A Working Mom’s Guide To Going Green

If you’re anything like me, you’ve spent plenty of time envying those other moms that seem to be able to do it all. Most days, I feel like I’m barely keeping my head above water so the idea of taking extra time trying to be “green” is not an option. Instead, I pick green initiatives that are going to SAVE me time AND money!
Here are a few of my favorite green practices to get you started:

• We use cloth diapers for my twins during the day and disposables at night. I find the cloth diapers to be a snap, and they’re saving us a ton. If you don’t like the idea of cloth diapers, try starting out with reusable wipes. A friend of mine gave me a box of cut up t-shirt squares that work great! I keep a spray bottle on the changing table to wet the wipes for squeaky green bum cleaning. The reusable wipes can also be used down the road for snotty noses and messy fingers.
• My twins are just getting ready to start their adventures into solid foods. I’m planning to skip the pre-packaged, individual servings of baby food. Instead, I’ve got a cheap food grinder to simply grind up what we’re having for dinner. Any left overs will go in ice cube trays for those busy nights when mom and dad cuddle up with a frozen pizza.
• I’ve relied on my network of moms heavily when it comes to trying out new stuff. Baby gear can be borrowed for a trial to see if your little one is more of a bouncer or a swinger before you invest. By borrowing, I’ve limited new purchases and reduced the clutter at home.
• I always struggle to stay on top of the laundry heap. I’ve started doing quick washes on clothes that are only lightly worn. Wool drier balls work great instead of drier sheets that get tossed out with every load.
• I keep a stash of reusable bags in the car for shopping and hauling purposes. I take a few in the grocery store with me, and I’m even getting better at remembering to take them into the big box stores too. They also come in handy for the occasional car clean out. It’s amazing how much stuff comes along with those kiddos!
• Years ago, I started making my own cleaning supplies. It has been a huge saver of time, money, and space! A spray bottle with 2 teaspoons of vinegar, a few drops of Dawn® dish soap and some water will do the trick to clean most surfaces. The best part is that it never runs out. A gallon of vinegar under the sink will last you forever.
• With a small house, having too many toys on hand can wreak havoc on the Feng Shui. We do our best to keep things under control, but it’s easier said than done. Fewer toys means less packaging and a happier mom who isn’t having to assemble countless pieces. We ask for memberships, movie tickets, or college fund contributions for birthdays and holidays instead.

Feeling inspired? Great! Pick your top two or three to start. Once those become habits, try a few more. Before you know it, you’ll have everyone green with envy over your time and money saving enviro-hacks!

By AJ Axtell, Environmental Program Coordinator for WLSSD