Nappies. There's no getting around that we're going to need them and one one of the questions that we have grappled with whether to use disposable nappies for the convenience or cloth nappies as a more environmentally friendly alternative.
So far we've found that people generally sit firmly in one camp or another and there are definitely pros and cons of both. The most controversial seems to be the environmental argument and cost. Whether, with the additional electricity and water required to wash cloth nappies, are they just as bad for the environment as disposable nappies and is the cost just the same. Choice.com have an article on modern cloth nappies: Modern cloth nappies and there are many more out there.
Even if the disposable nappies are biodegradable - they still end up in landfill, and really how long do they take to biodegrade. Even Huggies admit that when packed in landfill, biodegradable nappies really don't biodegrade (http://www.huggies.com.au/nappies/the-environment), but they justify it with the statistic that only 1% waste that goes to landfill is nappy waste.
So, whilst we will use more electricity (some of it green) and more water, for me the idea of these nappies adding to landfill is enough for me to choose cloth. For the majority of the time, for now.
Wednesday, 7 March 2012
Tuesday, 6 March 2012
How do I save thee, let me count the ways...
There's no denying that when you have a baby you need to buy stuff. Even if you're a minimalist chances are you're still going to have to buy some basics - cot, pram, clothes, bibs. Having said that it's easy to get caught up in the rest of the paraphernalia - play mats, toys, wall decals, change tables, burp cloths, bassinets, pram accessories, mobiles and the list goes on.
If you bought it all new the costs can run into the '000s and that's before you start on the "added extras". So is it even possible to save money when you're expecting a baby? Perhaps not, but you don't have to spend a fortune - especially if you're willing to use hand-me-downs - and you're being sustainable to boot.
So here are some of the ways that we managed to save:
1. Friends, Family & Work Colleagues
It's amazing what people are willing to give you if you just ask. Most people we found were happy just to have someone take things off their hands. Sure, you may have to spend some time sorting through what's worth keeping but it's definitely worth it. And it's a bit like Christmas as you never know what you'll get.
If you're too shy to ask directly, try putting a comment up on your Facebook page - which is what hubby did.
2. Freecycle http://www.freecycle.org/group/AU/
Freecycle is all about re-using and saving stuff from landfill and membership is free and works off the principle one man's trash is another man's treasure. Rather than putting it out for hard waste or throwing it away people offer up their unwanted on a forum and if you're interested in it you let them know (generally stating when you can pick it up) and if you're successful they'll get back to you. No money exchanges hands, you just need to work out between the giver and givee when it a good time to pick up the goods.
I've found that baby stuff goes pretty quickly but we've managed to get baby's clothes, a portacot, disposable nappies
3. eBay/Gumtree
It goes without saying that you can get a bargain on eBay but you definitely have to do your research and don't get too carried away. Keep an eye out for items that are "local pickup" as they're likely to go for less than those that are willing to post.
We found that prams (depending on the brand) were still quite pricey but you can still save a couple of hundred dollars buying second hand on eBay. And from the advice that we've gotten from friends, you can sometimes go through quite a few before finding one that's right for you.
4. Buy, Swap and Sell
Whether it's a traditional Buy, Swap and Sell market or an on-line forum these are another great way to pick up items on the cheap. Remember if it's an online forum to take into account postage costs.
Some groups that I have found useful are:
5. Make your own
If you're a bit crafty then making your own is a great way to save some money (provided you don't get too carried away with all the lovely fabrics out there) and get a real sense of achievement too. If you're willing to to re-use things that you have around you (like old towels, blankets, sheets etc) then you'll save even more.
I have to admit that I find it difficult re-using items even if I don't need them anymore. I'd rather give it away than cut into something...don't ask me why. But the urge to save some money is slowly taking over (more to come on that - see my Mountain Buggy liner post).
Other options for sourcing fabric are:
If you bought it all new the costs can run into the '000s and that's before you start on the "added extras". So is it even possible to save money when you're expecting a baby? Perhaps not, but you don't have to spend a fortune - especially if you're willing to use hand-me-downs - and you're being sustainable to boot.
So here are some of the ways that we managed to save:
1. Friends, Family & Work Colleagues
It's amazing what people are willing to give you if you just ask. Most people we found were happy just to have someone take things off their hands. Sure, you may have to spend some time sorting through what's worth keeping but it's definitely worth it. And it's a bit like Christmas as you never know what you'll get.
If you're too shy to ask directly, try putting a comment up on your Facebook page - which is what hubby did.
2. Freecycle http://www.freecycle.org/group/AU/
Freecycle is all about re-using and saving stuff from landfill and membership is free and works off the principle one man's trash is another man's treasure. Rather than putting it out for hard waste or throwing it away people offer up their unwanted on a forum and if you're interested in it you let them know (generally stating when you can pick it up) and if you're successful they'll get back to you. No money exchanges hands, you just need to work out between the giver and givee when it a good time to pick up the goods.
I've found that baby stuff goes pretty quickly but we've managed to get baby's clothes, a portacot, disposable nappies
3. eBay/Gumtree
It goes without saying that you can get a bargain on eBay but you definitely have to do your research and don't get too carried away. Keep an eye out for items that are "local pickup" as they're likely to go for less than those that are willing to post.
We found that prams (depending on the brand) were still quite pricey but you can still save a couple of hundred dollars buying second hand on eBay. And from the advice that we've gotten from friends, you can sometimes go through quite a few before finding one that's right for you.
4. Buy, Swap and Sell
Whether it's a traditional Buy, Swap and Sell market or an on-line forum these are another great way to pick up items on the cheap. Remember if it's an online forum to take into account postage costs.
Some groups that I have found useful are:
- Buy & Sell Used Baby Items: https://www.facebook.com/groups/105562106145337/
- Buy & Sell Your MCNs: https://www.facebook.com/groups/buysellmcn/
- MCN (Modern Cloth Nappies) Buy, Swap, Sell 2: https://www.facebook.com/groups/164454720284471/
5. Make your own
If you're a bit crafty then making your own is a great way to save some money (provided you don't get too carried away with all the lovely fabrics out there) and get a real sense of achievement too. If you're willing to to re-use things that you have around you (like old towels, blankets, sheets etc) then you'll save even more.
I have to admit that I find it difficult re-using items even if I don't need them anymore. I'd rather give it away than cut into something...don't ask me why. But the urge to save some money is slowly taking over (more to come on that - see my Mountain Buggy liner post).
Other options for sourcing fabric are:
- Op Shops
- Freecycle
- Buying co-operatives (The Fluffy Place https://www.facebook.com/groups/261282983922631/)
- Purchasing remnants
- Burp cloths
- Bibs
- Baby blankets
- Flat nappies or pre-fold nappies
- Cloth wipes
- Breast pads
- Modern cloth nappy
- Pram liner
Saturday, 3 March 2012
In the beginning...
Hubby and I live in an apartment in the inner city and we're expecting our first baby in April.
We've alway been interested in sustainability, self-sufficiency and diy but we also like the convenience of living in the city. The two don't always go hand-in-hand but we're willing to try and give most things a go.
Some of the things we've tried so far are:
With our little man due to arrive in mid-April we're trying to stick to these principles as much as possible. Some of our friends think we're crazy, and we may be a little delusional, but we're willing to give it a try.
So the aim of this blog is to document our experience as we try out various things...after all, how hard can it be?
We've alway been interested in sustainability, self-sufficiency and diy but we also like the convenience of living in the city. The two don't always go hand-in-hand but we're willing to try and give most things a go.
Some of the things we've tried so far are:
- worm farm - still going strong after 5 years
- compost bin - still going strong for after 3 years
- bokashi bin - lasted 6 months, but in the end it's easier to compost
- growing our own veges - herbs are going relatively well, but no luck with veges due to lack of sunlight
- make your own sour dough starter - from scratch using wild yeast (lasted 1 year) and then from starter using yoghurt (still going after 2 years)
- bin box (for storing our rubbish and recycling) made from pallets
With our little man due to arrive in mid-April we're trying to stick to these principles as much as possible. Some of our friends think we're crazy, and we may be a little delusional, but we're willing to give it a try.
So the aim of this blog is to document our experience as we try out various things...after all, how hard can it be?
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