Eco-Bunz's topics - tribe.net

Stiffies!

aargh — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 17:47:09 GMT

Help!

I love being able to line dry my diapers in the summer, and of course they wind up stiff as a board. I've tried to loosen them up afterwards by putting them in the dryer for 5-10 minutes with a damp cloth. This kinda helps but not really. I hadn't realized how hard they were til the other night i sat my naked self on the edge of the bed and accidentally sat on of his dipes. Damn! that thing scratched me but good. Made me feel bad for my son's tush (which has got to be a lot more sensitive than mine).

Anyone have any suggestions? I don't want to put them in the dryer too much longer than 10 minutes, it kinda defeats the purpose of air drying.
FWIW, they're all cotton prefolds.

posted in Eco-Bunz - 9 replies

new covers on the way

lolacarr — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 05:18:44 GMT

i ordered 4. i couldn't resist!

2 bumkins (one pink dr. seuss fish, one green camo print, both on sale for $11/each)
1 thirsties
1 bummis super snap

they shipped the day i ordered them! i can't wait until they arrive....

posted in Eco-Bunz - 3 replies

Has anyone tried these??

HUNNYDUMELONS — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 18:57:38 GMT

http://www.diaperaps.com/home/dp1/catalog_main.html

and if you have, how was the quality of the dipes? How did the wraps fit?

posted in Eco-Bunz - 2 replies

Costco carries cloth!

aargh — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 01:47:10 GMT

from my mom. Seriously, i had no idea.
---------------------------
Didn't know Costco carried cloth; maybe in certain locations. I know you are
almost done with diapers but...good information.
Love,
Mom

I was looking at the "deals" today on www.slickdeals.net and saw that
cloth diapers are available at Costco. Much excitement.

The prices blew me away. Bumkins (regular size) are $89.99 for a
6-pack; Bumkins Bamboo Fitted Diaper Bundles are $69.99 for six; and
a 4-pack of diaper covers is $48.99. Someone sent a link to
cottonbabies.com where the diapers cost MORE, but said they're worth
it because they're one-size fits all - 6 for $104.70 with free
shipping. Another commented that she buys hers from a WAHM (I assume
"Work At Home Mom") for only $100 per dozen.

posted in Eco-Bunz - 23 replies

Blue Penguin All in One???

Lyla — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 23:28:54 GMT

http://everythingbirth.com/BLP0050Diaper-p-AllinOnes.html

has anyone tried these? what do you think?

posted in Eco-Bunz - 7 replies

i'm so confused....

H.P. Meow Meow Meow — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 23:42:15 GMT

i guess i've been a little deluged with medical stuff and life stuff. and now i'm only last minute (or so it seems to my virgo mind, though i probably have 5 or 6 weeks) getting down to stuff stuff. one of the main items i want to register for (not that i'm registering for much) is a good diaper set up -- enough to keep us in good shape for a few days at a time at least. help. i have no idea where to start in sorting out all the different things possible.

also, i was going to register for the few things i am not getting second hand at target, but they seem to have not much selection of cloth diapers. where is a better place for diapers that might still have the few other things i want for not too much money?

posted in Eco-Bunz - 11 replies

bamboo bundle with covers versuse fuzzi bunz?

H.P. Meow Meow Meow — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 15:29:05 GMT

i'm trying to figure out how these diapers that you have to get covers for compare to the fuzzi bunz most here seem to like. is there an advantage either way?

posted in Eco-Bunz - 5 replies

ebay and diapers

H.P. Meow Meow Meow — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 01:17:58 GMT

i guess it's ebay policy to not allow sale of second-hand diapers. but i think it would be great to get second hand diapers, especially the expensive ones that folks seem to be saying are most convenient, i guess fuzzi bunz (though i'm still sorting out my inserts from my prefolds, etc.) i know i have to be very careful with money to keep me and my boy safe and i like thrift and freeganing anyway -- i feel like it's good to keep the stuff moving between us. if anybody has diapers to sell or pass on, please let it be known that i ain't proud.

posted in Eco-Bunz - 6 replies

Buying Fuzzi Bunz

Adriana — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 03:47:34 GMT

Hello, I am getting ready to buy our first package of Fuzzi Bunz. Where do you ladies buy yours? I was hoping to buy a 12 or 18 pack of the smalls for a better price. Also please tell me about which websites offered you free shipping. Thanks!!!!

posted in Eco-Bunz - 14 replies

website

mamallama — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 06:01:42 GMT

Someone posted this on our local craigslist today. I haven't investigated much but I thought if someone wanted to it could be a useful site. Hope it turns out to be useful!

http://cloth.4salenow.net

posted in Eco-Bunz - 1 reply

Little Beetles?

Adriana — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 04:17:18 GMT

Has anyone tried Little Beetle Hemp diapers? A woman here in town is selling used ones for $10 each, is that good?

posted in Eco-Bunz - 2 replies

Poopy cloth diapers - recommendations?

Renee — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 20:55:18 GMT

Hi. I tried searching previous posts but couldn't really find (or maybe I'm just not good at searching) the info I'm looking for. I use Mother-Ease one-size fit all diapers w/the snap covers. For the diapers themselves, I've started separating "poopy" diapers from pee diapers in different wet-dry bags (one in the bathroom near the toilet/bidet spray and one in the nursery for pee only).

Here's the situation: The poopy diapers stain to the point that I'm starting to question whether or not I'm really getting out all of the funk. Can someone recommend either a pail method (I rinse them off into the toilet but then put them into a dry pail) or a washing method to help? Right now I rinse them off, ring them out and put them in the dry pail. Once I'm ready to wash, I put them through two cycles with hot wash and non-additive detergent (Method free). I've started putting oxi-clean baby in with the load as well but it doesn't seem to help with the stains, and I'm worried that using Oxi-clean regularly will reduce their useful life.

Any advice would be heartily welcomed!

posted in Eco-Bunz - 11 replies

hooray!

lolacarr — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 16:53:40 GMT

cookie's old fuzzi bunz finally fit darla's tiny little booty! (and even after months of use, they are still in PERFECT shape)

*happy dance*

posted in Eco-Bunz - 6 replies

overnight pants

Miss Vicky — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 12:43:21 GMT

Hi all-

Does anyone have any suggestions for cloth overnight pants. My nephew needs a pull up at night but my sister wants to use cloth. He also needs something that looks like underwear and not too diaper like.

I found the Nikky night pant? Does anyone have experience with that?

Thanks.

posted in Eco-Bunz - 2 replies

HE Machines

Fin — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 21:29:40 GMT

We just switched to an HE machine and I don't think I'm getting it quite right because now my diapers have a bit of a smell to them even clean out of the wash, where they never did before. I'm using half the lowest mark on the cap of Tide Free. Is that too much or too little? I've also been using an oxygen bleach that has enzymes in it, whereas I used to use a plain one. Maybe that's the problem?

any advice?

posted in Eco-Bunz - 12 replies

FYI and TMI

aargh — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 23:41:27 GMT

i've never really met a stain i couldn't get out of a diaper until now. I'm not soliciting tips, more of giving a warning.

The offending product? Carob "Energee" bars, which i thought would be a tasty sweet treat for the boy- and he loves them. But oh my gods they are the FOULEST things coming out! You can smell it the moment he poops, it is so reek-y. And to add to the grossitiude, they pretty much look the same going out as they do coming in.

Which is too bad, coz they're tasty, healthy and he loves 'em. But no more in our house! I can handle the "he ate too many blueberries-blue pooh" but this is noxious.

posted in Eco-Bunz - 0 replies

stinky diaper solutions?! :o)

SunshineRae — Sun, 08 Jun 2008 18:35:34 GMT

Our Fuzzi Buns diapers have started to have a stinky smell to them- I'd compare the smell to recycled broccoli :o)

I'm doing a dry diaper pail, making sure to separate the inserts and covers; on wash day we use Bio- Kleen liquid- the grapefruit kind.

**So I tried this thusfar- soaking just the inserts in a pail with water and a little non- chlorine bleach in between a wash. Which helped only a little bit with the smelly smell- and made my Niyah's bottom a little rashy.

And the covers smell too, I'm not sure what would be an effective way to treat them without damaging the waterproof lining.... I saw on another post some of you Mama's had success using blue dawn, but I'd like to try something that's not "soap like"- like would vinegar and baking soda work as a good soaking medium??

*****Please share any success stroies with me... soap/ or non- soap****

posted in Eco-Bunz - 13 replies

"Psssssssss!"

aargh — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 13:20:08 GMT

Wow. I don't believe it's actually happening but i think our very minimal EC'ing is paying off! We don't do much more for it other than always make the "pssss" sound when we put Sequoia on the potty. He's been going in his potty first thing upon waking (overnight and post-nap) for almost a year now, but that's the only scheduled potty time. Occasionally when one of us goes pee we'll ask if he wants to go too, put him on the potty and make the "psss" sound while we go. Mostly he gets a kick out of the whole production but only sporadically pees himself.

Well, Jesse told me a week or so ago that Sequoia interrupted their playtime to look and him and say "Pssssss!' Jesse asked if he wanted to go pee in the potty and he shook his head yes. By the time they got there and got the diaper off he was already wet, but we were impressed that he *told* Jesse that he needed to (or just had, we're not sure).

Flash forward to yesterday, when Sequoia did the same thing with me. We got him on the potty and he 1) pee'd and 2) had a dry diaper! He then proceeded to do it about 5-6 times all evening (including a post-poop "psss"), running over to the potty every time. Wow! He totally has the idea now- and he's getting such a kick out of it too. I think now he's almost forcing himself to pee even the tiniest dribble coz he loves the show we put on. This is so neat! I'd been contemplating reading up on potty training because i figured we'd be starting to get more serious about in sometime this summer but he's a jump ahead of us!

posted in Eco-Bunz - 9 replies

okay, mommies ...

stephanie_phillyjawn — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 17:08:07 GMT

... i'm late to the party, but i'm here and ready to go cloth for the duration.

hellllp!

who do i buy from online? whose got the cutest, cheapest stuff?
what is the most comfy brand for a kid accustomed to pampers?
how much stuff do i need? we'll be mostly using them for long trips and overnights, otherwise i'm thinking the imse vimse trainers are the best for the day.

thanks! we want to purchase this weekend, so your help is greatly appreciated!

posted in Eco-Bunz - 25 replies

No more Pail Pals?

madameb — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 05:10:37 GMT

WTF? I need to order some diaper pail deodorizers and they smelled SOOO good and were compostable!!

So, now that those are no more (unless you have a secret source, please point me that way), what do you all use? Not chemically smelling.

posted in Eco-Bunz - 7 replies

For anyone who has been ripped off by Momma Commune

Melissa — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 16:41:36 GMT

http://www.ripoffreport.com/reports/0/281/RipOff0281008.htm

posted in Eco-Bunz - 7 replies

rash?

Miss Vicky — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 15:09:54 GMT

Hi all-

I have a question about diaper rash. My 5 month old babe hasn't really had diaper rash except for a tiny patch on his bum that only lasted a day. Now i'm noticing something that looks rash like on his thighs where his diaper ends (he wears mother ease 1 size). It doesn't look like the rash on his bum and it doesn't respond to rash creme (it kind of looks like a heat rash). I'm making sure that I clean him and his wraps really well but I'm not sure what it is.

Anyone else experience a rash on the baby's thighs with their cd's? Can diaper rash appear on the thighs?

posted in Eco-Bunz - 4 replies

ACK Momma Commune

bellydancing — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 17:36:47 GMT

Ok I ordered from her over a year asgo but look at these reviews! Seems like the lady can't get her shit together, I was right about to order from her glad I read these reviews!
http://www.diaperpin.com/directory/dir_detail.asp?id=884

posted in Eco-Bunz - 2 replies

stripping

lolacarr — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 04:48:21 GMT

diapers, that is.

i know there has been discussion on how to do this but i am too lazy to look it up.

how do you do it? just for shits and giggles i'm going to give it a shot and see if it helps.

posted in Eco-Bunz - 14 replies

Q: wipes solution

Lyla — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 21:03:00 GMT

My baby is due to arrive sometime soon and I would like to make my own wipes solution...i searched and found some good ones to try on this tribe.......

How long does it last once it's made up? Will it go rancid or get funky? How much should i make for a newborn? I have a little squirt bottle so i could apply as needed or i could soak the wipes in it..i'm not sure what will work better.

I was going to try this one -

1TBSP sweet almond oil
1 TBSP Dr. Bronner's Almond Soap
1 Cup water

should i add 6 drops or so of Grapefruit seed extract or tea tree oil? Would this make it keep longer?
I do have some predone commercial wipes but would like to use my own once i get into a rythum.

any tips/info would be appreciated....i would LOVE it if someone has a favorite recipe to share.

thank you!

posted in Eco-Bunz - 12 replies

8 Liners for grabs

babysolomon — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 15:01:49 GMT

All cottone liners. 2 of the liners are doublers. Very absorbant. We don't need as many as what we had.
$8.

posted in Eco-Bunz - 4 replies

6 liners for sale

babysolomon — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 18:08:14 GMT

All cotton 5 are the same. One is a little longer and thicker. Very absorbant. I'll take $8 flat for these, which includes shipping.

posted in Eco-Bunz - 0 replies

a few of my bumwear covers are no longer waterproof!!

lolacarr — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 23:38:44 GMT

eek!

i have a few covers with the dragonfly pattern on them and the material seems a little bit different from those that are solid colors or the one with the dinosaurs. i've noticed that these leak straight through.... any hope of waterproofing them once again or do you think they just might have finally worn down after a year plus of use?

i only have two so replacing them with solids won't kill me, but it would be nice to continue using them....

posted in Eco-Bunz - 13 replies

picture

aargh — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 16:29:40 GMT

Mothering.com's email this morning had a string of cloth diaper covers hanging on a clothesline. Just thought it was pretty and wanted to share.

posted in Eco-Bunz - 0 replies

interesting site for DIY

Lyla — Sun, 24 Feb 2008 02:16:36 GMT

i ran across this while i was looking for diaper fabric...and it has some great resources listed as well as free patterns. Some of the links don't work anymore but there are quite a few that still do

http://www.thediaperhyena.com/reap.htm

posted in Eco-Bunz - 0 replies

size medium pockets for trade

lolacarr — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 03:54:26 GMT

i have one size medium happy heiny (bright orange) and one size medium dry bees (neutral stripes) that i'd love to trade for a few bumwear or bumgenius with snaps.

gently used and well taken care of.

pm if you're interested!

posted in Eco-Bunz - 1 reply

Do Wool Covers Have to be 100% Wool?

Lashawn — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 21:16:22 GMT

Hello all. I am making some soakers for a friend and I have actually never used a wool cover before. Does it have to be 100% wool to work? The yarn I have is 85% wool and 15% mohair.

posted in Eco-Bunz - 4 replies

back in pockets!

lolacarr — Sun, 10 Feb 2008 04:58:50 GMT

hooray!

we've been out of them for a number of months between moving and issues with really bad diaper rashes from wearing them, but i've started putting cookie back in her bumwear as of today and so far so good!

i am SO happy. i feel like she is on the verge of potty ready and getting her back into cloth was one of the steps towards that. stef recommended that i put pre-folds in them so she'd feel more wet. if i did that, i would basically use the cover only and not the insert, right? and i would just place the pre-fold on top of the cover before putting it on?

posted in Eco-Bunz - 1 reply

Diapers for sale!

Fin — Sat, 09 Feb 2008 02:39:05 GMT

Is it ok to post this here?

3 small sugar peas fleece covers (2 camel, 1 forest green) $10 each

looks like this:
http://www.jamtots.com/Sugar-Peas-Windpro-Fleece-Covers-C62.aspx

1 medium Berry Plush minkee cover in jaguar with two hemp snap in diapers with minkee top $20

looks like this:
http://www.jamtots.com/BerryPlush-AIO---Jaguar-Print-LIMITED-EDITION-P311C41.aspx

1 small bummis swim diaper, yellow with multi coloured dot and star pattern $5

http://www.jamtots.com/Bummis-Swimmi---Pizazz-Print-P832C516.aspx

1 small bummis Super whisper wrap in white $5

1 wool pull over cover, like a inator, looks pretty small, maybe newborn? white with a couple light stains $10

Nikky wraps, well used, is size 1 x S, 2 x M, 2 x L, 1 x XL, and 1 x 24 months $5 for all or $1 each

Willing to negotiate shipping... I'm in Canada but don't worry about duty, if it's sent marked as a gift there isn't any.

PM me if you're interested

posted in Eco-Bunz - 4 replies

knitting pattern for longies?

lolacarr — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 01:13:54 GMT

also known as wool soakers....

my grandmother wants to knit something for our new babe and i was thinking of asking her to do a pair of longies.

any ideas on where to dig up a good pattern?

i've done a few searches but haven't come up with anything to speak of.

posted in Eco-Bunz - 5 replies

Charlie's Soap

Lyla — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 22:50:28 GMT

http://www.charliesoap.com/

i just ordered some of the powdered kind...and i recall someone on tribe that loved it. anyone else want to share their experiances? i have sensitive skin so i imagine my little one coming in March will too and this seemed like a good alternative to other detergents i have been troubled with in the past. It comes out to be 17 cents a wash or so.

Has anyone tried the all purpose cleaner?

thanks!

posted in Eco-Bunz - 0 replies

Pinnin it old school

madameb — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 03:39:01 GMT

So i've been slacking on my laundry duties and realized that I have not one clean bumwear in the house (and not even a back up sposie to be found). No problem, let the little man go nakey while I start a load.

Did I mention he's had the runs for two days? I think you might see where i'm going with this.

So, needless to say, I smell the smell and next thing I know there's green gooey crap all over everything and he's smearing it everywhere. Okay, yuck. So.. must.find.diaper. Somehow.. there must be something around here. Kind of panicking.

It's so funny because i've been using the pocket diapers for so long, i had actually forgotten that i have trifolds and pins in a drawer that I never look into anymore.

Duh. I just slapped one of those babies on him and pinned it. Just like I did 13 years ago with my first baby.

posted in Eco-Bunz - 1 reply

some good Cloth Diaper info

bellydancing — Mon, 30 Oct 2006 19:35:34 GMT

found here: http://www.diapersandwipers.com/info.htm

Diaper Information & Research
Why Cloth?
There are so many wonderful reasons why to use cloth diapers – for your baby’s health, for the environment, for your finances. Here is some great research about all those reasons (and more) in an easy to read and understand list. Check out the More Research on Cloth Diapers resources listed at the end.

The Top Ten Reasons for Choosing A Cloth Diapering System
1. Cotton is the Most Natural Diaper you can put next to your baby¹s skin. There is no need for gels or chemicals.

2. Do you know how a Disposable Diaper works? Do you know what's in a disposable diaper (there are no ingredients listed on their package) ? Try this --- cut a disposable diaper in half. Pour water on half and watch what happens. There are tiny chemical crystals that turn into a spongy gel when water hits them.

3. The Environment. A baby will use either 7,000 disposable diapers or 80 cotton diapers. A disposable diaper is used for 2 hours - a cloth diaper is used for 3 years. Think of all the resources used to produce a product that will last for only 2 hours and then be thrown away. Think about where all the billions of throw-away diapers are going to end up.

4. Less Diaper Rash. Studies have shown there is less diaper rash with the use of cotton diapers than with disposable diapers.

5. Cloth costs Less-a lot Less. You will save about $2000 if you use cloth over disposables. While disposables are priced very cheaply for the newborn sizes, as your baby grows the diapers start costing a lot more.

6. Cloth Diapers are Easy To Use. In your mom's day you needed pins, rubber pants, and time to fold a long flat cloth into a diaper. Now with cotton prefold diapers and Diaperaps diaper covers, it is quick and easy to change your baby.

7. Babies Potty Train Earlier when they use cotton because they can feel the wetness.

8. It takes a cup full of crude oil to produce the plastic for one disposable diaper.

9. Babies learn by imitation. You can teach them by example the responsible way of dealing with waste. You don't just wrap it up and throw it away.

10. Medical and News Reports from Germany and England now suggest there is a link between the use of disposable diapers and infertility in boys (due to lower sperm count).

Top Ten Environmental Reasons For Choosing Cloth Diapers
1. Disposable diapers use 2x as much water as cotton diapers.

2. Disposable diapers use 3x as much energy as cotton diapers.

3. Disposable diapers generate 60x more solid waste than cotton diapers.

4. Disposable diapers use 20x as much raw materials as cotton diapers

5. One billion trees per year are destroyed to make disposable diapers---approximately 4.5 for each baby who uses them

6. It takes between 200-500 years for a disposable diaper to decompose.

7. Disposable diapers are the third largest single consumer item in landfills, and represent 30% of non-biodegradable waste

8. 1 ton of garbage is created for each baby who uses disposable diapers

9. 1 cup of crude oil is used for the plastic in 1 disposable diaper

10. 18 billion disposable diapers are used in the U.S. each year enough to stretch to the moon and back 9 times

The sources for the facts listed above are the following: Sierra Club, Californians Against Waste, Rhode Island Solid Waste Management Agency, Lehrberguer Report on the Impact of Diapers on the Environment, Greenpeace, Environmental Defense Fund, Center for Policy Alternatives.

MORE RESEARCH ON CLOTH DIAPERS
Visit these great sites and see more detailed information and research on cloth and disposable diapers.

http://www.diaperaps.com/home/dp1/myth.html

http://www.mothering.com/articles/new_baby/diapers/joy-of-cloth.html

http://www.mothering.com/articles/new_baby/diapers/diaper-asthma.html

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FINANCIAL BENEFITS
USE CLOTH DIAPERS AND SAVE! On average, you will spend between $2,600 and $3,000 on disposable diapers per child. That is per child! Compare that figure to $700 (including laundering expenses) for the highest quality cloth diapers with all the bells and whistles. Now here is the best part, if you decide to use cloth for your next child/children, you may not have to spend any more money on diapers! Simply reuse all the cloth diapers and accessories you already purchased with your first cloth diapered baby! That’s right the potential to pay ZERO for your next child’s diapers! However, if you chose to use disposable for both those children your cost would be over $6,000! Your potential savings would be over $5,000! Amazing!

Your initial investment for cloth diapers will be between $200 and $500 depending on the style and accessories chosen. For easy budgeting and lower initial costs, you can purchase just covers and diapers in the sized needed. When your baby starts to grow out of one size, just purchase the next size. Or, you could purchase all the diapers and covers need up to size medium. After that, you will have no monthly diapering expenses. When compared to disposable diapers, you will re-coup the initial start-up cost of a quality cloth system in less than one year! That is an outstanding investment

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WHY NATURAL FIBERS
There are many fiber choices within any cloth diapering system. I am committed to providing a variety natural fibers for cloth diapering and mom and baby care items. Natural fiber products such as those made from unbleached cotton, organic cotton, and hemp are superior in their quality, durability and environmental impact. These fibers are more absorbent, last significantly longer and use less or no chemicals during their growth and manufacture when compared to conventional cotton. In fact, the cultivation of organic cotton and hemp actually improve the quality of our soils, our water and our wildlife. It is the natural choice.

I am searching for a natural fiber diaper cover that doesn’t leak and will certainly add that once found. In the meantime, synthetic fibers provide the most effective waterproof layer between you and a wet diaper!

Here’s a run down of the different cloth diaper fibers available. I carry each fiber in a variety of products including Prefolds, Doublers, Wipes, Nursing Pads, Clothing, and Toys.

UNBLEACHED COTTON
Unbleached cotton has not been treated bleach. The color is an off-white or natural color. Standard cloth diaper fabrics are bleached with chlorine. Chlorine is made from dioxin, which is the most dangerous chemical, known to man. Exposure to dioxin has been linked to cancer.

ORGANIC COTTON
Organic cotton has not been treated with any chemical pesticides or herbicides. The ground in which the plants are grown have been certified organic and the process used to create the product does not utilize chemicals. When you chose organic (cloth diapers, clothing, food, household products, etc.) you and your baby will not be exposed to dangerous chemicals! The following excerpt is from the definition of "organic" that the National Organic Standards Board adopted in April 1995: "Organic agriculture is an ecological production management system that promotes and enhances biodiversity, biological cycles and soil biological activity. It is based on minimal use of off-farm inputs and on management practices that restore, maintain and enhance ecological harmony." Sounds good to me!

MORE RESEARCH ON ORGANIC COTTON
htt p://www.sustainablecotton.org/html/resources/articles03.html

http://www.sustainablecotton.org/html/resources/bibliography.html

http://www.theorganicreport.com/pages/14_q_a_organic.cfm

HEMP
Hemp is a remarkable plant and fiber with a million uses. Hemp has been in use as a textile for hundreds of years. Anything from socks, and clothing can be made from hemp to rope and canvass. “Hemp is nature’s longest fiber, which means longer garment life as opposed to other plants’ shorter fibers. Hemp is naturally resistant to mold and UV light. And hemp becomes softer with every wash as the fibers relax…Hemp suppresses weeds and leaves the soil rich in nitrogen deposits, increasing yields on rotational crops such as soybeans and corn. Using virtually no pesticides, hemp produces 250% more fiber than cotton.” (from http://www.abouthemp.com/)

MORE RESEARCH ON HEMP
http://www.abouthemp.com/

http://www.globalhemp.com/Archives/Magazines/coming_to_america.html

http://www.naihc.org/

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CHOOSING A SYSTEM
Make an informed decision about your cloth diapering choice. First think of which system would be the most appropriate for your lifestyle, for you and your family. Then consider the accessories that would fit into your lifestyle.

All-in-One System: The All-in-One system works extremely well for the family on the go. They work really well:

if you are a working mom/dad and your child is in daycare, AIO’s will please everyone involved in your baby’s care.
if you are an active, on-the-go parent, the AIO System is a quick and easy option allowing for simple diaper changes anywhere.
if your baby is squirmy and does not have time for a diaper change, the AIO diapers allow for speed and accuracy in diapering!
If you keep in mind that AIO’s are not recommended for nighttime use. Chose a cover, cloth diaper and doubler for your nighttime needs.
Cloth and Cover System: The separate cloth diaper and cover system is always the most affordable and the best choice:

if you have a limited budget and want to give your baby the best diapering option the cloth and cover system is for you!
if your baby has very sensitive skin, the cloth and cover system allows for better air circulation.
if you like an easy to launder system. The cloth and cover system requires less drying time and is easier to pre-rinse (if desired).
Combination System: Are these two systems equally appealing?

Do you like the convenience, and speed of diapering offered by the AIO Systems?
But also like the flexibility of a separate cover and diaper system?
Then combine the two! See our Combo Package in the Diaper Packages section.

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HOW MANY DIAPERS?
All-in-One System . To start your AIO System, for each size, you will need about 24 AIO’s for daytime and 3 - 6 cloth diapers with 3 covers for nighttime. This amount will work well if you launder every over day or every third day.

Cloth Diaper and Cover System . For this system, I recommend 24 – 36 infant diapers and 24 – 36 regular diapers. The infant diapers will make the first months of diapering so much easier. Infant diapers are cut smaller to fit a newborn better therefore there is less folding down of the diaper to fit into the cover. The regular diapers tend to be too bulky for an infant and can create a diaper that is twice the size of your baby. For covers, 5 is the minimum number recommended. I prefer to have 7 covers in each size. This keeps my baby covered when laundering every other day or every third day.

In addition to the above, I recommend the following for either system:

24-36 Wipes . Cloth wipes are a fantastic alternative to disposable wipes. Soft, reusable cloth wipes are very gently on your baby’s skin. You can use them with just water or add skin softening oil and healing essential oils like lavender. Cloth wipes have many uses other than diaper changes. Use them as a washcloth in the bath, to clean up messy hands and faces, to wipe runny noses, etc.
12 Doublers . These are the most effective way to increase the absorbency of your diapers. They are essential for night and long outings. A doubler can also be used by itself as a diaper for preemies and small newborns.
1-2 Packages of Disposable Diaper Liners . These are fantastic for easy poopie clean-ups, especially while away from home and during the first 6 weeks for your newborn. Diaper liners can be used with any diaper carried by Diapers and Wipers.
2 –3 Diaper Bag Totes . Totes are used for storing used diapers in your diaper bag while you are away from home. Once at home, just empty the diapers into your diaper pail, bag and all! Totes can also be used for carrying wet clothes and swimsuits as well as toys and snacks. No need to keep plastic bags around for diapers and clothes!
2 Diaper Pail Liners . Diaper pail liners are used to line a dry diaper pail. When it’s laundry day, take out the bag of diapers and put both the bag and the diapers in to the washing machine for cleaning. Having two bags allows for one to be in use while the other is in the laundry. No plastic bags needed!

posted in Eco-Bunz - 8 replies

What are your favorite diaper covers?

lilredheadgirl — Sun, 23 Dec 2007 18:24:15 GMT

I am a FTM and will be cloth diapering.

I am gathering the final things I *need* for my son...

I am ordering some diaper covers and wanted to see what everyones favorites were and why.

Thanks.

Nubs

posted in Eco-Bunz - 21 replies

4 Medium Fuzzi Bunz

babysolomon — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 20:16:48 GMT

I have 4 medium fuzzi bunz, orande, yellow, green and light or royal blue for sale. They are brand new. I just have too many! Never bene used or washed.
They come with 3 inserts.
I am asking $55 for all 4 and inserts plus shipping $4.00
Send me a pm

posted in Eco-Bunz - 3 replies

4 barely used Thirsties diaper covers

Melissa — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 20:48:59 GMT

I have 4 covers, either Med or Lg. ( I will hae to double check) We only used these a few times and I absolutely loved them, especially at night. I used them w/ a chinese prefold w/ a microfiber insert.

we arent cloth diapering anymore. :(

Im asking 9.50 each +$4 shipping OR
$32.00 + $6 shipping for the lot.

1 blue
1 periwinkle
1 aqua
1 red

http://www.babycottonbottoms.com/thirstiesdiapercover.htm

posted in Eco-Bunz - 0 replies

G-dipes - the poop.

Fin — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 10:04:37 GMT

Ok.

anyone want to give me a play by play of how you get the thing into the toilet without spraying gel balls all over the bathroom and/or getting covered in whatever was on the diaper? We're having a bit of trouble here...

otherwise they're working well.

posted in Eco-Bunz - 0 replies

G-dipes overnight?

Fin — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 03:52:47 GMT

Anyone used them overnight?

I'm trying to replace 7th gen for overnight, but I'm nervous. Any suggestions?

posted in Eco-Bunz - 8 replies

Target sells cheap pocket diaper inserts

caity — Sat, 03 Nov 2007 00:23:21 GMT

I was in the "car" section at Target today b/c I'm in the process of cleaning my Subaru to sell it off. I came across micro fiber detailing cloths and realized that some of them were made out of the same microfiber as my pocket diaper inserts. I bought two different styles both the same size 16 X 16 inches. I plan on tri folding them like my hemp tri fold inserts. One pack was 6.99 for 4 towels that equals about $1.75 per insert they were grey and thicker material. The other pack was orange and a little bit thinner material and contained 8 towels for 7.99, about $1 per insert. I'm stoked because the only diapers I've bought lately are seconds which don't come with an insert and now I don't have to make them myself or buy them for $3-8 a piece. Is this a hot tip for pocket diaper loving mamas or what!

posted in Eco-Bunz - 2 replies

More Mother Ease

babysolomon — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 16:42:39 GMT

7 Mother Ease one size terry cloths diapers with 2 medium covers
I have 2 original liners and 5 non original liners.
www.mother-ease.com
I am asking $55 that's with shipping!

posted in Eco-Bunz - 1 reply

traveling

Fin — Fri, 14 Dec 2007 00:28:10 GMT

What to use?

Take the whole cloth kit with?

or 7th Generation?

or buy a G-dipe kit?

any votes?

posted in Eco-Bunz - 9 replies

New Tribe

babysolomon — Sun, 16 Dec 2007 13:46:22 GMT

http://tribes.tribe.net/sellyourbabystuff

Gently used or not used baby stuff you need to sell or buy.

posted in Eco-Bunz - 0 replies

6 bumwear one-size diapers

IdraIyah — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 02:35:46 GMT

i'm selling 6 bumwear one-size dipes for $10 each. can be sold individually. they'll fit tiny babies to toddlers. www.bumwear.com used for less than a year, but less in the latter half of the year.

posted in Eco-Bunz - 7 replies

6 Thirsties prefolds

babysolomon — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 16:41:22 GMT

$10

posted in Eco-Bunz - 0 replies

Mother Ease One size for Sale

babysolomon — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 01:58:27 GMT

I am selling 7 Mother Ease Terry cloth One size diapers. These are used but in great shape. I am uncluding 2 covers. One is Medium and one is large. These diapers are a snap system and go from 8-35lbs., probably until potty training.
http://www.mother-ease.com/
these retail for $10.00
The covers retail for are $10.50

I am asking $50 for the whole lot
Or $10 for the 2 covers
& $40 for the diapers

Send me a personal message if you are interested

posted in Eco-Bunz - 2 replies

night dipes

*Birdy* — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 04:05:16 GMT

what do you use?

posted in Eco-Bunz - 18 replies

A new "milestone"

aargh — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 15:40:21 GMT

For those of you who allow your babies to have regular Naked Time, you know that it's inevitable that at *some* point they're gonna squat down and poop. Invariably this occurs either when you're not looking, or if it's right in front of you- that's the day the neighbor's visiting and having a cup of tea.
We have hardwood floors, so this simply triggers the Poopy Action Team to spring to work, one of us grabbing baby, the other grabs a tissue or TP for the floor. It gets picked up, his butt gets wiped, and the floor gets a scrub. The trick is, he's still at the age where he's fascinated by it... and by fascinated, i mean he likes to stick his fingers in it.
Not anymore. Yesterday, whilst i was typing, i realized we'd had a whole 60 seconds of quiet (never a good sign) and turn to see Sequoia rising from a squat. As I start to jump up toward him to thwart the finger-poking action, he turns and picks up a tissue and puts it on top of the pooh, looks up at me and giggles.

What a genius!

posted in Eco-Bunz - 2 replies

water-proofing

*Birdy* — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 21:27:45 GMT

Has anyone re-water proofed old covers? Mine have begun to leak and i've heard of people using a spray-on silicone ... anyone have any experience with this stuff?

posted in Eco-Bunz - 4 replies

Kushies Diapers for Sale

babysolomon — Sun, 18 Nov 2007 00:23:05 GMT

Hey parents,

My Sol has outgrown his Kushies diapers. We have 10 diapers. They are used but in good shape.
I want $3 a piece for them plus shipping. That is $37. they have been excellent all in one diapers and no leaks. We use a hemp liner at night with them.
Here's a link to the picture, info., ect.
http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2333110If you are interested just message me.

posted in Eco-Bunz - 1 reply

Haute Pockets On Sale Again

caity — Mon, 29 Oct 2007 04:01:59 GMT

I just got an email that they have sold the HP design to two companies and they are selling off the stock of snap seconds. $7.50 each without an insert for a one sized pocket diaper http://www.mtdiaperstore.com/shop/product_info.php?cPath=0_54&products_id=231. We've been using them for about a month and a half and they have held up really nicely. I would recommend them as highly as fuzzi bunz. They have softer fleece than fb's a bonus.

posted in Eco-Bunz - 0 replies

Help! Too much soap!

sarasyn — Thu, 11 Oct 2007 17:17:53 GMT

My daughter is very lucky that she has such an understanding mother, because I feel like strangling her right now. I just have to keep telling myself she was only trying to help... Last night Corde woke up because she had an accident and wet the bed. She INSISTED she wanted to be a big girl and sleep without a diaper, so I let her. When she got up, I wasn't paying much attention and put a diaper on her and told her she could sleep on the couch. I forgot when she does that she doesn't usually sleep and I have to watch her or she'll cause trouble. Well, she did

I got up this morning and saw the bin that I pre-soak the diapers in sitting right side up with the cover closed. I was pretty certain I'd left it upside down in the tub to dry. The stack of wet diapers were still where I left them. I thought nothing of it until I saw the bottle of blue dawn that I'd been suggested to hand-wash the diapers with sitting right where I left it, 3/4 of the way empty. Now, I KNOW I didn't use that much soap washing diapers. I barely use any at all. The bottle was practically full. So I open the box. There were two diapers that were covered with blue dawn! One of them was one of my brand new, only used once diapers! It had obviously been sitting for a while, so I can only assume that she did it last night while I was asleep. There's no other time she could have done it. I've been trying to rinse the diapers out for the past hour trying to get the soap out! I don't have a washer, so I can't exactly toss them in that until it rinses clean...

So here's my question. How do I get that soap out?!? Will it be a problem if they still stay soapy for a while as I try to rinse them out? I mean, I can't exactly neglect the kids so that I can rinse them out for the hours it looks like it's going to take for them to wash clean? Will that somehow damage the diapers? I just don't know what to do. I'm so angry with her I could scream, but I know it's not her fault. She just wanted to help. However, I want to get these diapers back to "normal" so I can go back to using them again!

posted in Eco-Bunz - 6 replies

Man will he ever fit into the larges

bellydancing — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 23:09:56 GMT

If anyone ever just wants to buy one size of cloth diaper its a medium...My son has been wearing his mediums for over a year now and it looks like he'll be wearing them for quite a while longer the larges I got are collecting dust and they *might* fit him during potty training time

posted in Eco-Bunz - 2 replies

Cloth Diapering Loans for Low Income Families

caity — Sat, 06 Oct 2007 18:49:29 GMT

http://www.miraclediapers.org/home.html
Pretty cool! They provide assistance to families unable to afford cloth diapering supplies on their own. I think I might volunteer with this organization.

posted in Eco-Bunz - 2 replies

Haute Pockets One Size a Review

caity — Sat, 06 Oct 2007 18:56:33 GMT

These diapers are awesome. We got 9 of the second quality Haute Pockets for $7.50 each (without an insert). They fit our very large 1 year old who is about 28 lbs on the smallest snap setting without the wings overlapping. That means there is plenty of room to grow and he's wearing size large and extra large fuzzi bunz currently for comparison. We bought the snap version not the velcro as I like snaps better. They seem really adjustable. I set them on the smallest setting and I'm sure they would have fit my son as a 9lb newborn easily. The one sucky thing is they are made in china not usa like bumgenius 2.0 one sized pockets. I guess new fuzzi bunz are made in mexico now not usa which is a bummer too. But for some reason I see mexico being a bit better than china. So yay for haute pockets.

posted in Eco-Bunz - 3 replies

want more fuzzi bunz

IdraIyah — Fri, 05 Oct 2007 01:12:04 GMT

ok, so i appear to have a knack for losing these things! i still have all 6 of my bumwear, but they are inferior to my fuzzi bunz in many ways. i want more fb's, so..... i guess i'm putting it out there. if you've got some medium fb's, drop me a pm.

posted in Eco-Bunz - 3 replies

new tribe X-posted

madameb — Sat, 06 Oct 2007 21:00:05 GMT

Someone at the pregnancy tribe started a FREE baby things thread, so I went ahead and just started a FREE BABY / KID STUFF tribe.

So, all postings should be for FREE items. You and the giver/taker can hash out details of shipping or whatever.

I know I personally have 4 boxes of crap to take to the goodwill, but i'm going to list some stuff over there first.

tribes.tribe.net/freestuffisgoodstuff

posted in Eco-Bunz - 0 replies

mother-ease

bellydancing — Sun, 05 Nov 2006 19:14:21 GMT

OK I got one to try, I have to say they don't really look very impressive they also look HUGE its a one-size? I dunno how you'd fit a newborn into one of these?

posted in Eco-Bunz - 12 replies

anybody wanna trade...

Aisha — Wed, 26 Sep 2007 22:53:17 GMT

I have 10 bumwears that don't fit Phoebe--she's very slim and has thinish legs, these would be good for someone with chunkier thighs. They are very cute, I have pink bugs, blue dinosaurs, bright pink, bright yellow, a nice peach. I love them, they're one size fits all (except Phoebe) Would anyone like to trade some fuzzy bunz or something comperable? Fuzzy bunz fit her perfectly.

Just tossing it out there...

posted in Eco-Bunz - 4 replies

Counterfeit Fuzzi Bunz

Melissa — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 17:07:35 GMT

Ok, as most of you know I started cloth diapering Jakey a bit ago. My first purchase was FB off of Ebay. I asked the seller if they were first quality and he said no, so I figured I would be getting FB seconds....no biggie.

Well a couple of weeks ago my SIL tapped off my cloth diaper aresenal w/ a bunch of different dipes. FB, Schnoogly, Happy Heinys...rad!

So just yesterday I was doing the diaper laundry and I was comparing her FB to mine because mine are already unravelling in the back where you stuff them. I call SIL to see what she thought. I meant there are some slight differences in these dipes. From material to the front and inner tags. The inner tag has a few mispelled words ( WTF?) I asked "have you ever heard of counterfeit FB?" She said no, but got together w/ other cloth diaper mamas via the internet and IRL and they came to the conclusion that they are FAKE. Like a flipping ChinaTown Louis Vuitton bag!

So I learned. I have asked the seller for a refund and I will see what happens. I will let you know what happend.

If you are looking for a deal go here for AUTHORIZED FB.

www.fuzzibunzseconds.net/store...lt.asp

posted in Eco-Bunz - 1 reply

I got the booty

Melissa — Thu, 06 Sep 2007 19:49:20 GMT

diapers that is. My SIL HOOKED me up. She was gracious enough to give me like 20 or so dipes, inserts, covers, lanolin, etc.
Im stoked and very thankful.

A bounty of happy heinys, fuzzi bunz, some homemade and some schnoogy (?)

posted in Eco-Bunz - 0 replies

Cloth Diaper Pull-UPs?

Alison — Wed, 29 Aug 2007 12:07:22 GMT

Is there such a thing. I know their are training panties but they don't offer much protection. My daughter is only 16 months but she has used the toilet a couple of times. When at home it would help to have something I could just pull down instead of unsnapping two layers of diapers.

posted in Eco-Bunz - 4 replies

Diaper Blogs

SiMoNe — Sun, 02 Sep 2007 05:23:52 GMT

No, really - they *do* exist!

http://www.diaperjungle.com/blog/

http://www.diaperdeals.com/

I

posted in Eco-Bunz - 1 reply

front and center on Yahoo

aargh — Tue, 28 Aug 2007 14:04:23 GMT

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/diaper_free_babies

they had several linked stories.

posted in Eco-Bunz - 1 reply

Washing Cloth Diapers

sarasyn — Thu, 09 Aug 2007 05:13:38 GMT

When we found out about our new baby, a part of our plan was to use cloth diapers. It wasn't about money. I could care less about that. I wanted to do something good for the environment and likely better for my baby. We couldn't afford the initial investment for the ones we wanted before the baby was born, but now four months down the road with a horrible rash on my son's poor sensitive bottom, I decided it was time to make the money available. Well, I got a dozen to get us started, figuring I would only use them at home, and only at night since that's when he seems to be most fussy and I thought the comfort of nice soft diapers would help. Well, I love them so much that I'd love to use them all the time, but without a washer and dryer at home, that's going to be a little tricky until I can get enough to last between laundry days. He's a much happier baby already and it may just be an illusion, or wishful thinking on my part, but just from using them today, his persistent rash seems to be going away. Well, even if it's not, it seems to have stopped getting worse.

So here's the problem I have. Can anyone give me advice on hand-washing cloth diapers? I know it takes a lot of energy. I used to hand wash all my clothes for a while there because we couldn't get to anywhere to do laundry without walking a good mile, which wasn't happening in the winter. Obviously it can be done because they had to do something before washing machines, but I don't know where to start on it. Another question is whether anyone's got advice for washing them at a laundry mat? I know, another boatload of questions from a woman new to cloth diapering, so thanks for having the time and patience!

posted in Eco-Bunz - 15 replies

Homemade Organic AIO's That ROCK!!!

mamallama — Sat, 25 Aug 2007 21:07:10 GMT

I've found someone nearby who makes Organic All-In-One's that fit Anaya well and have a great design so they dry well for only $14! I thought I was going crazy! She said she would give me a discount for buying bulk too! Super cute prints and so far the diapers are great. I'm having her make me about 10(all I can afford right now) and she's even gonna deliver them by hand. She's lives just outside of Eugene.

You can check out her and her sisters handi-work online at Photobucket.com. Search for Hippie-Baby and a bunch of irrelevant pics will come up but if you look near the top of the page it will ask you if you want to check out Hippie-Baby's profile. That is where you go. They do slings and diaper bags too. The can do snaps or high-quality velcro, they can also do just plain ole' diaper covers or pockets(I think).

posted in Eco-Bunz - 2 replies

Drybees?

mamallama — Wed, 22 Aug 2007 19:35:53 GMT

Anyone tried Drybees AIO's? Whatcha think?

posted in Eco-Bunz - 0 replies

Pocket Change (Pocket Diapers) with 1 Hemp Insert and 1 Microterry for $11!

caity — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 21:05:19 GMT

These are seconds but I'm still excited about them the reviews convinced me plus they come with one hemp and one micro terry insert! This company also makes the haute pocket one sized diaps that I have yet to try. The pocket change are sized and the inserts come out in the wash this is their claim to fame no more picking out inserts before you put your diaper in the wash wooo hooo! Dad suggested we get a few more pocket diapers since he loves them and we run out before laundry time. So he opened that door wide open I had cut myself off from online diaper shopping. But check them out I'm getting our butts outside now as it is a beautiful day in Oly the first in weeks! http://www.mtdiaperstore.com/shop/product_info.php?cPath=54&products_id=190

posted in Eco-Bunz - 1 reply

what is your favorite

Melissa — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 05:16:43 GMT

cloth diaper?

Im still new and need to add to my collection. So far I have used Fuzzi Bunz and I like them, but I dont know different. I have some Happy Heineys hemp dipeys coming soon. I still need to buy covers.

So I would like opinions from all you seasoned pros!

posted in Eco-Bunz - 6 replies

Used Fuzzibunz, Happy Heiney's, Mommy's Touch, Bumwear, Gdiapers for sale!

SiMoNe — Mon, 13 Aug 2007 06:41:46 GMT

Hey all,

Now that I'm finally set on a diaper brand and have made my purchases of my new diapers, I have some of my old ones that I'd love to load off to help pay for the new dipes I purchased..

I have a Happy Heiney's (small size, floral print) , FuzziBuns (small size, periwinkle), Mommy's Touch (in black) and Bum Wear (yellow, blue trim with black fleece) all have been very lightly used and have no stains. The Mommy's Touch and Bum Wear are one size. I'll try and get some pics posted tomorrow..

The Gdiapers (I have basically the equivalent of two starter kits - includes 6 covers, 40+ refills, and a swish stick) have some wear, but there's no staining. They're perfect for a newborn.

PM me if your interested - Thanks!

posted in Eco-Bunz - 0 replies

Bio-Kleen liquid stinks!!!

bellydancing — Sun, 05 Aug 2007 21:56:48 GMT

OK I bought the liquid bio-kleen and used very little and my dipes got some major eye tearing build up very quickly!!! I've had to strip all the dipes with bludawn! Ack
I had some stuff before I liked it I dunno the name but it had like orange cleaner in it, I know where I bought it so I guess I'II have to hunt it down

posted in Eco-Bunz - 8 replies

Fuzzi Buns to Good Home Only!

mamallama — Thu, 09 Aug 2007 05:27:17 GMT

Anaya has outgrown her Fuzzi Buns. She is just too long for them! So now we need to move onto something different and to do that I need to find a new home for our Fuzzi Buns. Includes inserts. Just send me a line and we'll work out a deal! They are size small.

posted in Eco-Bunz - 2 replies

long but important

Tue, 07 Aug 2007 05:33:12 GMT

CALL to ACTION

An Urgent Call to Action Regarding Wastewater Management

Note: This call to action is directed to the people of Massachusetts,
but it is equally applicable to all states across the US.

The purpose of this letter is two-fold:

1. To remind officials and inform the public about the devastating pollution that is harming our environment and health, and that is being caused by the Title 5 septic regulations that are instituted and enforced by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) - and

2. To propose new simplified regulations that would result in 80-90% reduction of this pollution, as well as 80-90% reduction of the cost of wastewater management, without any risk of harm to the environment or public health.

Background and Problems

Household wastewater contains very high levels of substances such as microbes and nitrogen, that, when released, constitute a serious threat to public health and the environment. Therefore the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has instituted certain regulations for the management of household wastewater, called the Title 5 septic regulations. In a typical Title 5 septic system the wastewater flows first into an underground septic tank, where the solid matter is retained, and from there the liquid effluent runs through a branching perforated pipe system laid in underground leaching trenches, which release the effluent into the groundwater. The regulations require a minimum separation of 4 feet between the bottom of the leaching field and the top of the underlying groundwater, because this amount of filtration through subsoil appears to adequately degrade the microbes that can cause various human diseases. However, there is one harmful substance that current standard Title 5 systems are incapable of removing: the nitrogen. The resulting excessive release of nitrogen constitutes a serious threat to both the environment and public health.

Facts about the dangers of nitrogen released by Title 5 septic systems:

Fact: Household wastewater contains very high levels of nitrogen, about 50 ppm (parts per million), derived from human body waste, mostly urine. Each person releases over 10 pounds of nitrogen per year. Thus an average family releases over 30 pounds of nitrogen per year into their septic system. To put thirty pounds of nitrogen into comprehensible perspective: it is the amount of nitrogen that is contained in 600 pounds of standard 5-10-5 fertilizer (the first figure represents 5% nitrogen, thus 100 pounds contains 5 pounds of nitrogen). A standard large bag of fertilizer is 40 pounds, thus 600 pounds of fertilizer is 15 bags. Thus the septic system of one average family releases the nitrogen equivalent of 15 bags of fertilizer.

Fact: A septic system built in accordance with DEP regulations releases this nitrogen deep into the subsoil, below the reach of the roots of trees, shrubs, lawns and flowers that could actually absorb most of it, and indeed benefit from it. Instead, over 90% of the nitrogen (which is water-soluble) is released into the bottom of leaching trenches or pits, often 5-10 feet deep underground. From there the nitrogen goes straight into the groundwater, where it cannot biodegrade or diminish. All of it then travels with the groundwater at the rate of about 1-3 feet per day, toward the nearest pond, brook, lake, harbor or marsh. It matters not whether this body of water is 50 feet or 10 miles away from the septic system - all of this nitrogen, along with all the nitrogen from the dozens or hundreds or thousands of other septic systems located within the watershed area, enters the body of water.

Fact: You could not, if you tried, devise a more effective way than a Title 5 septic system to inject the largest amount of nitrogen into our groundwater and aquatic ecosystems.

Two Problems result from nitrogen released from septic systems into the groundwater:

Problem No.1: Excessive nitrogen harms the enviroment
Nitrogen is an essential nutrient for all plants, but aquatic ecosystems get overwhelmed by the catastrophic amounts that leach into the groundwater from standard Title 5 septic systems. As stated above, the nitrogen flows with the groundwater at a rate of 1-3 feet per day, and when it reaches open water it is quickly consumed by algae. The excessive nitrogen triggers the algae to rapidly multiply, causing rampant infestations that block sunlight. The algae have short life spans, and soon die and decompose, which reduces essential oxygen. The reduction of light and oxygen results in sickness and death to fish and shellfish as well as to desirable aquatic plants, and beaches become unfit for recreation due to the accumulating masses of slimy and foul-smelling dead algae that are washed ashore.

Problem No.2: Excessive nitrogen harms public health
Nitrogen levels higher than 10 ppm in drinking water can cause methemoglobinemia, which destroys the ability of red blood cells to transport oxygen. As a result, vital tissues, including the brain, receive less oxygen than they need, which can lead to brain damage or death by suffocation. This poses a special threat to babies under the age of six months ("blue-baby syndrome"), not only to formula-fed babies but also those who are breast-fed, for it is passed from the mother through the breast milk. Others who are threatened by drinking water high in nitrogen include pregnant women with a particular enzyme deficiency (which can lead to birth defects), adults with reduced stomach acidity or certain hereditary conditions. In addition, it is associated with an increased risk of non-Hodgkins lymphoma, a cancer of the lymphatic system.
The groundwater flows in one direction under the land, and at first glance it might make sense that DEP regulations require that your well be located upstream from your septic system. But your neighbors' septic systems are thus upstream from your well. It is estimated that 10-20% of US wells are contaminated with nitrogen levels that exceed the EPA recommended limits of 10 ppm.
Since standard septic systems release nitrogen into the groundwater at 50 ppm or more, the DEP regulations require a minimum lot size for the purpose of enabling rainwater to dilute this dangerous nitrogen level to below 10 ppm. But these calculations are unreliable because of factors such as high seasonal wastewater generation, lower-than-average rainfall, or underlying layers of clay or rock, which can raise the nitrogen levels to above 10 ppm.
(See references at bottom of this page, regarding harm to public health and environment caused by nitrogen)

What is DEP doing to reduce nitrogen release?

Among the many charges of Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is the task of protecting our environment and our health. Wastewater management thus falls under DEP jurisdiction, and on-site septic systems are governed under DEP Title 5 regulations.

During the 1980s it became clear to the authorities that Title 5 septic systems constituted a serious threat to the environment and public health. After long and ferocious debates, the new Title 5 regulations came out in the mid-90s, but, they addressed primarily the release of disease-causing microbes, not the nitrogen. In fact, the upgraded Title 5 septic regulations release some 50-75% more nitrogen into the groundwater than the old regulations.

Explanation: a leaching trench or pit gradually develops a waterproof liner, a mat formed by algae that feed on the nitrogen. This mat first covers the bottom and gradually over the years grows up the sides. However, this liner rarely grows all the way up to the surface, because as it reaches the top 18" or so, the sides are kept permeable by the action of earthworms, microorganisms and roots. A telltale sign indicates when a septic systems has developed an effective liner, because grass and trees growing in the vicinity are exceptionally healthy, thriving on the nutrient-rich water to which they have access. Since much of the nitrogen is absorbed by these plants, and some even escapes as gas into the atmosphere, an estimated 50-75% less nitrogen gets down into the groundwater (depending on what plants grow around the area).

The new Title 5 regulations require leaching trenches that spread out over a much larger area, which therefore take a much longer time to develop the liner that reduces the nitrogen release. These new regulations do not apply only to new septic systems, but DEP requires, under threat of heavy fines, that old septic systems must be removed and new ones installed. In fact, you cannot sell your home, or add a bedroom or a bathroom, or put plumbing in your studio, without upgrading your septic system.

Furthermore, not only do the new Title 5 regulations greatly increase the nitrogen release, but they also cost far more to install, and they disturb/destroy far more landscaping and gardens. I know of many who have had to remove 10-30 beautiful old shade trees and spend $10,000-$50,000 to replace their old septic systems that showed no sign of overflowing. A friend of mine is currently being ordered to upgrade her old septic system, and was shocked when the bid came in at $30,000.

There are, however, some sectors of the economy that are benefiting from the new regulations: the engineers and the installers, and the industries that make heavy earthmoving equipment, concrete and gravel. Also, the DEP and the local health departments have grown with countless new jobs to enforce the new regulations, at tax payers' expense.
But perhaps the sector that has grown the most of all as a result of the new regulations is the large sewage consulting/engineering firms. They are hired by small towns all across the state and the nation, who have been ordered by the DEP, with threats of heavy fines for non-compliance: "your town does not have the space for the new Title 5 systems. Put in a central sewage system, or else…."
In my small home community of Martha's Vineyard, millions of dollars have been spent on one consulting/engineering firm after another.
The latest regulations for central sewage treatment facilities require a reduction of nitrogen release to below 10 ppm, which is good. But these facilities require a large amount of land area, use toxic chemicals, and are tremendously expensive to construct and operate. One of the small towns on this island, Edgartown (pop. 3500 swelling to around 15,000 for the 3 summer months) has spent over 20 million dollars for central sewering. Ironically, this has been fraught with problems such as periodic overflows into people's basements and nauseating odors that gag the neighbors.
Another town, Oak Bluffs (about the same size) has just completed their new system, amid furor over rising costs (will probably exceed 18 million) and bulky metal control boxes dotting the quaint historic village. Many home owners now have to abandon their new $10,000-30,000 upgraded septic systems and pay over $10,000 to hook into the new sewage system, plus an annual user-fee of more than $1000. Businesses will pay much more. And taxes have gone way up.
A third town of about the same size, Vineyard Haven, is facing the same fate.

What alternatives are available?

There are on-site septic system technologies that are available today that greatly reduce nitrogen release, and the best ones reduce it by 80-90%. The best also require far less space than standard Title 5 systems. In fact, they really do not require any space at all because the effluent is released in shallow, narrow trenches winding among the existing trees, shrubs and flower borders, to their great benefit. In addition, they can cost 80-90% less than either standard on-site Title 5 systems or central sewering.

The DEP is well aware of the fact that the Title 5 septic system regulations result in the release of nitrogen levels that are dangerous to both public health and the environment.
DEP is also well aware of the fact that proven technologies now exist that greatly reduce this nitrogen release.
Thus, DEP has instituted regulations for allowing the development of these new nitrogen-reducing technologies, under the name of: "the Innovative/Alternative (I/A) Technologies Pilot Program"

So, the question is: "Why, since it is obvious that these new I/A technologies release far less nitrogen than the standard Title 5 septic systems, why are they not the norm everywhere?"

GAO, the Government Accounting Office, published a revealing report in 1994 (#RCED-94-109), addressing this question. It concluded that there exist "barriers to their use, primarily a lack of knowledge on the part of the engineers and state and local officials about the alternatives' applicability, performance and cost. Other barriers include (1) financial disincentives within the private sector to designing and/or constructing facilities that employ alternative systems, and (2) restrictive state and local codes and regulations." And: "State and local codes and regulations can restrict or actually prohibit the use of alternative technologies because codes contain specifications that apply to conventional technologies." And: "Engineers remain largely unfamiliar with treatment alternatives." And, perhaps most damning of all: "Engineers' fees are calculated as a percentage of net construction costs. Thus, even though the percentage is somewhat smaller for a higher cost project, a $10 million project will generate a design fee of $640,000, while a $2 million project will generate a fee of only $150,000. In addition, it is more work for the engineers to design a system they have no prior experience with, far less work to design a system the same as many others they have already done."

Thus, DEP with one hand claims to encourage I/A nitrogen-reducing technologies, but with the other hand creates powerful barriers that prevent their use.
I shall illustrate with my own personal experience: I have been developing alternative on-site septic systems for over 20 years, the Solviva Biocarbon Wastewater Filter Systems. These systems work by filtering the wastewater in accordance with the Laws of Nature, through biocarbon mulch (a Brownfilter consisting of leaves, wood chip and sawdust, with earthworms and other bio-organisms), and through plants (a Greenfilter consisting of grasses, flowers, shrubs and trees). These systems are capable of reducing nitrogen release by 80-90%. I know this for a fact, because I have the test results to prove it, from variations of this system that I have done for many years. In addition, these systems offer far better degradation and reduction of harmful microorganisms and toxins because they provide some 4-10 feet more filtration depth than a standard Title 5 leaching field.

Furthermore, the cost of these systems can be 80-90% less than an upgraded Title 5 system or central sewering. For instance, in order to upgrade an existing septic system, instead of spending $10,000-50,000 for a new nitrogen-releasing Title 5 septic system, all you need to do is make a cut in the outflow pipe of the septic tank, connect the pipe to a small underground tank with a pump controlled by a switch on a float valve, and connect this to a perforated pipe that runs in a shallow biocarbon-filled trench along the roots of your surrounding landscaping. The total cost of this installation would be less than $2000, done by professionals. The result would be 80-90% less nitrogen release into the groundwater, and very happy plants.

But, because of DEP regulations governing innovative/alternative septic systems, the cost of getting such a system is prohibitive, more expensive than a standard Title 5 system.
First DEP requires full engineering (topographical mapping, groundwater depth, soil classification, as well as a complete design, etc) by a professional engineer. You would be lucky to find an engineer willing to do the extra work on an innovative system (because by the definition of the word "innovative", he knows nothing about it), and put his stamp on it (because legally he becomes responsible). I have been turned down by several engineers, fearful for their jobs, and because they have plenty of work just engineering business-as-usual systems. The cost of this engineering work would run at least $3000.
Then there are the permits from DEP: up to $10,000 for the Pilot Program permit, which took over a year to get from the date of application.
Then there is the testing and monitoring required by DEP: monthly for the first year, quarterly thereafter, for a total cost of some $3-4000, per system.

But that is not all, because then there is the solid matter, what DEP calls the "residuals" or "sludge". In the case of the Solviva systems, this solid matter is a most desirable compost, odor-free, friable and with excellent well-balanced nutrients, and with toxins that have tested by certified labs to be 100-1000 times less than is allowed by DEP for land application. But, DEP regulations require that this compost be tested with the same protocol as the sludge from municipal sewage and septage treatment facilities: a full TCLP test for over 50 of the most toxic substances in our society: pesticides, herbicides, and industrial toxins, including PCB, 2,4.6-Tribromophenol, Lindane, Heptachlor, Chlordane, Toxaphene, Toluene, Tetrachlorethylene.
I asked the DEP: "Why? This is from wastewater that comes from bathrooms, laundry and kitchens. How could it contain these toxins?" The answer from the decision makers was: "we wouldn't know unless it was tested." This test cost around $1300, and the results, as I expected, showed "below detectable levels" on all these substances. And this is not just a one-time test; DEP requires that every batch be so tested.
To top it off, even though they now know that this compost is 100% free of anything harmful, DEP now wants me to pay $1050 for a permit to place this compost on my land, and this permit may take 6-12 months to get.

Conclusion

It is clear from abundant available evidence that the standard DEP Title 5 septic regulations release levels of nitrogen that cause great harm to the environment and public health. We need to reduce this nitrogen release 80-90%, and we need to do it NOW. And we have the technologies available today, at a fraction of the cost of central sewering.

Therefore, new policies need to be immediately adopted by DEP, as follows:

Standard nitrogen-releasing Title 5 septic systems should be discouraged,
and Nitrogen-reducing technologies should be encouraged
for all on-site septic systems.

The following is a proposal for a petition
for the purpose of creating new regulations in order and protect public health and the environment.
Your input is urgently requested and will be gratefully received and considered.

PETITION to the DEP,
the Governor, legislators and the people of Massachusetts:
• Because septic systems built in accordance with DEP regulations release large amounts
of nitrogen into the groundwater, which threatens the environment and public health,
• Because technologies now exist that are capable of reducing this nitrogen release
by 80-90%, without spending millions of dollars on central sewage treatment facilities,
• And because DEP regulations governing the development and use of these new
technologies cause undue economic hardship and harmful delays,

Therefore, the following proposal is presented
in order to facilitate the process of instituting and assessing
nitrogen-reducing wastewater technologies:

1. Any person who wants to install technology for reducing the release of nitrogen from their septic system shall submit a brief plan to the local Board of Health.

2. The Board of Health shall issue a permit without delay, for a fee of $500, and shall notify the DEP.

3. The Board of Health shall have the right to inspect the site at any time, without notice, and shall give warning in writing if any overflow, odors, flies or other nuisances are observed. The first warning shall be accompanied by a $200 fine, the second warning a $300 fine, the third warning a $500 fine. If after three warnings the Board of Health again finds the presence of nuisance, it shall have the right to withdraw the permit and order the system to be terminated.

4. The Board of Health shall have the right to collect any samples at any time, and shall send these to be tested in accordance with any DEP requirements. These tests shall be paid for by DEP (this will be paid for without raising taxes, because millions will be saved within DEP as a result of this proposal being enacted).
The owner and installer of the system shall receive copies of all test results.

posted in Eco-Bunz - 2 replies

washing cloth dipeys

Melissa — Tue, 07 Aug 2007 19:17:13 GMT

whats the best detergent?

posted in Eco-Bunz - 2 replies

Stain Removal Questions

Temperance — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 21:04:55 GMT

Besides the sun, can anyone suggest any ways to remove stains from cloth diapers? I do occassionally use the sun to remove my stains, but I'm at work all day so by the time I get home and get diapers washed, its getting dark out. I probably don't need to add this but I will, I'm looking for safe, green, non-bleach, stain removal options.

Thanks!
Temperance :-)

posted in Eco-Bunz - 5 replies

EC'ing a newborn

Sionnach — Wed, 25 Jul 2007 22:31:12 GMT

I know there is an EC tribe, but this one seems a little more active. My daughter is almost 5 weeks and we're ready to start EC. Any tips or tricks you can give me are much appreciated! I ordered "the Diaper Free Baby" which I'll definitely read, but you know there's nothing like first hand advice.

I do have a specific question, though. When Maya poops its, well, explosive. Like a small geyser. So when you use the tiny potty, how do you deal with the blowback? I'm just picturing poo splattering everywhere and me losing interest in EC fast!

posted in Eco-Bunz - 5 replies

g-diapers

Fri, 29 Jun 2007 06:42:37 GMT

so we went to the festival and I used the g-diapers the whole time, they worked great. The only thing I don't appreciate is the bunching and I would never give up my cloth diapers for these, I love cloth. For long camping trips though I highly recommend them.

posted in Eco-Bunz - 2 replies

Question for the mamas of those soild eating babies..

SiMoNe — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 21:00:00 GMT

Believe it or not, I may have actually found day care that will actually use cloth diapers. I told her she can just put the dirty dipe in the bag I give her, and I'll take the bag home at the end of the day and wash them that night. I'm wondering how feasible this would be once Parker gets into soild food - in terms of stink and washability.

So, in your opinions, do you think that would work? Or am I totally nutso?

posted in Eco-Bunz - 3 replies

My One-size diaper review!

SiMoNe — Sat, 23 Jun 2007 05:16:25 GMT

Ok -

I have finally tried all of the one size pocket diapers I purchased prior to Parker's arrival. They are:

Bum Genius 2.0

Mother's touch

Bumwear

Haute Pocket with snap closures.

Mother's Touch and Bumwear leaked like crazy. Mother's Touch had such a bad blowout, I had to wash not only the baby and the diaper, but also the blanket she was laying on, and the bouncy chair she was laying on, and my arm that got coated in poo as I picked her up post-poosplosion. Since these two brands are so popular here, it leads me to believe that these two diapers are not so doable for littler babies (she's 22 inches and about 10 pounds). I also had a helluva time getting the Mother's touch configured for a little baby, I felt like I needed to know the secret origami fold just to get it useful. Not a real intuitively designed snap configuration. It sucks, because I really wanted to like these two brands and the cost of the mommy's touch was really good (thanks for the tip, I-dra!) and they turned out to be not so great for me.

On the other hand, The Haute Pocket and the Bum Genius fit very nicely! I don't care much for the lining in the Bum Genius -it doesn't seem quite as soft as the other types listed above, and I wonder about the Velcro - I know many of you dislike Velcro, but I can't seem to remember what the reasons were (please share!). The Haute pocket was super nice, and came with two liners (one bigger than the other). The liner was super soft and was really easy to configure to the smallest setting. Overall, I think I may go with one of these two brands, more than likely the Haute Pockets because they seem to have worked the best.

I would still love to hear your opinions on any of these diapers, if you have tried them, and how old your kiddos were when you used them, and why you prefer what you use now - and also if you are partial towards Velcro or snaps and why.

posted in Eco-Bunz - 16 replies

blistering and owie bits

lolacarr — Fri, 22 Jun 2007 23:57:51 GMT

i'm totally bummed cos it seems like every time my little girl is teething, i have to discontinue the use of cloth because she gets the most frightfully painful and angry blistering on her girly bits and tushie.

anyone have any magical solution to this problem? i've just been using sposies because then i can use butt paste or the prescription cream her doc prescribed to her for this. i'd really love to be able to use the cloth at all times, but i have noticed that using the cloth during teething times really exacerbates the problem, and then once the irritation has begun, i can't use them because you aren't supposed to use any creams with them.

thanks!

posted in Eco-Bunz - 10 replies