I subscribe to a newsletter from Babyworks, which is a cloth diapering company here in Portland. I love their stuff, and try to use it when I can. They had this article in their latest newsletter, a reminder for us moms to do what we can. We likely can't do all listed here, but every little bit helps cut down waste which cuts down costs (the bottom line for most families).

Earth Day 2010

"The 40th anniversary of Earth Day came and went with little talk about the environmental considerations of cloth vs. disposable diapers. I hope to put more effort into bringing this issue to light for the next one! Each one of you using cloth diapers for 2 years or more is keeping one ton of solid waste out of our landfills.

Earth Day is a good time to take a moment to appreciate the beautiful planet on which we live. It's also an opportunity to look at our lifestyle choices to see if there are ways, step by step, we can tread more lightly on the planet's resources in all facets of our lives. The days of fanaticism are gone, for most; many of us use disposable and less desirable products from time to time. It's about doing the "best we can," "most of the time," and working towards better alternatives, bit by bit. After all, every single thing we do has an impact on the environment. Collectively, we can have a great impact.

10 simple ways to be kinder to the Earth (one is free!):

Buying quality, reusable products not only helps the solid waste situation, it tends to save you money over the long run. Patronizing small, conscientious companies supports a more sustainable way of doing business.

Here 9 categories of products Babyworks sells that are sound environmental choices, beyond the obvious cloth diapers (plus, one bonus category, that you have to provide!) These are also safe and healthy choices for your baby:

1) Organic Baby Clothing - No chemicals used in the growing of the cotton, no chemical residue on your baby's clothing.
2) Natural Skin Care Products - Made by small and caring companies, these products contain understandable ingredients and safe, simple formulas.
3) Natural Cleaning and Laundering Products - non-polluting formulas are much gentler on the earth and work just as well as the conventional counterparts. And bulk sizes, if practical, are the most environmentally sound choice of all...reducing number of packages purchased and trips to the store. (may I add less allergies)
4) Reusable Wet Bags - instead of plastic bags for carrying your diapers.
5) Reusable Baby Wipes - rather than chemical-containing disposable wipes sold in plastic tubs.
5) Natural and Organic Baby Toys - safe for baby to hold and chew on, and made by small companies, without "don't ask don't tell" manufacturing practices.
6) Wool Puddle Pads, processed without chemicals, instead of plastic or vinyl mattress protectors.
7) Reusable Training and Night Pants - rather than the throwaway versions that are SO expensive!
8) Reusable Swim Diapers - rather than disposable swimwear.
9) Make Your Own Baby Food - to reduce consumption of store-bought baby foods. Much cheaper, and your baby will get to enjoy the foods that you enjoy!
10) And the best, most sustainable tip of all: Always give your baby more "Love" than "Stuff." :-)

And do remember to expose your kids to nature! A connection to the outdoors is so needed to balance things out in an era of too much electronic entertainment and overstimulation, and to foster a lifelong joy of nature and respect towards it. Easier to love trees when you spend time amongst them!"

http://babyworks.com/

I will also add, that the best way to reduce costs and waste is to buy used. This reduces out-of-pocket money, but also reduces packaging (how much of our garbage is packaging from this or that?) I've made it my goal to reduce packaging wherever I can. Our garbage went from one can full every week (bursting) to now 1 can 2/3 full every two weeks. Our grocery store has a huge bulk section that I use regularly, and then recycle/reuse the bags so that also helps, as well as buying raw items rather than anything prepackaged. Food scraps can become compost for plants, or get a dog (they help immensely, although our chickens get most of our food scraps). We also burn all our paper, but most places it can be recycled. There's my schpeil for 'Earth Day'.