Television

Greg and I do not have cable.  We have decided not to waste our time and money on something that is not needed.  We do own a television and blueray to watch movies every once in a while.  The only reason we own the TV is because it was a gift.  It comes in handy on cold winter nights when the only thing I want to do is cuddle on the couch in-between my husband and dog. 

I always get asked the same thing when I tell people we do not have cable, "WHAT DO YOU DO WITH YOUR TIME?!" Over and over... and over...  

Well, I am able to get things done. Period.  

Television did not even become popular until the 1960's.  What did people do with their time before that?  I also hear so many people saying, " There is just not enough time in the day."  I often wonder how much time each of those people spend watching television.

When I was in Jr. High my mom (also my teacher) decided that we would give up TV.  My brother and I did our schoolwork so much better from that point on.  We, all of a sudden, had so much more time and focus on what was really important.

Another benefit is we do not see commercials.  I did not realize how much the commercials controlled what I wanted.  I hear people talking about the 'latest and greatest', and I want nothing to do with it.  It really saves us a lot of money by not wanting constantly.

I also have to think about our baby that is on the way.  We are not going to have her watching any television as an infant.  Here is an article that explains my reasons http://www.wired.com/wiredscience/2011/10/infant-tv-guidelines/ .

So if you want more time in the day and are sick of the cable and electricity bill, get rid of cable!
         T.V. VS. Life      

Cloth Diapers!

     We have decided on a cloth diapering system for our baby girl that is due October 14th=).  It was hard to narrow down because there are SO MANY different types and brands. We want to live green, but we also need to live on the cheap so that helped us narrow down a lot.  Some cloth diaper brands are so expensive that it would be only a slight difference in cost, but instead of "buying-as-you-go" as with disposable diapers, you have to spend a lot, all up-front. Not happening!  At first I thought some were not that bad, but then I realized that you have to buy them in 3 or 4 different sizes.

     We have decided to use the Flip Diaper System.  They fit a baby from 7-35 pounds because the snaps make it so you can fit it to baby perfectly.  They do have special inserts you can buy, but to make it a little cheaper again, we are going to use prefolds instead.  To make them even cheaper to use, you do not have to wash the cover everytime, which means you need less covers and need to do less laundry.  Less laundry?  I'm sold!

     The All-In-One systems consist of a cover that is permanently attached to the absorbent part, just like a normal disposable diaper.  That might make them a little easier to assemble, but they take longer to dry (we are going to hang dry ours) and the whole diaper, including the cover, has to go in the laundry. AIO is not for me.  It does not seem as green to me either, but that is just my opinion. 

The Flip diaper cost 13.95 if bought from a store.  Though, if you go to ebay.com you can find them for much cheaper.  There are many people who give up on cloth diapers no matter what system they use, so they sell them after only one or two uses. 

Another way to cut down on cost and to keep it green is to plan on using it for multiple children.  Since Greg and I plan to have one more at some point, we can use the diapers for the next child too.  With that in mind, I do not plan to buy any that are pink or girly this time around in case the next one is a boy.

We will also keep track of our spending on diapers and have an update after the baby comes. =)

Here is a video on the Flip diapering system http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WKvUFSetBP4&feature=related

Green Thing #9 Making things! (Part 2)

If you buy the Swiffer Sweeper Wet Refills you will spend about 50 cents each (if you shop at Sam's Club).  If you only use one a week, you will spend about $25 in a year.  The bigger your house, the more often you use it, the more you spend. It can add up fast!  Also you have to consider the implications it has on the environment.  I am not sure what cleansers they use or the amount that goes in the landfills, but I don't want to add to the problem.

To be a part of the solution and to save some green, I have started making swiffer sweeper cloths.  My mom, who is not green at all, even loves them.

I crochet my swiffer cloths without a pattern but here is a website that has patterns for knitting, sewing or crochet if you need one. 
http://tipnut.com/make-your-own-swiffer-cloths/

All I did for my mom's and mine was...
1.  Measure the swiffer. Plan for an extra inch because cotton shrinks.
2.  F hook and Cotton yarn (Number 4) found at Wal-Mart.
3. 54 ch. to equal 13 inches.
4. I use half double Crochet stitch (or hdc) through both loops
5. Continue until it is about 6 inches wide.
6. I put velcro on mine to keep it secure.

If you do not crochet, knit, or sew you can buy them online.  If you Google "swiffer sweeper reusable" you will see a ton of options.  Or you can talk to me ;)

The only downside to using reusable swiffers is you have to take some time to make them or plan ahead because they are not sold in stores.

My next post will be on floor cleansers since I did not cover that here:)
Thanks for reading!