Rewards, Rewards, Rewards!!

Rewards, Rewards, Rewards!  Did I mention that there's rewards???
Yes -- for Companies and Individuals!!
You're excited about my project but maybe you forgot to notice there's a lot in it for you when you become a backer!  This blog is dedicated to reviewing everything you could be getting when you make a pledge today!  Take a look:

PLEDGE A FREE DOLLAR!
Even if you don't have a cent to pledge or a way to pledge, you can still donate a FREE dollar when you sign up for the Red Tricycle newsletter and put "Dirties on Diapering" in the referred by box!  Even if you make a money pledge, please still do this -- $1 can add up!  They are only doing this until 3/31, so hurry!  Here's the link: www.redtri.com/newsletter-signup

PLEDGE AN OFFICIAL DOLLAR!
It might not feel like $1 is much, but those little babies add up!  And as a Thank You for your offical $1 or more pledge, you now qualify for all of my backer giveaways!!  Giveaways are for cloth diapers and accessories!  And because these giveaways are for backers only, you have an awesome chance to win!  Also, if the project is successful, you will be entered into the biggest giveaway of all -- a chance to win a dozen cloth diapers of your choice! -- any brand and style!  Wow!  You can't beat that for just $1!

PLEDGE $15
For just $15 you will be one of the first people to receive a copy of the book upon completion!  This is a full color hard cover book and will retail for a lot more than $15 when it comes out.  This is an amazing deal and it all goes to helping get the word out that cloth diapers are important for babies, parents, and the environment!

PLEDGE $30
For just a bit more, you can get a full poster size photo print in addition to a copy of the book!  This poster size print will be a full color image from the published pages of the book.  When the time comes, I will select a few different images, and you will have the opportunity to choose which image you prefer.

PLEDGE $50
Along with your copy of this book, you will receive a cloth diaper!!  That's an amazing deal!  And the best part is -- you can choose any brand or style of diaper available!  A book, a cloth diaper, and helping other choose cloth!  ***Insert warm fuzzy feelings here.***

PLEDGE $100
This is the ultimate package deal for individual backers!  You will receive a copy of the completed book, a cloth diaper of your choice -- yes, any brand and style! -- cloth wipes, and a poster sized image from the book!!!  You can have it all!

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COMAPANY LEVEL REWARDS:

PLEDGE $250 or more
Your name will appear in the special Thank You section in the front of the book!  Don't forget this book is being published across the nation and beyond through Amazon.com & at Barnes and Noble!  And those are just the guarenteed places!  This book will also be available from the publisher to retailers at a discounted price -- so it will probably be available in many eco baby stores too!  Along with your name in the book, you will also get 2 poster size prints from the book and 5 copies of the book to give to co-workers, family, friends, or even your valued customers!  It's up to you!

PLEDGE $500 or more
Not only will your receive all the rewards of the $250 level, but you will get your name and logo in the back of the book in the Company Directory!!  Along with your name and logo, you will get 500 words to tell us about your company, program, or product!  That's the cheapest advertising rate I've ever heard of!  Plus, you'll get an extra poster and 5 more books -- making a total of 3 poster size images from the book & 10 books to share as you wish!  Win!

PLEDGE $1000
This is where it's at for cloth diaper companies!  My cover shot will be of babies wearing cloth -- will your cloth diaper be on the cover?  All cloth diaper companies who pledge this much will see their diaper on a baby on the cover!  One baby per company, per $1000.  Your diaper will be seen by everyone who even glances at the book!  Plus, you'll still get all the goodies from the $500 level too!  Sweeeet!  :-)

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NOW WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR??
Head on over to http://kck.st/hvm3LT and make your pledge today!  Everything is done securely through Amazon.com so you know you can feel safe. 

Nobody will be charged unless the project funding is successful by April 27, 2011.  If we don't meet funding goals, nobody is charged and nothing happens... except that I have to start allll over!  So if you pledged before, this is my third try, and you may need to re-submit your pledge.  Please head on over and check! Tweet This

Cloth Diaper Goodness

GOODNESS: –noun 1. the state or quality of being good. 2. moral excellence; virtue. 3. kindly feeling; kindness; generosity. 4. excellence of quality: goodness of workmanship. 5. the best part of anything; essence; strength. 6. a euphemism for god: Thank goodness!

With just over a month left to fund my photo journalism book project, to help spread the word that cloth diapers are best -- I'd like to take a moment to recognize some other great missions out there also trying to spread the love.  I would love to see these great projects also be in the pages of my book, so that after reading and SEEing why cloth is best, parents will see even more ways to help!

1.  Change 3 Things: Change 3 Things, created by Cotton Babies, is on a mission to help parents commit to changing at least three cloth diapers each day.  The idea is to help parents see that cloth diapers are so much easier than they seem, and to maybe help parents realize not only how much money they can save but the impact they will have!  Even parents with kids in daycare can change just 3 cloth diapers each day -- one or two in the evening, wear one overnight, and another in the morning!  Easy as pie! http://www.change3things.com/

2.  The Great Cloth Diaper Change: Coming the April 23, 2011 cloth diaper moms and dads across the nation will be changing their cloth diapers at the same time in order to put cloth diapering in the Guinness Book of World Records!  Not only will the event be the first of its kind in the big book, but it will create lots of media attention everywhere!  I love it!!  Find out how you can participate at a location near you (or even organize your own group!) at: http://greatclothdiaperchange.com/

3.  The Cloth Diaper Foundation, Inc.: This non profit organization is amazing!  Many parents who would love to cloth diaper to save money simply don't because they can't figure out how to manage the upfront cost.  The Cloth Diaper Foundation is dedicated to lending out enough cloth diapers to get any qualifying low income family started for as long as they need them!  Wow!  To learn more, to donate, or to apply, visit http://www.clothdiaperfoundation.org/

4.  Real Diaper Association: The Real Diaper Association is a non profit organization dedicated to educating parents about cloth diapering!  The organization helps cloth diapering parents and advocates create circles in their area to help promote cloth diapering, and provide gear and learning materials to do so!  I am a proud member of this organization!  Visit them and become a member today at http://www.realdiaperassociation.org/

5.  Cloth Diapers in Hospitals: This is a group of cloth diaper advocates excited to see more hospitals and parents choose to cloth diaper while at the hospital.  They are working with the RDA and trying to raise money with apparel in order to help promote the cause!  Not only would it have an amazing impact if hospitals chose to cloth diaper, but parents would be more aware of the choice from the beginning!  Visit their blog at http://clothdiapersinhospitals.blogspot.com/

6.  Cloth for the Coast: Created by Fuzzibunz, this great program takes your donated used cloth diapers, baby blankets, towels, and burp cloths and is using them for wildlife rescue and oil spill clean ups in both the USA and abroad.  Who knew you could recycle using cloth then clean up an oil spill!?  Amazing!  Visit them at http://www.communityforthecoast.org/

I know there are so many more!  So please make sure you leave your favorite cloth diaper missions in the comments below and read them too!

If you would like to support my mission to bring information to parents everywhere through a book of photo journalism and information, please make a pledge of even just $1 here: http://kck.st/hvm3LT

I am also still excited to bring on any green company sponsors!  Please make sure you read all of the exciting company rewards on my page, starting at only $250.  http://kck.st/hvm3LT

THANK YOU TO ALL OF MY BACKERS AND SUPPORTERS!  Tweet This

Backer GiveAway #3

****GIVEAWAY CLOSED*****
Congrats to the winner of giveaway #3 -- chosen by Random.org -- Dezi1986 you are the winner of an Evolution Diaper!!!  Please email me your color choice and mailing address to SugarSnapPhoto@gmail.com!
Giveaway #4 is coming very soon!!!!
THANK YOU TO MY AMAZING BACKERS!!


It has been an exciting week for The Dirties on Diapering!!  We have some exciting new sponsors and MANY new backers!!  A special shout out and thanks to Evolution Diapers, Ju-Ju Monkey, Cloth Diapers To Go, Nifty Nappy, and Bitty Bottoms!  Also, thank you so much to all of the bloggers who have helped spread the word!  I am always amazed by all the great people willing to help!  It's YOU who is making this project possible!  THANK YOU!!

And of course, as a Thank You, I am doing Backer GiveAways throughout the course of fundraising!  Backer GiveAway #3 is for an Evolution ION One Size Diaper!!  I am very excited about this company!  They have many features on their diaper new to the cloth diaper world!
Here's what excites me about Evolution Diapers:
1.  Adjustable Let and Waist Elastic!  If One Size wasn't exciting enough, Evolution Diapers has taken it a step farther with adjustable elastic around the legs and waist!  Their amazing diaper can take your baby all the way from 5lbs to 40lbs!
2.  The Evolution ION uses CoolMax technology to keep your baby cool!  The system keeps moisture away from baby's bottoms and helps it stay below in the absorbant hemp&cotton pad below.  Also, hemp helps keep bacteria away!  Less bacteria & Less moisture on baby = less diaper rash!
3.  The CoolMax technology helps the fabric dry faster, using less energy in the dryer or making hanging dry easier!  ...which is great for travel!
4.  When you use Evolution Diapers, it's like recycling twice!  The diaper's material is made of recycled fiber, offsetting the need to use more crude oils!  There may even be some recycled water bottles in this diaper!
5.  This diaper is easy to use and wash too!  These diapers are all one peice, making them go on just like a disposable, using gentle snap closures.  They are machine washable and dryable too!

If you are equally excited about Evolution Diapers, head on over to their webpage and check them out: http://www.evolutiondiapers.com/ and try to win one right here on this blog post!

HERE'S HOW TO ENTER:

Mandatory Entries:
1.  These giveaways are my way of saying Thank You to my project backers!  So the first requirement to enter is that you become a backer!  It can be for any amount, even just $1.  Any backer of any dollar amount gets the same 1 entry, so the amount you pledge does not affect your chances.  Everything is done securely through Amazon.com and Kickstarter.com, so you can feel confident your pledge is safe -- and nobody is charged unless the project funding is successful.  Here's where you go: http://kck.st/hvm3LT
2.  Post a comment saying you are a backer, along with what color Evolution ION you would love!

Extra Entries:
1.  Post about The Dirties on Diapering w/ a link to the page anywhere on Facebook!  Comment that you did with the link!
2.  Like me on Facebook (above)!  Comment that you did!

3.  Tweet about The Dirties on Diapering w/ a link to the page!  Comment that you did with your handle.

4.  Follow me on Twitter!  Comment that you did with your handle.

5.  Sign up for the Red Tricycle newsletter, putting "Dirties on Diapering" in the referral box -- for every sign up they will donate $1 to the project!  Comment that you did!

6.  Follow THIS blog!  Comment that you do! 

THANK YOU SO MUCH TO MY BACKERS!  You have until March 16th to enter Backer Giveaway #3!  Good luck!! Tweet This

Backer GiveAway #2

*********GIVEAWAY CLOSED***********

The winner of backer giveaway #2, according to Random.org, is Lara+Chis (aka @largirl)!  Congrats!!!  Please email your mailing address to SugarSnapPhoto@gmail.com to claim your prize!

Stay tuned for Backer GiveAway #3 REALLY SOON!!!

THANK YOU EVERYONE FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

Because GroVia was my very first major sponsor of The Dirties on Diapering during my very first round, I am excited to give away a GroVia AIO Diaper in my Backer GiveAway #2!!!  I hope that GroVia will notice that I am still very excited about them and would love to have them back for Round 3!

GroVia's AIO is exciting because of it's super absorbancy and ease of use!  It's made of organic cotton, which is my favorite part because cotton is so easy to wash!  There is no stuffing with this diaper and no need for a doubler!  This diaper is also a one size diaper, so it is made to grow and change with your baby.  You can change the snaps on the rise or the waist.  There is also a snap in soaker for overnights and heavy wetters -- and the fact that it snaps in assures that it doesn't bunch or move when your baby does!  And when your baby is ready for potty training, this diaper acutally works well as a pull up trainer too because of how stretchy the side panel is!  I know you can get excited about that!  A diaper that last from newborn through potty training!!  They have great colors and exciting new prints!  Check it out on their webpage: http://gro-via.com/product.php?pID=100421&cID=181

HERE'S HOW TO ENTER:

Mandatory Entries:
1.  These giveaways are my way of saying Thank You to my project backers!  So the first requirement to enter is that you become a backer!  It can be for any amount, even just $1.  Any backer of any dollar amount gets the same 1 entry, so the amount you pledge does not affect your chances.  Everything is done securely through Amazon.com and Kickstarter.com, so you can feel confident your pledge is safe -- and nobody is charged unless the project funding is successful.  Here's where you go: http://kck.st/hvm3LT
2.  Post a comment saying you are a backer, along with what size & color/print GroVia AIO you would love to win!

Extra Entries:
1.  Post about The Dirties on Diapering w/ a link to the page anywhere on Facebook!  Comment that you did with the link!
2.  Like me on Facebook (above)!  Comment that you did!
3.  Tweet about The Dirties on Diapering w/ a link to the page!  Comment that you did with your handle.
4.  Follow me on Twitter!  Comment that you did with your handle.
5.  Sign up for the Red Tricycle newsletter, putting "Dirties on Diapering" in the referral box -- for every sign up they will donate $1 to the project!  Comment that you did!
6.  Follow THIS blog!  Comment that you do! 

Thank you so much to all of my backers!  You have until Wednesday, March 2nd to enter!!!  Good luck!  More giveaways to come!

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A FREE Way To Donate $1

I am very excited to announce that Red Tricycle has offered to donate $1 to The Dirties on Diapering project for every person that signs up for their FREE online newsletter and puts in the 'referred by' box: "Dirties on Diapering"!!!  Red Tricycle has an exciting web page & newsletter too!  They have up to date information on things to do in your area with kids of all ages, news that relates to you, and ideas for food, fun, and travel!  If you are are equally excited about Red Tricycle, please head on over to: www.redtri.com/newsletter-signup and make sure you put "Dirties on Diapering" in the referred by box to make sure $1 goes to the cloth diapering photo journalism project!  Don't forget to tell your friends!  $1 can add up!  We have until March 31st to sign up!  Now, GO! :-) Tweet This

First Backer Giveaway!

****GIVEAWAY CLOSED!****
The winner of the Thirsties Fab Fitted & Cover, according to Random.org (comment #15)  is The Dirties on Diapering backer MARIA MOSER!  Thank you so much for supporting this project!  Please send your mailing address to: SugarSnapPhoto@gmail.com w/ your color choice for the diaper and cover!
STAY TUNED!!  ANOTHER GIVEAWAY WILL BEGIN NEXT WEEK!


Yes!  I plan on giving away many exciting cloth diapers and accessories during the 90 days of The Dirties on Diapering 3 to my well deserving backers!  As requested by a Facebook Fan, my first giveaway is for a Fitted Diaper!!!  A Thirsties Fab Fitted Diaper and Cover (winner's choice colors)!

Many people love Fitted Diapers for their great personal fit for any baby!  Thirsties Fab Fitted are stretchy and soft, with a layer of stay dry micro-fleece so baby's skin is always dry!  Inside is micro-fiber terry that can absorb up to 7x its weight in liquid!  Wow!!  Plus, gentle enclosed elastic around legs and torso make sure nothing can leak from any direction!  And one of the best parts is -- this diaper is made 100% in the USA!

When a water tight system is needed, pair your Fitted Diapers with a cover!  Thirsties Diaper Covers are adorable, waterproof, breathable and comfortable for baby's skin!  Good bye rubber pants!!!

So... HOW CAN YOU WIN THIS SET?

Required To Win:
1.  This giveaway is a big Thank You to my backers of The Dirties on Diapering 3 -- helping more moms choose cloth diapering of any kind through a photo journalism project and published book.  So, the first requirement is that you must be a backer of my project!  Any amount gives you 1 entry, even just $1.  Here's the link: http://kck.st/hvm3LT
2.  After you become a backer, please leave a comment on this blog post telling me you are and what color Fab Fitted and Diaper Cover you would love to win!  Check out the variety at http://www.thirstiesbaby.com/!

After you are finished completing the required entry above, feel free to do any of these for an extra entry:
1.  Follow me on Twitter!  @SugarSnapPhoto  Comment Below That You Did!
2.  Tweet This: "Help More Moms Choose #ClothDiapers And Try To Win Some Of Your Own! http://kck.st/hvm3LT"  Leave a comment below saying you did with your Twitter handle.
3.  "Like" me on Facebook!  Comment Below That You Did!
4.  Post a link to my project http://kck.st/hvm3LT anywhere on Facebook -- your page, a friend's page, a green company's page, etc... Comment That You Did With the Link!
5.  Follow this blog!  Comment that you do!

THANK YOU AGAIN TO EVERYONE FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

Winner Will Be Picked by Random.org Using The Comments on THIS Blog Post on Friday, February 18th!  Good Luck! Tweet This

The Dirties On Diapering Photo Contest!

Get ready to get artistic with this photo contest! The theme, provided by Pamela Pilon and winner of $20 to CottonBabies.com, is "A Look At Cloth Through Modern Art." Art of course is in the eye of the beholder, so this is an exciting opportunity to be creative! The only rule is that there must be a depiction of a cloth diaper in the photo, be it a real one, a drawing of one, a clay one, etc. It's up to you!

So what's up for grabs for the winners???

FIRST PLACE: A GroVia AIO Print Diaper of your choice, a BumGenius Diaper Sprayer, and two Kissaluvs Designer Cloth Wipes.

SECOND PLACE: A FuzziBunz Perfect Size Diaper any color


THIRD PLACE: Your choice $20 gift certificate to either CottonBabies.com or DiaperJunction.com

TO ENTER:

Email your photo and name to SugarSnapPhoto@gmail.com! You may enter up to 3 times.

All photos will be uploaded to a folder on The Dirties On Diapering Facebook page where fans will be able to vote on their favorites! Photos may be entered until April 20, 2011.  Voting will continue until April 30, 2011.

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48 HOUR CLOTH DIAPER AUCTION!

AUCTION CLOSED. I am getting ready to re-launch my Kickstarter project: The Dirties on Diapering!!  If you don't already know, it's a photo journalism project that SHOWS why cloth diapering is so important!  I want to create a full color photo, coffee table style book creating a more visual way to show the environmental effects of disposables, health risks, financial impact on moms and dads, and of course why cloth is so much more wonderful than it used to be!
During my funding launch I want to be able to promote my project and have many giveaways!  In order to have a little extra to do that I am holding this wonderful cloth diaper auction via my Facebook page!
All of the photos of the diapers are uploaded into the Auction folder under my page's photos.  To bid, please just leave a comment with your bid.  Starting prices are in the photo descriptions.  Prices are starting amazingly low, so go grab some great deals!  All funds will be collected via PayPal to SugarSnapPhoto@gmail.com.  Winners of the auction will need to pay within 48hours and sellers are expected to ship within 3 business days of receiving funds.  First $5 will go to the seller for shipping costs, the rest will go toward my project!
Thank you again for all of your support!  I have an amazing group of followers!  Happy Bidding!
Sincerely, Jamie.

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Gently Used Cloth Diapers and Accessories Needed For Auction!

CLOTH DIAPER ENTRIES FOR THE AUCTION IS NOW CLOSED. THE AUCTION WILL BEGIN VIA MY FB PAGE TUESDAY, JANUARY 18 AND WILL LAST FOR 48 HOURS. THANK YOU EVERYONE FOR YOUR PARTICIPATION! I hope everyone is getting excited about the next Kickstarter re-launch for The Dirties on Diapering photo-journalism book project!  It's coming here soon this January 2011!  I'm going to re-launch this time for the maximum 90 days!!  I have a great feeling this time about the project's success -- being that the third time's a charm right!!??  Yeah!!!  Plus after the first couple attempts, with each one being improved upon with better information and planning, I have received much more public attention both online via blogs, facebook, etc. and even some attention in some local NW newspapers!
Before my third funding launch, I want to host an auction via my Facebook page in order to raise funds for giveaway goodies to give my amazing and loyal backers during the 90-day funding marathon!  So I am asking right now for anyone who has some gently used cloth diapers, accessories, or amazing green baby products to donate their goods for the cause.  No matter what the item, the first $5 for each item will be given to the person donating the item in order to cover shipping, anything beyond that will go to my project. If you are outside the US, you can request a higher shipping charge but please remember that your item must sell for at least $1 over shipping costs to sell.  All funds will be exchanged via paypal -- so you have to have a paypal account to place your item in the auction.  That being said, here's what you need to do to donate your item(s):
-- Email me!  SugarSnapPhoto@gmail.com the following information:
1.  What is your item?  Cloth Diaper Brand?  Type?
2.  How long it was used and any visable wear if any.
3.  What kind of detergent was used.(if known)
4.  ONE quality picture showing as much as you can via that photo for each item. If you want to sell more than one item as a set, use one photo.
5.  Your PayPal email address.
When your item sells, I will paypal you $5.  If your item does not sell for at least $6, nothing will happen and you will keep your item.  It is expected that you mail your item to the winner of the auction within 3 business days of the auction close.
Please try to have your items to me by January 16th. Thank you so much again to everyone for your help with this project!  I am excited to be working hard on it again!
Sincerely,
Jamie Wilkinson

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gDiapers & Other Natural Disposable Diapers that use SAP

A big part of my photo-journalism project is on toxic chemicals in disposable diapers -- which has brought forward a powerful and controvertial conversation about a chemical called super absorbent polymer (SAP).  SAP is commonly found in most all disposable diapers -- even in "natural" brands.  If you were to tear open a disposable diapers, you would find many gel-like beads inside, this is the SAP.  It's what makes disposable diapers so absorbant, and it's also what keeps the moisture off of baby's behind.  There are many tests out there that show this chemical to be non-toxic and safe.
So what's the controversy about?
SAP was introduced into diapers during the 1960s.  It started in Japan, and made it's way to the United States.  Typically then 5-6 grams of SAP were found in each diaper -- today's new thinner diapers use double that.  Although SAP is often called "harmless," "swallowable," and "non-toxic" -- the CHEMICAL also often causes severe skin infections or worse.  During the 1980s, SAP was removed from super-absorbant tampons because of the increased risk of toxic shock syndrome.  In 1999, Archives of Environmental Health published a study where mice were exposed to various brands of disposable diapers and suffered eye, nose, and throat irritations -- even asthma attacks.
In my personal opinion, I feel like these negative studies are often overlooked because disposable diapers make up such a major part of the US economy.  Those major diaper companies have a lot of money to do research and studies to create any statement or results they want.  It's not hard to take a bunch of statistics and make them say anything.  And yes, that goes for both sides of any debate.  However, when it comes to studies about chemicals on my babies' most sensitive parts I prefer to play it safe and NOT use disposable diapers of any kind.
I bring this topic up because many people questioned why I would put a gDiaper in with the cloth diaper photos on my slide show promoting "The Dirties on Diapering" during round 2 funding.  gDiapers use a disposable insert using the chemical SAP.  They promote on their package that they are plastic free, biodegradable, and natural... but they still use SAP, along with other popular companies such as Seventh Generation & Earth's Best.  Although I do not support gDiapers' disposable inserts, I have to support the company.  Like many "green" companies, they are by no means perfect... but they do help in the right direction.  gDiapers were the first cloth diaper I chose when starting cloth.  I used disposables on my daughter for the first year until I became pregnant with my son.  I originally chose cloth because I wanted to save money.  Like most moms, I didn't even really know all of the facts about chemicals inside disposables and the real impact on the environment.  I was just doing what everyone else did.  So, to save some money, I bough some cute little gPants and a few packs of gCloth inserts (with gDiapers you can choose to use cloth or disposable inserts -- I used Cloth).  Now I mostly always use the bumGenius Elemental (aka Organic) because I love how easy the AIOs are and my heavy wetters never leak!  But I have to give thanks to gDiapers for pushing me in the right direction.  I originally chose gDiapers because I could use either cloth or disposable inserts.  I rarely even bought the disposable inserts once I realized how easy cloth was now.  Eventually I did grow less fond of using the snap-in inserts because of the steps involved and also because they need to be replaced every few months so they don't leak.  But I don't know if I would have been ready at first to dive right into cloth without the hybrid option.  It was also easier to convince my husband and family to try it if they had a disposable option when they were with the children.  So for those reasons I DO like gDiapers, and if you love their gCloth system, I see nothing wrong with that!  No SAP in their hemp/cotton fleece inserts -- which are super nice and soft!
However, because of the controversy and my opinion against SAP, I will no longer include photos of gDiapers to promote my photo journalism project.   I hope you understand gMums and gDads!  For those of you that choose to use the adorable little gPants, I ask you to please choose gCloth inserts and not the disposable!  Thank you!!! Tweet This

Diaper Economics 101

Most moms I know in my day-to-day life use disposable diapers.  Moms that notice me changing my kiddo's cloth diapers eventually always ask, "what do you do with the poop?"... However, I've noticed that the most common response is, "I think they're great, but they're too expensive."
Okay moms!  When you go car shopping, do you buy the brand new $100,000 Lexus because you can make the payments or do you buy the $5,000 gently used Honda because you can pay for it all now and have no payments ever again?  Not that disposable diapers are ANYTHING like a Lexus.  Disposables are rough little peices of paper with toxic chemicals inside that we wrap around our baby's most gentle parts and call it good because we can afford the payments!  Okay... calming down now.
Let's get real.  You're concerned about the upfront cost.
There are some great low-cost options to start your stash out there!  If you could spare just $100, you could have enough cloth diapers to start today using Econobum (www.econobum.com) -- and this will get you all the way through Potty Training!  But... but... but... so you see all those moms out there using fancy AIOs and Pocket Diapers, and that's what you want too!  Start with Econobum, and spend $16/month on a cute or easier diaper rather than $40/month each kid on something you will throw away!  The other beauty of cloth is that you can use them again and again and again for every child!  If you were using disposables, Consumer Reports estimates that you will be spending $1,500-$2,000/year for EACH CHILD on disposables!  You can even find many great deals on gently used cloth diapers if it doesn't bother you to use another family's diaper.  They all get washed anyway!  Another great option for low income families is the Cloth Diaper Foundation (clothdiaperfoundation.org) where you can apply to get started for just shipping!  The Cloth Diaper Foundation will send you enough gently used cloth diapers to get started while you build your stash.  When you're done, you just mail them back!  Alright, now let's pretend for a moment that you just found out you were pregnant -- let's even pretend it took 2 months to figure it out!  That leaves you 7 months to save for diapers.  I spent about $40/month each kiddo on my children for disposables back in the day (and I have 2 in diapers, so start multiplying).  If you put $40/month away for 7 months, you would have a really nice stash of cloth diapers!Okay, okay, so I've convinced you that you can afford the diapers!  But what about the extra water and detergent costs.  I'm going to have to wash these things!  I'm sorry, but having kids means you're going to have to wash a lot of extra cute little things anyway!  The moms at Cottonbabies.com say it costs them an extra $3/week to wash diapers once a week.  However, I'm going to guess most moms wash every 3 days, so we'll bump that to $6/week.  Not too bad.  I've actually never noticed the extra cost myself.  I buy laundry detergent anyway, and $6/week split between your water and heat bill, you'll never notice.And you have to admit, that warm fuzzy feeling you get when your kiddo's diaper matches his/her outfit AND is helping the planet AND you know it's chemical free AND your saving money!... now THAT is priceless! ... well, the price is at least LESS!

If you are new to cloth diapering, here are some great links:Getting Started...The Cloth Diaper Foundation: clothdiaperfoundation.orgDiaper Companies...
Econobum: Econobum.com
BumGenius: BumGenius.com
Kissaluvs: Kissaluvs.com
Nifty Nappy: NiftyNappy.com
Apple Cheeks: AppleCheeks.com
Bum Essentials: bumessentials.com
EnviroBum: EnviroBum.com
GroVia: Gro-Via.com
Fuzzibunz: FuzziBunz.com

Cloth Diaper Stores...
Cotton Babies: cottonbabies.com
Diaper Junction: diaperjunction.com
Kelly's Closet: kellyscloset.com
Eco Baby Gear (Portland): ecobabygear.com

Laundry...
YoreGanics: yoreganics.com

Information...
Real Diaper Association: realdiaperassociation.org


(PS- Sorry for all the written out web addresses, the Link option on Blogger doesn't seem to be working this morning) Tweet This

Content Planning

Here is a rough outline of my book content so far... imagine it via photography of course!

1. History of Diapering
.....a. Different Cultures
.....b. Invention of the Disposable
2. Health Concerns
.....a. Toxic Chemicals
.....b. Baby's Health (Rash, Athsma, etc.)
3. Environmental Concerns
.....a. Landfills
.....b. Water
4. Economical Impact
.....a. Cost Comparisons
.....b. Impact on the Business World
5. Cloth Diapering Today
.....a. Types
.....b. Washing
.....c. Hospitals & Daycares
.....d. Traveling Tips
6. Cloth Stories (Moms, Companies, Activists, Organizations) Tweet This

Portland Tribune Newspaper Article

A re-vamp of the Gresham Outlook's newspaper article has now been published in this month's Sustainable Life section of the Portland Tribune Newspaper!  Yay!  This newspaper will get an even larger market of people to learn more about cloth diapering!  Baby steps... baby steps... I love it!  Also, I'll be teaching another Cloth Diapering 101 class next month at Eco Baby Gear in SE Portland.  Just more wonderful ways to spread the word!  "Nobody likes change, except for babies in diapers!"

View The Article Here Tweet This

For The Love of Links!

Hey everyone! The compilation begins. I'm going to be collecting as much information via the web that I can over the next two weeks. So if you find any great links please post them in a comment in this blog! Things I'm especially looking for: information on any studies related to chemicals,health, and the environment and diapers of any type, hospitals that currently use cloth diapers, specific landfills dealing with diaper issues, history articles, groups or organizations for cloth, great stories about moms, etc. Thank you again for your help and support! I'm excited to start researching!

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Cloth Diapers in Hospitals Idea

Alright, so I've been brewing up some ideas about ways to both promote cloth diapering and help my "Dirties on Diapering" book project.  I've been especially excited about one idea that has been brewing in my brain lately.  I think it would be awesome to find some cloth diaper companies interested in donating some cloth diapers of any kind to a "Newborns in Cloth" project.  I go to the very well known Children's Hospital at Emanuel here in Portland, Oregon every week for my daughter's occupational and speech therapies.  I though it would be fun to make packages for nurses to give new moms as gifts that include one cloth diaper, a packet of informaiton about cloth diapering, and a free newborn photo shoot by me in the cloth diaper they receive!  I would of course get a model release for shared rights with the company that donated the diaper so that they get the photo in return for donating the diaper.  I wouldn't be making any money, but would at least be creating some awareness!  Also, I am adding a donation button to my webpage here to my paypal account for the project.  However, note that this is no longer through Kickstarter, so it is a donation only and nothing more.  The reward is simply helping more mamas choose cloth diapers, and in return helping our earth, baby's health, and even parents!  This way might be slower than having all of the funding up front, but I am excited to do this project no long how long it takes!  And I'll keep everyone up to date on any and all progress!  Thank you again for your support, and I'd love to get your feedback on my recent idea! Tweet This

Cloth Diaper Auction!

Get excited for some great deals on gently used cloth diapers!  All diapers being put up for auction are stain-free and in excellent condition.  You will find everything from Nifty Nappy (sponsor), BumGenius, Fuzzibunz, Thirsties, gCloth, and the list goes on!  You'll find covers, AIOs, wool, inserts, and more!  The auction price will also include shipping within the country the diaper belongs to.  Final purchase will go through PayPal and will be expected within 48 hours.
This event is being put on by SAPsMaMa: Natural Parenting in the Modern World.  You can find them on Facebook by clicking here.  There is a list of many items up for auction under their "Discussions" tab. The auction will take place on their Facebook page.  Also, be sure to check out the SAPsMaMa blog where you can find all of the latest reviews, giveaways, and information about natural parenting in the modern world!

THE DETAILS:

Gently Used Cloth Diaper Auction

Sunday, November 7, 2010 at 8:30pm CST

@ SAPsMaMa Facebook Page

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YoreGanics Review & Giveaway!

**UPDATE #2**

Yay!!!  So, I actually ended up doing an overnight soak in the Brightener & Whitener using that same diaper with the old stain.  And most of it really did come out!  Wow!  Amazing!  There is barely a spot in the middle where the stain was really thick, but I am very impressed with the results!  In fact, impressed enough I'm getting out some of my old clothes to do it with too!  Here's the pic ---------->>

UPDATE:  I have been informed that the old stain will come out if I do a 6-hour soak w/the Brightens & Whitens!  The test is on!!  Results published tomorrow!

**GiveAway Closed: Congrats to the winner, Melissa Phinney!**

While searching for green giveaways from various companies to help support my Dirties on Diapering photo journalism project, I was approached by a company called YoreGanics to do a Review & Giveaway on their laundry products!  It says right on their product that it is great for cloth diapering, so I gave it a shot!  I tried three of their products -- soap nuts, stain remover, and the brightens & whitens.


I have to admit, I was a bit nervous about putting nuts straight from a tree in with my laundry!  Especially my cloth diapers, which cost more than most of my clothes!  I had never even heard of this!  But when I opened up the little cloth bag, I could see that you tie them up in a small pocket-size cloth pouch so nothing gets into your clothes!  These soap nuts come from trees in Northern India and Nepal and contain a natural soap when agitated in water.  There is nothing added to these nuts, they are 100% natural and free of chemicals and fragrances!

 

My current laundry soap is just the ALL Free & Clear from the Fred Meyer around the corner.  I've always noticed that my diapers are clean, but after a bit they start holding smells.  About once a month I run a little bleach through and it seems to help, but even with the double rinse it leaves a bit of bleach smell too!  My biggest compliment to using YoreGanics soap nuts is that not only is there no smell at all to the soap, but it leaves no smell at all!  I don't know how it does it, because even form experience with other brands of natural soap there is sooome sort of smell, be it from the soap or the laundry or the water.  With the soap nuts there was nothing!  It was like they were brand new!  The other great thing about the soap nuts is that you can re-use the same nuts for a few washes!  When they start getting thin, you just toss them and get a new set.  I think that you could get even more loads out of a bag than what it says!

 

I also tried the Brightens & Whitens pouch.  Also no smells!  You just soak your laundry in a bit, dissolved in water before washing.  I do feel like they brightned up a bit!  It wasn't significant, but I feel like if you used this over time that it would really help keep your clothes and diapers in shape!  There's no bleach, so you're not going to wear away at your fabric.  It was very gentle and I would definitely recommend trying this to those who don't like the harshness of bleach!

 

The last thing I tried was the stain remover!  There seems to be a slight but sweet scent, but nothing that stays through the wash.  It comes in a spray so it's easy to put on.  You just squirt a bit on the stain, let it sit a few minutes, scrub if needed, and throw it in the wash!  I tried it on two different diaper stains... one old, and one new.  The new one was after my girl at blue-berries, ew I know, but I had to try it!  Those are the ones that really stick around!  It got the new stain out no problem!  Yay!!!  However, the old stain stuck around.  I wish I would have had the stain remover 3 months ago and the old one would never have been there!  So, for the stain remover I would recommend as long as you spray it on right away!  You could even spray it on right before you threw it in the pail so that it would have already sat by the time you do laundry that night!


 

I'm so glad I gave YoreGanics laundry products a try!  I really do love them for my cloth diapers!  And you can too!!!  They are going to give one of my readers a trio to try also!  To enter the giveaway all you need to do is leave a comment on this blog saying why you are excited to try YoreGanics!  The winner will be chosen at random by Random.org Friday, 10/22/2010 at 4pm PST!  Thank you so much to YoreGanics and my readers for supporting The Dirties on Diapering!



Old Stain BEFORE

 



 

Old Stain AFTER



Fresh Stain BEFORE



 


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Fresh Stain AFTER

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3 Days Left!

Just 3 days left to fund "The Dirties on Diapering!" This morning the local newspaper printed an exciting article about the project! You can read it here: http://www.theoutlookonline.com/news/story.php?story_id=128754074637896700 Hopefully that will help spread the word, at least locally, and maybe help people elsewhere that may be skeptical see that I'm a real person doing a real project!
Also, I've had people questioning the financial breakdown of where the money will go, so here's a brief look:
Publishing Costs: $2,000
Backer Rewards, Books, & Cloth Diapers for backers: $3,000
Journalism costs (travel to landfills, hospitals, companies, science labs,etc. plus some needed equipment and legal): $3,000
Also, I'll be posting an update Friday with a list of everyone who has won something along the way so if you missed your name you don't miss out!
Be on the lookout for my review on YoreGanics this afternoon right here on my blog!  I will be having a giveaway too! And don't forget to follow me on Facebook for even more giveaways!
Thank you to everyone for all of your support! You rock!

Jamie Wilkinson @sugarsnapphoto
Sugar Snap Photography
SugarSnapPhoto.com

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UPDATE -- 4 DAYS TO GO!

It's been a bit since I've been able to update everyone, but now it is time for a 4-day marathon!  The end of Round 2 funding is coming to an end this Saturday at 12pm/PST.
Today I am working on a winner's list so people have a place to go check if they have won!  We have been giving away lots of goodies, and there are more to come!  If you are a company with a giveaway, it's not too late!  Just let me know what you would love to give one of my backers and I will be sure to post it and get you the winner's information!
Also today, I am working on a general break-down of the project costs so that everyone knows where the money is going!  I've had a few questions about publishing and production costs.
If you live in the Portland, OR area be on the lookout for the Gresham Outlook tomorrow!  Wednesday's paper will have a story about this project!  I hope that will bring in the much needed last minute pledges!
I definitely need everyone's help spreading the word about this project!  I'm working hard to keep up with both the project deadline and my family.  I would really love to see us make it this time around!  I know we can do it!  Thank you again to everyone for your amazing support! Tweet This

Cotton Babies Gift Certificate Giveaway!

We are sooo close to hitting $1,000!  Don't forget, I will be giving one lucky backer a $20 gift certificate to Cottonbabies.com when we reach $1,000!  You only need to pledge $1 to be entered to win!  Thank you again everyone for your support! Tweet This