: Green Gifts That Don’t Cost A Cent – It’s still not too late to finish off those last few holiday gifts!

KidTip: Little hands cut up old holiday cards for tags and decor – All those cards you get in the mail are great fun for the kids.

Green the city, get healthier kids – Yes! Thank you! Have lots of green areas and kids will find reasons to go play.

Composting in winter, dry climates – You can keep things going, at least a little.

Growing Up Girl: An Eco Parents Guide to Puberty – I have a few years before my daughter faces this issue, thank goodness. It can be an interesting challenge to keep feminine products green, no doubt especially for young girls new to it.

Are You All or Nothing When It Comes to Green? – And should you be? Some people think so, but most of us do have to balance green with the reality of our lives and finances.

Planning Ahead for Next Year’s Garden – It’s certainly not too early. I told my husband to go through the seeds we already have, because he buys too many every year!

10 signs you bought too much Christmas crap – A little humor to go with your holiday.

What is Green? – Some thoughts on what it really means to be green.

Back to Basics: What Kids Actually Need for Play Fun – Forget the plastic toys! These are the toys kids have enjoyed for years and will continue to enjoy.

The Perfect Last minute gift: Courtesy of My Mom – What a sweet gift and a great lesson for the kids!

Giving birth can be good, ecstatic and even orgasmic – I’ve been discussing this with my husband. Looking forward to the show and seeing how much cooperation I can get from my OB on keeping things as natural as possible with a VBAC.

Four Ways To Give The U.S. A ‘Clean Slate’ – 4 things President Obama could do after taking office to quickly improve our energy policies.

Do You Get Involved in Green Community Efforts?

Going green isn’t just about you and your family. That’s just the first step.

Next comes green community efforts. You can really spread out your impact if you focus on more than just your home and family.

This is something I’ve not had time to do, aside from running this site, which is a mix of business and encouraging people to go green. It is tough to raise young children, work from home and get involved… especially with only one car. At least in the local community.

Local efforts can be wonderful things. And they aren’t so hard to find as they might have once been. You can search on Google or your favorite search engine for green organizations in your area.

There can be beach cleanup in the summer, groups that discuss about more ways you can go green, Sierra Club meetings, and so forth.

Online efforts aren’t a bad thing either. You can get involved in grassroots efforts online as well as in person, writing to your Representatives and bringing attention to things that matter to you.

I consider my own involvement to be a small thing, something appropriate to the amount of free time I have right now. Through the years, as my children grow, getting more involved will be a great way to show them just how important I believe our environment to be.