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Do you want to start cloth diapering, but you're finding yourself overwhelmed by all the choices?  There are many different types of cloth diapers these days...and they're not your grandmother's cloth diapers with a big ol' safety pin!  There are lots of choices, and some are almost as easy as disposables!

First off, there is my personal favorite:  One-size pocket diapers.  I love, love, love BumGenius 3.0.   Pocket diapers are made with two layers sewn together to form a pocket.  You stick an absorbent insert into the pocket and viola!  That's your diaper.  They're really easy, and with the velcro on the BumGenius, they are just like putting on a disposable diaper.   The best part about the one-size diapers is that they're adjustable, so they can fit a newborn up until they're potty trained.  You can get years of use out of each diaper, which is great because these diapers are a bit more expensive than some other options.  In cloth diapering communities you'll see people abbreviating "one-size" to "OS."

That's my baby Isaac pictured above in a one-size pocket diaper.   Those aren't the BumGenius, however.  The one he's wearing has snaps instead of velcro, which in my opinion, causes them to leak a little because they can't get quite as snug.  I do know some people who like snap diapers, but these tend to be my back-ups.

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In the early staging of planning my July 2010 wedding, I'll admit that I didn't really think of ways to make the wedding itself environmentally friendly. At first, I was overwelmed, excited, more overwhelmed and more excited. I concentrated on getting the "big things" done first. I had to decide on where, when and who would cater it before I thought of anything else.

During that crazy time, I indirectly did a few things that I think are good: I planned on having it on the east coast so no family members had to fly, I am having it outside at a place that promotes environmental studies at the Morris Arboretum in Philadelphia, I am providing a shuttle for our guests from the hotel. These choices were made mostly because: I love the outside and flowers and trees, I didn't want to make my family spend the money on plane tickets, I didn't want to make people drink and drive (if they chose to drink).

Now as the wedding planning progresses (two months to go!) and I have a little more time to think things through, I've compiled a list of things you can do to make your wedding as green friendly as you can, without making your stress levels turn you blue:

1. Wed Locally. If you can, pick a destination that eliminates long distance travel for most of your guests. If your heart is set on a destination wedding, pick a place that promotes sustainable travel.... read more

Like many other people these days, I think bottled water is unnecessary.  Some people have concerns about the safety of their municipal tap water.   However, there are ways around it so no need to go the bottled water route!  Aside from getting a water filter, there are a few other tips.

First of all, DON'T USE HOT TAP WATER.  This is especially important if you have a baby and you're using tap water to make a bottle of formula.  This is because hot water dissolves contaminants more quickly than cold water and sometimes pipes in homes have lead that can leach into water.   ... read more

What’s in your trash receptacles? Palo Alto is in the process of crafting a new Recycling and Composting ordinance to restrict recyclables and compostables from the garbage.

On January 27, 2010, the City of Palo Alto conducted its first public meeting regarding the proposed Recycling and Composting Ordinance. ... read more

Another store giving an incentive to bring your own bags!  While running errands today, I discovered that  CVS now has the "Green Bag Tag" program.  It's a little tag you put around your reusable shopping bag.  The tag costs 99 cents, and they scan it along with the Extra Care Card when you make a purchase.  You get a $1 "Extra Buck" every 4 purchases when you bring your bag.  The tag itself is made of corn, instead of plastic.... read more