It's a phenomenon familiar to a lot of cloth diapering moms: you start to take notice of all the things you can do to reduce your waste, and all the cleaning products you purchase. You start to feel like a hypocrite for taking all this care to wash your baby's diapers in scentless, dye-free, brightener-free, and enzyme-free laundry soap, then you think, well actually, what's the purpose of those extra ingredients if my diaper soap gets freaking poop and pee out of the wash? Then you start to notice how much you throw out... paper towels, even toilet paper.
I was never a super-duper hippie or anything before I had my little girl. Sure I used a reusable water bottle before it was the thing to do and carried my own bags to the grocery store 80% of the time, but that was the extent of it. But in the past two years, things have seriously changed. It hasn't happened overnight, but when I look at how my product consumption has changed, it sort of blows my mind.
I'll post about some of the changes I've made in the future. Now, here's what I feel like I can't/won't ever give up. I wonder if my mind will change.
Deodorant/Antiperspirant: No matter how many times that I read that a swipe of apple cider vinegar in the armpits will take away all odors, I love my Dove. It took me years to find a deodorant that worked with my body chemistry, and I'm in no hurry to give it up.
Nighttime Disposables: This is actually a recent "backslide," for lack of a better term, but I wish I did it from the beginning. My daughter has pretty sensitive skin. Microfiber is no good for her. So my nighttime diapering routine was a prefold, two bamboo doublers, and a cover. She was like Ralphie from The Christmas Story in her diaper. She would still wake up red from sitting in urine for 11 hours. When we were at my in-laws in May, I realized she slept so much better in a disposable. Cloth 9, Disposables 1.
Toilet Paper: I have toyed with the idea of using cloth wipes for #1, and even did it for a time. My husband was totally disgusted with it (which is sort of hypocritical, because as a dude, he doesn't wipe for #1, but whatevs). In the end, I don't want my husband to be grossed out by his wife. And I don't really have enough cloth wipes for the both of us.
Long, Hot Showers: Yeah, I don't need to explain that one. I know, the next wars will be fought for water, but until that happens, momma needs her break.
'Disposable' Clothes Made Overseas: My budget does not really exceed Target, Old Navy, and H+M for clothes, and I've lost my love of thrifting. Perhaps one day, I'll get it back. I have a feeling that will coincide with the age where my children will be able to stay at home by themselves.
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