As I continue my cloth diaper journey over this past year I have become associated with many wonderful companies, organizations and people who support the modern cloth diaper revolution. I’m still trying to decide how I can best serve the cause and bring cloth diapers into more homes. One way I have began advocating cloth diapers is through the Real Diaper Association (RDA). I am in the process of becoming an RDA Circle Leader…an advocate for cloth diapers in the community.
The RDA is a non-profit organization who works with parents all across the US to encourage the use of reusable cloth diapers 100% of the time! I like to say that I use cloth diapers 99.99% of the time…and I cringe every time I put Lil’ B in a hard, crunchy sposie.
My commitment to cloth diapers is primarily an environmental commitment. Research shows that cloth diapers are far better for the environment than disposables. Even though you will use slightly more water for washing…your babies environmental butt-print (hehe!) will be greatly reduced when using cloth diapers.
How can I help? By introducing cloth diapers to others in my own community (and online!). We’ve already worked to educate our babies caregivers, our family, and our friends to the world of cloth diapers. I have several friends of mine who have recently given birth or are expecting…and I continue to share my own experiences with them. Disposable diapers are readily available and accepted as the norm…cloth diapers are not. When I mention to my friends that we use cloth they think I’m some new aged, hippie chick! I’m just a normal working mom with a normal family. Yes, we (OK…I) am a little obsessed with eco-issues and my friends have learned to love me for it. Just like with recycling and CFLs…I believe that cloth diapers will one day be considered the norm as well.
And I will continue to share my own cloth diaper journey with others…one baby at a time! What about you? Is your baby in 100% reusable cloth diapers all the time? Do you want to learn more about cloth diaper or the RDA?
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I love your post!!!!! I am a new cloth diapering Mama in SC and NOBODY here cloth diapers. I have had to do my complete education online, you tube, blogs, etc. not to mention shopping I found a great lady in PA that has been beyond helpful!! People think I'm weird bcz why not use disposables! My LO has sensitive skin and it's so much better for him!! I think people are intimidated and think it will be gross and it's not, no more than disposables, well a little maybe, but not bad. I also think the expense is staggering to people. They just can't wrap themselves around paying $15 for one dipe or a dipe cover and a whole bunch of prefolds. I had a hard sell w/hubby on that, although OVERALL it's cheaper, but when you're on a budget it's hard to invest a lot when you can pick up a box of pampers for $20. It's hard to educate people on that. I try to compare it to potty training. You have accidents, you have to clean them, no different, so you can cloth diaper!! I would love to help other Mom's cloth diaper too, although I'm such a newbie myself. I have been cd'ing for 2 1/2 months & this will be my last baby in cd. I didn't know about it with DS (6) or I would've tried. I am 37 and on my last baby and really hate this is the only one in cloth. I wish people could get that you can also resell your cd, so you use them, and still get some money back out of them. I could go on and on about the great benefits, not to mention the environment!
That is wonderful! I love the RDA and everything they do to help people learn more about cloth diapers. I look forward to reading about your experiences as a circle leader!
Hi there, I to am trying to spread the word about CD's in my area… but it's been a difficult challenge. I've called many retailers and they always say there are interested but I never get a call back or an okay. I've been sent a few diapers to show off, but not sure what else to do! Your post has encouraged me to go on… THANKS
The best way to clean cloth diapers is to pre-rinse them off in the toilet using a Hand Bathroom Bidet Sprayer. So convenient and if you are trying to help the environment (and your pocket book) you can give it a double whammy by virtually eliminating toilet paper use at the same time as you benefit from using it on the diapers, by using it on yourself. I'm not sure how many people know this but that is what they were originally created for. I think Dr. Oz on Oprah said it best: “if you had pee or poop on your hand, you wouldn't wipe it off with paper, would you? You'd wash it off” Available at http://www.bathroomsprayers.com they come in an inexpensive kit and can be installed without a plumber. Now we're talking green and helping the environment without any pain.
Hi there — I'm new to your site (via your comment @ http://clothdiapers.blogspot.com/2009/10/ftc-ru… ). It seems to me that one way you could both help raise awareness AND maintain your credibility, while not increasing the size of your stash is by doing giveaways like many other sites do, but doing them as giveaways of products *once you've reviewed them.* Better yet, do some giveaways to moms who commit to at least trying to cloth diaper. Personally, I trust someone's review of something better if I know they're not receiving it to keep, but to pass along. So they have no ties either way. I hope this makes sense. I'm writing in haste.
My “babies” are almost 15 and 13, and talk about weird looks when I used cloth diapers! But I laugh to think that was completely the norm 40 some years ago, and disposables were strange!
I can say this… I saved a TON of money, because I laundered my own also. That money makes a really nice seed for (yes, believe it or not it's not too early to think of this) college funding. I estimate that 15 years ago, I saved about $500 over the course of babies in diapers. I also suggest a one time investment in GOOD cloth diapers with the velcro tabs and diaper covers at the time didn't work well for me, but I had the good old fashioned rubber pants.
Thanks for carrying the cloth “torch” to the future. It absolutely matters.
My “babies” are almost 15 and 13, and talk about weird looks when I used cloth diapers! But I laugh to think that was completely the norm 40 some years ago, and disposables were strange! rnrnI can say this… I saved a TON of money, because I laundered my own also. That money makes a really nice seed for (yes, believe it or not it’s not too early to think of this) college funding. I estimate that 15 years ago, I saved about $500 over the course of babies in diapers. I also suggest a one time investment in GOOD cloth diapers with the velcro tabs and diaper covers at the time didn’t work well for me, but I had the good old fashioned rubber pants. rnrnThanks for carrying the cloth “torch” to the future. It absolutely matters.