Diaper Bag Eco Friendly

Starting to go "Green"- what products should I start with- how do I start being "Green"?

I am really really trying to "go green" and be more environmentally friendly. How should I start doing this? I recycle, I walk everywhere possible, I compost, I use cloth chopping bags and cloth diapers, all natural biodegradeable cleaning supplies... what next? How do I take my "being green" to the next level?

ALSO can you tell me your fave green eco friendly products? I want to try to slowly replace everything in our home with eco friendly alternatives. What products should I start with? AND how can I "be green" ON A TIGHT TIGHT budget? (Single mom with 2 kiddos!!)...

ANY tips and suggestions on how to be green on a tight frugal budget would be really appreciated!

PS- I'm looking into eco friendly furniture to replace some of the crappy stuff we have now!

try planting some of your own vegetables, or even just herbs, and try saving water; for example: try putting a bucket in the shower to catch warm up water, or under the downspout outside when it rains; you can store this in barrels until you need it for watering your plants, unplug your TV at night or during the day when not in use for long periods of time, and most easily you can switch your lightbulbs to CFLs if you haven't already (if you buy them in bulk, they cost less, but make sure they have the energy star label on them).

also check out this web site (Care2.com) for really great ways to be more earth friendly and healthy from homemade cleaning supplies to natural pest control, it is a treasure trove that I frequently seek advice from.

good luck!

Diaper Dude Eco-Friendly Messenger II Green Diaper Bag $98 The Eco-Friendly Messenger II from Diaper Dude is made of recycled PET material (plastic water bottles) rewoven into durable polyester and offers the same great features you find in all Diaper Dude bags-messenger style. 25 plastic water bottles(16 oz size) are used to make the diaper dude eco bag. Made of recycled fabric. . One large compartment for baby with mesh pocket and additional compartment for dad with mesh pocket. . Padded shoulder strap. . Insulated bottle holder. . 3 large compartments with Velcro closure. . Dad checklist screened on magnetic flap. . Breathable mesh padding for extra comfort. . Padded changing pad. . Clips for stroller strap. . Interior key clip. . Removable cell phone holder..

Kalencom 16 Eco-Friendly Pippen Diaper Bag $108 Zippered top opens to roomy interior. Water repellant exterior and interior easily wipes clean. 3 interior pockets and 2 bottle loops. Comfortable, adjustable shoulder strap plus detachable stroller straps. 4 outside pockets. Matching ThinsulateTM  insulated bottle bag. Coordinating zippered pouch. Large fold-out padded changing pad. Kalencom Diaper Bags are AZO free. We use no Phthalates/DEHP, or DBP in our PVC.

Kalencom 16 Eco-Friendly Astrid Diaper Bag $108 Zippered top opens to roomy interior. Water repellant exterior and interior easily wipes clean.3 interior pockets and 2 bottle loops. Comfortable, adjustable shoulder strap plus detachable stroller straps. 4 outside pockets. Matching ThinsulateTM  insulated bottle bag. Coordinating zippered pouch. Large fold-out padded changing pad. Kalencom Diaper Bags are AZO free. We use no Phthalates/DEHP, or DBP in our PVC.

Carnival Diaper Bag in Chocolate $70 With the Carnival Diaper Bag, you dont have to sacrifice your style for a boring baby bag. Magnetic clip keeps top flap closed.. Laminated outer layer makes clean up a snap.. Roomy interior with pockets.. Adjustable shoulder strap.. Two outside pockets.. Matching insulated bottle bag.. Coordinating zippered pouch.. Large fold-out padded changing pad.. Optional brown or black diaper bag stroller straps with easy-snap buckles instantly turn any bag into a stroller tote, helping to keep your hands free.. Eco-friendly: AZO-free, no Phthalates..

Carnival Diaper Bag in Citron $70 With the Carnival Diaper Bag, you dont have to sacrifice your style for a boring baby bag. Magnetic clip keeps top flap closed.. Laminated outer layer makes clean up a snap.. Roomy interior with pockets.. Adjustable shoulder strap.. Two outside pockets.. Matching insulated bottle bag.. Coordinating zippered pouch.. Large fold-out padded changing pad.. Optional brown or black diaper bag stroller straps with easy-snap buckles instantly turn any bag into a stroller tote, helping to keep your hands free.. Eco-friendly: AZO-free, no Phthalates..

Lulu Leopard Diaper Bag $70 With the Lulu Leopard Diaper Bag, you dont have to sacrifice your style for a boring baby bag. Magnetic clip keeps top flap closed.. Laminated outer layer makes clean up a snap.. Roomy interior with pockets.. Adjustable shoulder strap.. Two outside pockets.. Matching insulated bottle bag.. Coordinating zippered pouch.. Large fold-out padded changing pad.. Optional brown or black diaper bag stroller straps with easy-snap buckles instantly turn any bag into a stroller tote, helping to keep your hands free.. Eco-friendly: AZO-free, no Phthalates..

Rachel Diaper Bag in Chocolate $70 Sentenced with scandalous style, the Rachel Diaper Bag brings a lovely look to our baby bag lineup. Magnetic clip keeps top flap closed.. Laminated outer layer makes clean up a snap.. Roomy interior with pockets.. Adjustable shoulder strap.. Two outside pockets.. Matching insulated bottle bag.. Coordinating zippered pouch.. Large fold-out padded changing pad.. Optional brown or black diaper bag stroller straps with easy-snap buckles instantly turn any bag into a stroller tote, helping to keep your hands free.. Eco-friendly: AZO-free, no Phthalates..

Carnival Diaper Bag in Black $70 With the Carnival Diaper Bag, you dont have to sacrifice your style for a boring baby bag. Magnetic clip keeps top flap closed.. Laminated outer layer makes clean up a snap.. Roomy interior with pockets.. Adjustable shoulder strap.. Two outside pockets.. Matching insulated bottle bag.. Coordinating zippered pouch.. Large fold-out padded changing pad.. Optional brown or black diaper bag stroller straps with easy-snap buckles instantly turn any bag into a stroller tote, helping to keep your hands free.. Eco-friendly: AZO-free, no Phthalates..

Rachel Diaper Bag in Black $70 Sentenced with scandalous style, the Rachel Diaper Bag brings a lovely look to our baby bag lineup. Magnetic clip keeps top flap closed.. Laminated outer layer makes clean up a snap.. Roomy interior with pockets.. Adjustable shoulder strap.. Two outside pockets.. Matching insulated bottle bag.. Coordinating zippered pouch.. Large fold-out padded changing pad.. Optional brown or black diaper bag stroller straps with easy-snap buckles instantly turn any bag into a stroller tote, helping to keep your hands free.. Eco-friendly: AZO-free, no Phthalates..

Orient Express Diaper Bag $70 Sentenced with scandalous style, the Orient Express Diaper Bag brings a lovely look to our baby bag lineup. Magnetic clip keeps top flap closed.. Laminated outer layer makes clean up a snap.. Roomy interior with pockets.. Adjustable shoulder strap.. Two outside pockets.. Matching insulated bottle bag.. Coordinating zippered pouch.. Large fold-out padded changing pad.. Optional brown or black diaper bag stroller straps with easy-snap buckles instantly turn any bag into a stroller tote, helping to keep your hands free.. Eco-friendly: AZO-free, no Phthalates..

Tania Diaper Bag $90 A trendy tote with style to spare, the Tania Diaper Bag is in a class all its own. Magnetic clip keeps top flap closed.. Roomy interior with three pockets and two elastic bottle holder loops.. Two outside pockets.. Adjustable shoulder strap.. Snaps on straps hang on stroller.. Matching insulated bottle bag.. Coordinating zippered pouch.. Large fold-out padded changing pad.. Eco-friendly: AZO-free, no Phthalates..

Sophie Safari Messenger Diaper Bag $130 Take a walk on the wild side with the Sophie Safari Messenger Diaper Bag. Flap top opens to roomy interior.. Multiple storage pockets inside and out.. Adjustable shoulder length strap.. Decorative hardware and magnetic closures.. Coordinating insulated bottle bag.. Matching zippered pouch.. Large diaper changing pad.. Babys emergency care card.. Optional brown or black diaper bag stroller straps with easy-snap buckles instantly turn any bag into a stroller tote, helping to keep your hands free.. Eco-friendly: AZO-free, no Phthalates..

Hannah Messenger Diaper Bag in Tan $70 A stylish substitute for boring bags, the Hannah Messenger Diaper Bag will cure your craving for fashionably functional baby gear. Flap top opens to roomy interior.. Multiple storage pockets inside and out.. Adjustable shoulder strap.. Two exterior insulated bottle pouches with toggle closures.. Matching zippered pouch.. Large coordinating diaper changing pad.. Optional brown or black diaper bag stroller straps with easy-snap buckles instantly turn any bag into a stroller tote, helping to keep your hands free.. Eco-friendly: AZO-free, no Phthalates..

Hannah Messenger Diaper Bag in Orange $70 A stylish substitute for boring bags, the Hannah Messenger Diaper Bag will cure your craving for fashionably functional baby gear. Flap top opens to roomy interior.. Multiple storage pockets inside and out.. Adjustable shoulder strap.. Two exterior insulated bottle pouches with toggle closures.. Matching zippered pouch.. Large coordinating diaper changing pad.. Optional brown or black diaper bag stroller straps with easy-snap buckles instantly turn any bag into a stroller tote, helping to keep your hands free.. Eco-friendly: AZO-free, no Phthalates..

Hannah Messenger Diaper Bag in Pink $70 A stylish substitute for boring bags, the Hannah Messenger Diaper Bag will cure your craving for fashionably functional baby gear. Flap top opens to roomy interior.. Multiple storage pockets inside and out.. Adjustable shoulder strap.. Two exterior insulated bottle pouches with toggle closures.. Matching zippered pouch.. Large coordinating diaper changing pad.. Optional brown or black diaper bag stroller straps with easy-snap buckles instantly turn any bag into a stroller tote, helping to keep your hands free.. Eco-friendly: AZO-free, no Phthalates..

Hannah Messenger Diaper Bag in Blue $70 A stylish substitute for boring bags, the Hannah Messenger Diaper Bag will cure your craving for fashionably functional baby gear. Flap top opens to roomy interior.. Multiple storage pockets inside and out.. Adjustable shoulder strap.. Two exterior insulated bottle pouches with toggle closures.. Matching zippered pouch.. Large coordinating diaper changing pad.. Optional brown or black diaper bag stroller straps with easy-snap buckles instantly turn any bag into a stroller tote, helping to keep your hands free.. Eco-friendly: AZO-free, no Phthalates..

Florentine Diaper Bag in Pink Paisley $70 With the Florentine Diaper Bag, you dont have to sacrifice your style for a boring baby bag. Magnetic clip keeps top flap closed.. Laminated outer layer makes clean up a snap.. Roomy interior with pockets.. Adjustable shoulder strap.. Two outside pockets.. Matching insulated bottle bag.. Coordinating zippered pouch.. Large fold-out padded changing pad.. Optional brown or black diaper bag stroller straps with easy-snap buckles instantly turn any bag into a stroller tote, helping to keep your hands free.. Eco-friendly: AZO-free, no Phthalates..

Fiona Diaper Bag in Pistachio Paisley $70 With the Fiona Diaper Bag, you dont have to sacrifice your style for a boring baby bag. Magnetic clip keeps top flap closed.. Laminated outer layer makes clean up a snap.. Roomy interior with pockets.. Adjustable shoulder strap.. Two outside pockets.. Matching insulated bottle bag.. Coordinating zippered pouch.. Large fold-out padded changing pad.. Optional brown or black diaper bag stroller straps with easy-snap buckles instantly turn any bag into a stroller tote, helping to keep your hands free.. Eco-friendly: AZO-free, no Phthalates..

Fiona Diaper Bag in Watermelon Paisley $80 With the Fiona Diaper Bag, you dont have to sacrifice your style for a boring baby bag. Colorful retro-inspired paisley pattern on a chocolate brown background . Magnetic clip keeps top flap closed.. Laminated outer layer makes clean up a snap.. Roomy interior with pockets.. Adjustable shoulder strap.. Two outside pockets.. Matching insulated bottle bag.. Coordinating zippered pouch.. Large fold-out padded changing pad.. Optional brown or black diaper bag stroller straps with easy-snap buckles instantly turn any bag into a stroller tote, helping to keep your hands free.. Eco-friendly: AZO-free, no Phthalates..

Eco Friendly Jute Gift Bag(Pack of 12) $3.99 Eco friendly reusable Jute Gift bag-Yellow Made of eco friendly plant fiber. Size: 12"W x 8"H x 2.5". This wholesale bag is great for gift giving!

amy michelle nbz

Going Green is Simply Going Back to Basics

Although, “going green” strategies have gained much popularity in recent years, many people still wonder what the big fuss is all about.  The majority of consumers are not ready to make changes.  

It is very difficult to make a change unless you understand that “going green” is not a change after all, it’s just going back to basics. 

One day, it all came to me.  I realized I’ve been living green all my life. My parents didn’t call it being “eco-friendly” they called it being poor.  Later on in life, my husband would call my practices being “cheap”.  Now, I am trendy and “eco-friendly”.  I love this new way of thinking.

Going Green takes no effort after all.  All we need to do is mimic the ways of our parents or grandparents. If we think about how things were done 20 years ago, you’ll realize “going green” efforts is nothing new.  Going back to basic practices can make such a difference in our environment and in our pockets.

Growing up, my father will constantly reprimand us for leaving the TV on while not in use, or not turning off the lights when leaving a room.  The air conditioning was like gold; it was a sin to leave the outside door open for more than 3 seconds.  My mother used to line dry, as it was too expensive to use the dryer. The dishwasher was used as storage space. Paper towels, that was for the rich!  We used rags for everything!  We had designated rags for cleaning the kitchen, the bathrooms, the glass, and the wood. She’s probably still using the same rags.  I don’t think my parents ever bought plastic tupperware, as they will just reuse empty jelly jars or other glass containers for storage.  Disposable diapers, absolutely not! I don’t think that was even available.

I definitely, didn’t continue all their practices. Times have changed, and I just can’t see myself not using the dryer, or discontinue the use of disposable diapers.  There are some modern things that are just too convenient to let pass by. We can, though, re-condition ourselves to going back to basic practices. “Going Green” is easy. It’s just committing to make a couple of small changes in our own household.  Just imagine the difference it will make in our environment, if each household in the United States (population of over 300 million) made a commitment to go green in just one way.

Here are some simple ways To go green that don’t take lots of effort:

• Using Reusable Bags
• Use hand towels instead of paper towels
• Buy a filter, stop buying bottled water
• Clean dishes by hand sometimes, the dishwasher uses lots of electricity
• Use products such as baking soda and vinegar to clean
• Purchase items in large quantities, cut down on packaging
• Use bar soap instead of liquid soap ( too much plastic)
• Wash clothing with cold water
• Raise temperature of AC while not home
• Secure Air leaks around home
• Keep window shades shut while not home to block the sun  from heating the inside
• Maintain lights, tv’s etc… turned off while not in use
• Change bulbs to high efficiency lighting
• Use the front and back of paper
• Purchase products that have been recycled and or recycleable
• Don’t abuse on running water
• Pay bills on-line to reduce paper
• Lastly, please recycle

About the Author

Ana Lorenzo is the founder of The Bag Movement,LLC. The organization is designed to eliminate the use of plastic bags while generating money for charities.
For more information on how you can help please visit www.thebagmovement.com