GGTSSG (or Going Green to Save Some Green)

[MapleMe]

We haven't had a problem with egg texture, but we also don't use a ton of egg, so maybe we just don't notice. We build a burrito bar of ingredients and then assembly line fill them. Usually we've got eggs, sautéed veggies, refried beans, rice, cheese, salsa, ground beef, and sometimes olives.

[ovenrack]

Yeah, maybe I'm using too much egg. And ours lasted a couple weeks - maybe three? So I will make a smaller batch next time.

But I am much more into non-breakfast burritos, so next time I will actually just do lunch/dinner burritos with shredded meat.

And since I discovered that H loves (LOOOOOVES) refrigerator oatmeal, I'm not as desperate for quick breakfasts. Because some days he gets up and is like, "NOT ENOUGH TIME FOR YOU TO COOK ME EGGS AND TOAST, I NEED TO CONSUME FOOD RIGHT NOW... HURRY HURRY.

[sasq09]

Jan 16, 2015 11:10:42 GMT -5 piccyami said:

Well, I finally got the chance to try my cloth pads . They're actually pretty awesome!

I got to use mine for the first time last month and again this month. I made then and made some pretty dumb mistakes on a few but overall I loved them, and I now realized that I'm just as disgusted by the sight and smell of a (clean) disposable pad as I am by disposable diapers. Yuck so chemical smelly and medical looking. I like my fun prints and natural laundry smell! I'm gonna make a bunch more and I'm never going back!

[mooncharm]

Jan 18, 2015 19:10:54 GMT -5 ovenrack said:

Yeah, maybe I'm using too much egg. And ours lasted a couple weeks - maybe three? So I will make a smaller batch next time.

But I am much more into non-breakfast burritos, so next time I will actually just do lunch/dinner burritos with shredded meat.

And since I discovered that H loves (LOOOOOVES) refrigerator oatmeal, I'm not as desperate for quick breakfasts. Because some days he gets up and is like, "NOT ENOUGH TIME FOR YOU TO COOK ME EGGS AND TOAST, I NEED TO CONSUME FOOD RIGHT NOW... HURRY HURRY.

This is brilliant! I never knew you could do this. Thanks!

[mrslka]

We switched to unpaper towels and cloth napkins a couple of weeks ago. But since DH works away from home, the last few days have been the first chance he had to use them. And he loves them has much as I do! I feel like it was a big win since he was not overly thrilled with the it when I told him about the switch.

[mrslka]

Jan 15, 2015 18:55:59 GMT -5 ellie said:

Oh and also my husband kept asking me to buy those super cheap frozen burritos made out of god knows what for his lunch... So I homemade 50 burritos and froze them. However I'm totally the one eating them all. I'm on my 3rd right now.

How do you store them?

[mooncharm]

We successfully switched to cloth napkins a while ago. However, for A's party, we used paper napkins. I am so glad we don't use them on a regular basis for oh-so-many reasons, but particularly because he thought they belonged IN his mouth. I then had to fish the little paper pieces out of his mouth several times. I'm glad that's not something I have to do often!

[ellebeedub]

Jan 18, 2015 21:26:42 GMT -5 mooncharm said:

We successfully switched to cloth napkins a while ago. However, for A's party, we used paper napkins. I am so glad we don't use them on a regular basis for oh-so-many reasons, but particularly because he thought they belonged IN his mouth. I then had to fish the little paper pieces out of his mouth several times. I'm glad that's not something I have to do often!

Maybe it's because we never used them growing up either, but the idea of using paper napkins on a regular basis is completely foreign to me. It just does not make sense to me.

[mooncharm]

Jan 18, 2015 21:29:50 GMT -5 ellebeedub said:

Jan 18, 2015 21:26:42 GMT -5 mooncharm said:

We successfully switched to cloth napkins a while ago. However, for A's party, we used paper napkins. I am so glad we don't use them on a regular basis for oh-so-many reasons, but particularly because he thought they belonged IN his mouth. I then had to fish the little paper pieces out of his mouth several times. I'm glad that's not something I have to do often!

Maybe it's because we never used them growing up either, but the idea of using paper napkins on a regular basis is completely foreign to me. It just does not make sense to me.

Yeah, paper napkins are nowhere near as good as cloth! Even before switching, I often would use a towel instead of a napkin, because it feels better and absorbs so much more. Whenever I use a paper napkin now, it's just not as effective.

[mrslka]

Jan 18, 2015 21:36:23 GMT -5 mooncharm said:

Jan 18, 2015 21:29:50 GMT -5 ellebeedub said:

Maybe it's because we never used them growing up either, but the idea of using paper napkins on a regular basis is completely foreign to me. It just does not make sense to me.

Yeah, paper napkins are nowhere near as good as cloth! Even before switching, I often would use a towel instead of a napkin, because it feels better and absorbs so much more. Whenever I use a paper napkin now, it's just not as effective.

We have always used kitchen towels for wiping up spills and that sort of stuff just not cloth napkins for meals and we used paper towels randomly.

[ellie]

Jan 18, 2015 21:20:48 GMT -5 mrslka said:

Jan 15, 2015 18:55:59 GMT -5 ellie said:

Oh and also my husband kept asking me to buy those super cheap frozen burritos made out of god knows what for his lunch... So I homemade 50 burritos and froze them. However I'm totally the one eating them all. I'm on my 3rd right now.

How do you store them?

I wrap them individually in foil and then put a bunch in a gallon size freezer bag. That way I can reuse the freezer bag. I also suck the air out every time I open the bag so stuff stays fresh.

[velvethelicopters]

The only cleaning paper I use is toilet paper. Which is irrational as all get.

Cloth pads, cloth diapers, cloth baby wipes, heck even just a washcloth when I need the pads are fine. Toilet unpaper or whatever it's called just squicks me the hell out. Why baby poo and pee, or menstrual blood are fine but adult poo and pee are not is completely irrational, I know that.

But I'm keeping my toilet paper from the nice plastic wrapped packages from the store.

[piccyami]

Jan 18, 2015 19:45:56 GMT -5 sasq09 said:

Jan 16, 2015 11:10:42 GMT -5 piccyami said:

Well, I finally got the chance to try my cloth pads . They're actually pretty awesome!

I got to use mine for the first time last month and again this month. I made then and made some pretty dumb mistakes on a few but overall I loved them, and I now realized that I'm just as disgusted by the sight and smell of a (clean) disposable pad as I am by disposable diapers. Yuck so chemical smelly and medical looking. I like my fun prints and natural laundry smell! I'm gonna make a bunch more and I'm never going back!

Now that I've made it through my whole stash, I've tossed the used ones and a brand new batch in the washer. They hardly smelled after sitting in the sealed wet bag for a few days. I always had to run the disposables out to the trash daily because they smelled so bad.

[scaggsed]

Jan 18, 2015 23:30:46 GMT -5 piccyami said:

Jan 18, 2015 19:45:56 GMT -5 sasq09 said:

I got to use mine for the first time last month and again this month. I made then and made some pretty dumb mistakes on a few but overall I loved them, and I now realized that I'm just as disgusted by the sight and smell of a (clean) disposable pad as I am by disposable diapers. Yuck so chemical smelly and medical looking. I like my fun prints and natural laundry smell! I'm gonna make a bunch more and I'm never going back!

Now that I've made it through my whole stash, I've tossed the used ones and a brand new batch in the washer. They hardly smelled after sitting in the sealed wet bag for a few days. I always had to run the disposables out to the trash daily because they smelled so bad.

Everything about cloth pads sounds amazing, especially this. EXCEPT that I don't think I want to wash them. Cloth diaps, poop, who cares.
Do you wash the pads alone or with other things?

Pregnancy would probably be a good time for me to dabble, as I am using a fair amount of panty liners for non-blood related issues. I just don't know if I could handle the bloody ones when that happens.

[sasq09]

Honestly the laundry doesn't bother me at all. I rinse them in the sink really well then wash them with my diapers. I keep being pleasantly surprised at how much I love cloth and other "green" decisions

[DGM]

Jan 19, 2015 2:22:40 GMT -5 scaggsed said:

Jan 18, 2015 23:30:46 GMT -5 piccyami said:

Now that I've made it through my whole stash, I've tossed the used ones and a brand new batch in the washer. They hardly smelled after sitting in the sealed wet bag for a few days. I always had to run the disposables out to the trash daily because they smelled so bad.

Everything about cloth pads sounds amazing, especially this. EXCEPT that I don't think I want to wash them. Cloth diaps, poop, who cares.
Do you wash the pads alone or with other things?

Pregnancy would probably be a good time for me to dabble, as I am using a fair amount of panty liners for non-blood related issues. I just don't know if I could handle the bloody ones when that happens.

This is me too about the wash. It makes no rational sense why L's bodily fluid laundry is cute and enjoyable, but mine creeps me out.

[mrslka]

Jan 19, 2015 8:11:26 GMT -5 DGM said:

Jan 19, 2015 2:22:40 GMT -5 scaggsed said:

Everything about cloth pads sounds amazing, especially this. EXCEPT that I don't think I want to wash them. Cloth diaps, poop, who cares.
Do you wash the pads alone or with other things?

Pregnancy would probably be a good time for me to dabble, as I am using a fair amount of panty liners for non-blood related issues. I just don't know if I could handle the bloody ones when that happens.

This is me too about the wash. It makes no rational sense why L's bodily fluid laundry is cute and enjoyable, but mine creeps me out.

This is me too, for the most part.  I use family cloth (cloth wipes instead of toilet paper) for my pee but not poo. And as much as I liked the feel of cloth pads but can't get over the blood.  I do use a cup instead of tampons though and will never go back to tampons. 

[sasq09]

I have an irrational fear of using a cup, but now that I'm so enlightened I'm not sure how I feel about tampons... I guess ill have to bite the bullet and try one

[mrslka]

Jan 19, 2015 9:08:35 GMT -5 sasq09 said:

I have an irrational fear of using a cup, but now that I'm so enlightened I'm not sure how I feel about tampons... I guess ill have to bite the bullet and try one

I have horrible periods (extremely heavy & long), once I got the hang of the cup, it was conpletely life changing!

[flumma]

The beeswax and pinking shears were delivered yesterday, so hopefully I'll get on making that reusable saran wrap soon.

[mrssarahrenee]

So I am new to this green stuff... CDing was my first foray in the cloth instead of paper world. Since then we bought some cloth napkins. Well I read this thread and then turned around and bought all the cloth things: unpaper towels, snack & sandwich bags, more cloth napkins and more cloth wipes (which we were already using...)

I am excited! I hope DH can get into it so that it works for our family!

[nonimouse]

I mostly lurked on TB, but figured I might actually join in over here.

I'm mostly on board the cloth instead of paper train. CD, obviously, and wipes, and cloth napkins (paper towels get used for pet messes and grease, that's about it). I've tried making cloth pads, but they were so-so. I need to get some cloth pantiliners to use with my cup. I'm probably too lazy to make them if anyone has etsy recommendations.

I made a home made cloth safe diaper cream a couple weeks ago (similar to cjs) and am loving it! I want to make another batch to use as lotion and lip balm. I also bought arrowroot powder to make my own deodorant, but haven't tried it yet. Anyone done that and have a recipe they like?

I bookmarked the beeswax Saran Wrap link--I'd love to hear how it works out for those who try it!

[flumma]

Jan 19, 2015 20:44:41 GMT -5 nonimouse said:

I mostly lurked on TB, but figured I might actually join in over here.

I'm mostly on board the cloth instead of paper train. CD, obviously, and wipes, and cloth napkins (paper towels get used for pet messes and grease, that's about it). I've tried making cloth pads, but they were so-so. I need to get some cloth pantiliners to use with my cup. I'm probably too lazy to make them if anyone has etsy recommendations.

I made a home made cloth safe diaper cream a couple weeks ago (similar to cjs) and am loving it! I want to make another batch to use as lotion and lip balm. I also bought arrowroot powder to make my own deodorant, but haven't tried it yet. Anyone done that and have a recipe they like?

I bookmarked the beeswax Saran Wrap link--I'd love to hear how it works out for those who try it!

I don't think any of us have actually gotten around to making it yet. Hopefully within the next year...

[mrslka]

Jan 19, 2015 20:44:41 GMT -5 nonimouse said:

I mostly lurked on TB, but figured I might actually join in over here.

I'm mostly on board the cloth instead of paper train. CD, obviously, and wipes, and cloth napkins (paper towels get used for pet messes and grease, that's about it). I've tried making cloth pads, but they were so-so. I need to get some cloth pantiliners to use with my cup. I'm probably too lazy to make them if anyone has etsy recommendations.

I made a home made cloth safe diaper cream a couple weeks ago (similar to cjs) and am loving it! I want to make another batch to use as lotion and lip balm. I also bought arrowroot powder to make my own deodorant, but haven't tried it yet. Anyone done that and have a recipe they like?

I bookmarked the beeswax Saran Wrap link--I'd love to hear how it works out for those who try it!

 I haven't used arrowroot powder for deodorant but I have been using a deodorant stone for years. My dad had never been able to find a deodorant that worked that he didn't have a bad reaction to so he tried that when I was maybe 12 years old, once he started using that my whole family (mom & brothers) also switched and that's all I have every used.  I can't imagine using regular deodorant. 

[ovenrack]

Ahhhhh me! I use someone's deodorant recipe. I love it. Was it MK?

2:2:1 - baking soda:coconut oil:arrowroot.

[sasq09]

I made my own deodorant for a while, but I had trouble with the temperature and consistency. If it was too cold it was too hard, or it melted if it was hot... I did like it but I think the fluctuating texture is why I stopped. I do want to try again though

[ellie]

Jan 19, 2015 21:02:40 GMT -5 ovenrack said:

Ahhhhh me! I use someone's deodorant recipe. I love it. Was it MK?

2:2:1 - baking soda:coconut oil:arrowroot.

How well does this work? Can I exercise or will I smell awful?

[ovenrack]

Jan 19, 2015 22:17:55 GMT -5 ellie said:

Jan 19, 2015 21:02:40 GMT -5 ovenrack said:

Ahhhhh me! I use someone's deodorant recipe. I love it. Was it MK?

2:2:1 - baking soda:coconut oil:arrowroot.

How well does this work? Can I exercise or will I smell awful?

It works really well for me.  Like sasq09 said, there's a bit of trouble with consistancy, in terms of hot/cold.  But I just adjust the oil to starch ratio slightly depending on the temperature (like, more oil in the winter and less in the summer).  

I reapply before I do a yoga class at night, but otherwise it is great!

Edit: but obviously it isn't going to work for everyone the same way. Worth a shot though! It's a cheap experiment once you have the arrowroot.

[nonimouse]

Jan 19, 2015 22:24:33 GMT -5 ovenrack said:

Jan 19, 2015 22:17:55 GMT -5 ellie said:

How well does this work? Can I exercise or will I smell awful?

It works really well for me.  Like sasq09 said, there's a bit of trouble with consistancy, in terms of hot/cold.  But I just adjust the oil to starch ratio slightly depending on the temperature (like, more oil in the winter and less in the summer).  

I reapply before I do a yoga class at night, but otherwise it is great!

Edit: but obviously it isn't going to work for everyone the same way. Worth a shot though! It's a cheap experiment once you have the arrowroot.

Ok, it never occurred to me to have winter and summer recipes--that's brilliant! How do you apply it? I was planning to just make it in a jar.

[nonimouse]

Jan 19, 2015 20:54:51 GMT -5 mrslka said:

 I haven't used arrowroot powder for deodorant but I have been using a deodorant stone for years. My dad had never been able to find a deodorant that worked that he didn't have a bad reaction to so he tried that when I was maybe 12 years old, once he started using that my whole family (mom & brothers) also switched and that's all I have every used.  I can't imagine using regular deodorant. 

I've never heard of deodorant stones! Off to google....