by Heather Burns - mom, blogger, and owner of SmartMomma

As we come upon Earth Day 2012, I am reflecting on what I can do to contribute to a cleaner earth for me and generations to come.  I admit, in the past I have not been the most conscientious re-user, recycler, conservator, etc...  I use plastic bags when I go to the grocery store, my two school-aged boys were reared in disposable diapers when they were babies, I love air conditioning, and probably use it when I could just open the windows (although part of this is due to allergy season), and the list goes on.  I do recycle, but mostly because the city of Raleigh requires me to do it, and they make it pretty easy for me.

I actually own re-usable grocery bags, but darn it, I’m always forgetting to take them with me to the grocery store, probably because as a working mom of three (including a new baby), I’m lucky to even remember to bring my wallet.  I really do mean well though, and I am trying to change.  For example, I just went to Harris Teeter and actually remembered to bring my re-usable bags.  Also, I have decided to mostly cloth diaper my new baby girl, Riley.
I have to tell you it feels really good to pass right by the disposable diapers and not have to buy them; it makes me feel good to use re-usable snack bags instead of zip lock bags when making my sons’ lunches; and it feels good to recycle my bottles, cardboard, and cans.   I’m not quite ready to compost or anything, but hey, I’m really making strides!

It could be because as an owner of a baby store, I am more exposed to natural parenting.  Before I had this business, I don’t know if I would have ever even considered cloth diapers.  You see, I am not the most organized person (talk to my staff and my husband, and they’ll tell you it’s true).  Just last week, I forgot a parent-teacher conference and I misplaced my keys twice.  In my opinion, it takes organization to keep up with doing cloth diapers.  You have to remember to do laundry every three days, and that is tough for me.  So, I do allow myself a pack of Luvs at my disposal.  If I didn’t have that, Riley would probably have her bottom wrapped up in a Target bag and paper towel once in a while.  So, if I can do cloth, anyone can!

This Saturday, April 22, is Earth Day, and I encourage you to learn more about cloth diapers.  SmartMomma and other local baby stores are having events and sales on cloth diapers and other items.  We would love to have you there, to learn more about the benefits of cloth. 

If you already cloth diaper, bring your baby to SmartMomma for the 2012 Great Cloth Diaper Change, in which participants around the world will be attempting to break the Guiness Book World Record for the most cloth diapers changed at once! 

Heather Burns is a mom of three and local store owner.  She is the owner of SmartMomma, a baby store in Raleigh, NC.  www.smartmomma.com