When you have a newborn baby, you go out and spend major bucks on a fancy schmancy diaper bag to hold the three hundred things needed for baby care on the road. It’s got diapers, clothes, bottles, formula, a first aid kit, fever medicine and the list goes on and on…and on.

After about a year or so, the amount of stuff you need to take dwindles down considerably and hauling what you do need in that giant bag just seems ludicrous. The bag takes up most of the trunk space and it’s hardly got anything in it.

It’s time to put that bag in the attic and find an alternate carrying case for your baby’s clothes and diapers that is both cheap and durable. For short trips out, I just throw a couple of diapers and some wipes in my purse…which is awesome…but for longer trips, there are still several extra items that I need to bring along.

It took me a long time to find this mystical “perfect bag.” Plastic bags were too flimsy and a choking hazard. Paper bags were too unwieldy and didn’t hold up well over time. Backpacks cost too much money and the kids kept wanting to take them.

One day at the grocery store, I saw the reusable shopping bags and had a light bulb moment. I bought several for my groceries and took them home. When the groceries were put away, I folded up the bags and placed them in the trunk of the van for later.

A few days later we decided to go see my in-laws and I began packing the diapers, wipes and extra clothes for the trip. I grabbed a couple of the reusable bags and loaded them up with the goodies. They are sturdy, cheap and are designed to fit well in a car.

When all is said and done and we’re back home, they fold up and take up hardly any space in the trunk. They are great for other uses too. Long trips can be a pain when the kids start getting restless, but a bag filled with extra books, activities and toys can keep even the most anxious kid occupied.

I admit that I do miss the days of the old diaper bag. I don’t know if it’s the nostalgia of having a baby or just the coolness of the bag. Our trusty, giant diaper bag is currently collecting dust in the attic, but there is no guarantee that it won’t be brought out again. What? I still need that girl.

In the meantime, I am reveling in my economic and ecologic diaper bag alternative. You should try it out for yourself, too!

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Shop These Great Eco-Baby Products and More

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Join the green movement today and get on board with Old Navy and TerraCycle for a special Earth Day program called The Flip-Flop Replay. This special reclamation project was created to help reduce waste and build communities nationwide. Starting today, Old Navy locations across the country will be displaying large, colorful collection bins for people to bring in and donate their used flip-flops to the cause. At the end of the month-long program, TerraCycle will then recycle the collected flip-flops into four playgrounds, which will be installed in communities across the United States.

What a terrific way to put your old flip-flops to use, wouldn’t you agree? After all, it’s for the kids. I know I have a few pairs I’ve been holding on to that I no longer wear. I’m sure you do, too!

The Flip-Flop Replay will run from April 22 – May 21, 2011 at Old Navy locations across the country. Visit TerraCycle to learn more and find out about the many ways you can help reduce waste. Here’s to living green!

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Crayola is going green with a new Solar Farm. They are celebrating with a contest with 10 winners who will be named to the Green Team. The Green Team will take a trip to Crayola Headquarters in Pennsylvania to help plug the new Solar Farm into the sun! The contest is open to kids in grades K-8. The challenge is to “create artwork that shows how kids can make a greener world in school, at home or in their community using originality and creativity.”

For inspiration, ask yourself:

• What if I could make my school more green?
• What if there was a green superhero? What would he do?
• What if there was a green robot who could plant trees and gardens?
• What if there were no more water bottles?
• What if I could get the world to recycle?
• What if I could create a new source of renewable energy?

Crayola is taking submissions of artwork between now and June 28th. Voting will open to the public July 6th-21st when all of the pictures go up on their Facebook Fan Page gallery. The winners will be announced on August 5th. For more information, visit Crayola.

Image Source: flickr.com/photos/lubinski/3122826039

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I love how they make them in such bright colors and patterns.  This one called “good vibe stripe” is super cute.

Babies can be a bit stylish while crawling around the house in their diapers in the summer.  This beautiful color called “grass green” reminds me of the summer…so pretty!

Has anyone tried these diapers?  Do you like/love/hate them?

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Eco-dough is 100% natural, environmentally safe play-dough made with plant, fruit and veggie extracts. 100% natural means no chemicals, artificial dyes or metals. Even the containers are 100% compostable! Problems with kids leaving lids off or leaving dough out to harden overnight? Eco-dough doesn’t dry out like commercial brands, and if it’s left out overnight, a few drops of olive oil bring it right back to life! It doesn’t stain and easily cleans up. I like the sound of that!

Most of all: No more worries when it goes in your kids’ mouths! And you KNOW it’s going to! ~ Dawn

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As you gear up for back-to-school shopping, consider an eco-friendly alternative to the traditional pencil. TreeSmart Products offers pencils made from 100% recycled newspapers! A 24-pack is just $9.50, but teachers might want to stock up with a 72-pack for $26.

I want some for the pencil holder on my desk just because they’re so pretty! ~ Dawn

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No need to plug in for recharging and no batteries required! Your child provides the power for these off-road vehicles from Sprig Toys. Regular push and pull play charges up each vehicle enough to power the lights of the Adventure Guides helmets. The Discover Rig allows kids to hear the Guides tell about their adventures (safari, outback, arctic, Amazon and Himalayan) and incorporates motor sounds and songs. Two “sidekick vehicles” are also available in addition to the Discover Rig. Each vehicle and Adventure Guide is made from recycled materials.

Sprig uses no decorative paint, use minimal packaging, and manufacturing partners are chosen to minimize the company’s carbon footprint on the planet. The company plans to expand the line of toys and keep all vehicles and guides interchangeable. Available through Toys ‘R Us, Target and other select retailers.

Happy exploring! ~ Dawn

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Named Creative Child Toy of the Year 2007, Soysilk Pals are made from SoySilk, which comes from the waste produced from making tofu. This means it’s a completely renewable resource that is 100% biodegradable! And with the heavenly feel of cashmere, who can resist? The line currently consists of six pals, and they also offer a blanket. Here’s the description for Soynia the bunny:            

             
“Soynia is a bunny. She’s super playful, really fast, and has the most contagious giggle you’ve ever heard. Soynia is a vegetarian too. Known for giving big hugs and warm cuddles, this little bunny is one of the best friends anybody can have.”

             
I think you need one just to hear her contagious giggle… – Dawn

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Wondering what to do with the Crocs that you and your family have outgrown or worn-out? Now, you can recycle them! Crocs has created a company called Soles United that turns the materials from old Crocs into new ones. Last year, the company gave away 1 million pairs of shoes to people in need around the world. This year, they’d like to double that amount. You can find a participating retailer near you, or you can simply send your old pair directly to Soles United.

Do your part by taking or sending your old ones in, OR start a “Croc Drive” in your neighborhood to collect everyone’s old pairs! You can also help out by purchasing a recycled pair for your child or yourself. The company will match your purchase by donating a pair to someone in need. The only drawback right now is that the recycled Crocs are only available in one color (Cocoa), but for such a great cause, you can sacrifice some “pizazz.”

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