On cloth diapers

I don't think I've ever written about our experience using cloth diapers, and some of you have shown an interest in the past, so here we go.

We have been using cloth since day 1,when Emilu was first born. Back then I spent many weeks of research, going back and forth with friends that were already on board with cloth, and all the other related things like how to wash and what detergent was best.  Shortly after, we were sold on the idea of a cloth diapering system.  What appealed to us was the sustainable lifestyle. Sustainability is about conserving as much as we possibly can.  So, we liked the idea of not contributing to a carbon polluting product by buying and disposing massively. But we also love the money we are saving by not buying a pack of regular diapers every week.

But cloth diapering is not for everyone...

Women who make beautiful things

I came across this jewelry shop while watching bits of the Today showing the other day.  Kathy Lee was wearing a beaded necklace, which she revealed was made by a group of Ugandan women.  Now that I'm DIYing bracelets and other jewelry pieces, I was intrigued by their work.

The company is called Thirty One Bits and their mission is simple, to empower women to rise above poverty, thanks to these women, who made it possible. Did I mentioned the beads are made of paper!
I have my eyes on a couple of bracelets for this Summer. Would you buy from these amazing women? Mother's Day is a good excuse to get a beautiful necklace, and you will be helping a worthy cause.

A sustainable home

I dream of living in a sustainable home some day.  In fact, we are a green family.  From cloth diapers to massive recycling, it's the way we think everyone should live, especially with all the information on climate change and limited resources we now possess.  And a sustainable home doesn't have to be a boring, unattractive place.  This home is living proof.

This magnificent house, designed by Zen Architects and inspired by the owner’s intuitive connection with landscape is located in Melbourne, Australia. Rainwater is collected and re-used in the garden and for plumbing systems throughout the house. Passive cooling and heating is provided by a two storey north facing void that allows sun to penetrate deep into the house, heating the exposed concrete floor and ceiling, and by windows that allow enough breeze to be cooled by the presence of courtyard plants and a pond. Just brilliant!

{Images via Archithings}