Sulfate-free shampoos that are good for the planet and great for the hair: do they exist? As I mentioned in my post about using baking soda instead of shampoo, I have been searching for a good sulfate-free shampoo for ages. What’s so bad about sulfates? Read the scoop about sulfates in shampoo over on Eco-friendly Daily to learn more about what to look for in an “eco-friendly” shampoo. The Reincarnate Solid Shampoo Bar from LUSH I have to say…

Right around when Joy wrote her post about diaper-friendly detergent I was in the process of phasing out my conventional laundry soap. I hadn’t switched over to an eco-friendly brand because I kept getting hung up on the price. Imagine my shock when I discovered that eco-friendly detergent can be cheaper than conventional detergent! I no longer have any reason to use a mainstream brand. Laundry Detergent–from cheapest to most expen…

We love getting email here at the Green Baby Guide.  One of our readers is planning to switch over to cloth diapers and wrote in with the following questions: I really want to switch to cloth diapers and have been doing a lot of research on the different kinds out there and it is really overwhelming!  I think I am leaning towards prefolds and/or flats with a Dappi cover for the most inexpensive option.  What kinds do you gals use?  Any specific…

My husband loves hiking, polar bears, native plants, and organic cherry tomatoes. We met on Earth Day at an eco-friendly volunteer event and share a deep appreciation for the natural world.  Why then does he turn the thermostat up to 71 degrees while loafing around the house in shorts and a t-shirt?   Why does he drive to the park with our son when he, an avid marathoner, could push the stroller there in a mere ten minutes?  Sadly, I think I kn…

After writing these last three posts about eco-friendly dish soaps without coming to any great conclusions, I started examining my dishwashing method.  Whether you use an “eco-friendly” soap or some generic brand, the best thing for the environment is to use it sparingly and conserve as much water as possible.  So I started looking around for the most efficient method that claimed to leave dishes sparkling clean. For years I’v…

Around this time last year, I wrote about my End of Summer Regrets (Or, Green Things I Failed to Do). I am sure everyone has been wondering for the last twelve months if I would turn things around this year. Would I plant a garden? Would I go to U-pick farms and pick fruit? Would I can and freeze produce? Would I unlock the secret to reversing global warming? The wait is over! Here’s the report on my summer’s eco-activity: Gardening. Check! I ma…

Some of you wash every other day while others let the loads build up for over a week before tossing them in the wash.  What would you recommend as a washing schedule for those just getting started?  How frequently do you have to launder them so that smell isn’t an issue?  We all have different tricks for keeping those diapers clean while cutting down our workload.  What are yours?…

Our miracle baby requires no diaper changes, doesn’t cry, and doesn’t throw tantrums.  Instead of keeping us up all night with shrieking, our newest family member gets to work. That’s right—after going my entire adult life hand-washing dishes, we’re proud to introduce . . . our dishwasher! My life has officially changed forever. My adorable stainless steel dishwasher (or one pretty much like it) All right, so it isn’t as cute and cuddly as thos…

With the sun shining and temperatures soaring, there’s really no reason to use the dryer.  Sure, it can be somewhat of a hassle to work hanging your wet clothes on the line into your schedule, but think about the advantages! You’ll save about $.50 a load when you let the sun and air do the work instead of your dryer. If you wash a load every day (about average for a family of four), you’ll save $182.00 a year! Every load you…

My son is intelligent, funny, and has the bladder capacity of a small elephant.  From his first few months on this planet we’ve been unable to layer enough cloth diapers on him to keep him from leaking at night.   We tried doubling, using wool and fleece liners, and using pocket diapers with an extra liner. The results were mixed—but all bad.  He ended up with wet sheets, yeast infections, and lots less sleep.  Finally, after several dozen attem…