Coming from the Greek words geo (earth) and therme (heat), Geothermal heat pumps like the McQuay Enfinity Water Source Heat Pumps receive their energy from the earth to heat and cool the home with natural warmth. Using the environmentally safe R-410A refrigerant, it cools your home without depleting the ozone layer, making the choice for a new heat pump that much easier.

Jason Ingram (owner of Ingram's Water and Air) Says

"Installing a geothermal system is equivalent to planting 750 trees or taking two cars off the road."

While helping the environment and reducing energy costs, the McQuay heat pump has a patented sound barrier that makes the unit extremely quiet and produces a higher level of energy efficiency than any other geothermal units on the market. Federal incentives alone can cover 30% of the total cost, including equipment and installation.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Reports

"Homeowners typically experience an annual savings of 30 to 70% when compared to ordinary systems, and geothermal units will pay for themselves within 4-5 years."

If you're looking to go green, need a replacement heat pump, or just want to save your hard earned money, a geothermal unit with the McQuay heat pump is the way to go. You're gaining impressive savings while helping the environment, and with a geothermal unit there are no worries to have about flames, fumes, odors, or carbon monoxide.

Federal Tax Incentive

Geothermal heat pumps qualify for the government tax credit, which gives you a 30% tax credit for all out of pocket expenses involved in purchasing and installing your new geothermal system.

That's a huge savings offer, especially in our nation's current economical status.

State Rebate Program

Each state is also offering a rebate for qualified geothermal purchases.  It seems they have around $2.5 million dollars or more allocated to the rebate incentive.

For Kentucky residents a $400 rebate is offered.

Click Here For Details

Federal Renewable Energy Grant

Besides the tax credit and state rebates, it seems Geothermal Heat Pump Systems are also eligible for  2 different grants to assist consumers in purchasing the new energy saving geothermal systems.

One of the grants offers 30% for property that is part of a qualified facility, qualified fuel cell property, solar property, or qualified small wind property or 10% for all other properties (which includes residential homeowners).

Click Here For Details

The second grant offers 25% of total project cost, which includes any out of pocket expenses involved in purchasing and installing your geothermal heating and air system.

Click Here For Details

Get Your Geothermal Heating & Air System Today

With all grants, tax credits, and rebates, Western KY residents would essentially only end up paying only $1,743.35 for a geothermal system that would originally cost $6,123.00 (which includes everything you need to install and run the system).

The grants do have specific qualifications you must meet in order to receive them, so make sure to read the qualifications to make sure you are eligible.

For more information contact Ingram's Water and Air at 1-800-360-1569 and let them assist you in finding the perfect unit to fit your needs.

Or you can visit their website at www.ingramswaterandair.com

Use coupon code helloky to get $50.00 off, or mention HelloKY.com!

For example, coffee grounds.  Sure, you can put them in a compost pile, but what if you want something a little more...creative?

Make Coffee Ground "Fossils"!

What You'll Need:

• 1 cup of used coffee grounds
• 1/2 cup of cold coffee
• 1 cup of flour
• 1/2 cup of salt
• wax paper
• mixing bowl
• small objects (to make impressions, ex - cookie cutters or lids)
• empty can, glass, or butter knife
• straw (optional)
• string (optional)

Instructions:

• Stir together the first four ingredients until well mixed.
• Knead dough, then flatten on waxed paper
• Use the empty glass or can to cut circles OR you can cut slabs using your butter knife
• Press the objects (cookie cutters, toys, etc) firmly into the dough to make "fossils."  If you would like to hang your "fossil," use a toothpick or straw to poke a hole.
• Let the fossil dry overnight (up to 2 days) or bake for a short period of time to harden dough (and then let it dry the rest of the way).

Other Fun Things To Do With Coffee Grounds:

• Deodorizer - If you have smells in the refrigerator or freezer, dry your coffee grounds in the oven  on a cookie sheet and then put them in a bowl in the refrigerator.  Or, you can fill an old stocking/pantyhose with dried grounds and tie the end with a string to hang in your closet (not touching your clothes).
• Compost them or sprinkle around your acid-loving plants for plant "food."
• Deter ants - sprinkle coffee grounds to deter ants or on a hill, where they will eat them and later, die.
• Dye - coffee grounds make a rich brown dye - which can be used on canvas, cloth, paper, etc.
• Disguise furniture scratches by using coffee grounds (wet)
• Use as an abrasive when cleaning (tough grease on dishes, counter tops, etc.)
• Kitty repellent - sprinkle with orange peels around plants to help keep kitties out of the garden
• Flea dip - Shampoo your cat or dog as usual, followed immediately (while they're still wet) with wet coffee grounds, rubbed into their fur.  Then, rinse.
• Hair darkener - Brunettes can rinse their hair with coffee to add extra luster and color.
• Skin care - Use as a "mask" or for "skin dermabrasion."
• Cooking - add leftover coffee (or FRESH grounds) to cakes and cookies.  Some even like it as a meat tenderizer.
• Faux Beard - If you need a quick costume, use a little honey and some coffee grounds (dried) to make a beard.
• Fishing - Keep bait worms alive by mixing coffee grounds into the soil before you add worms.
• Make Treasure Stones - Mix 1 cup flour, 1 cup used coffee grinds, 1/2 cup salt.  Slowly add 1 cup of water to make a stiff dough (pour slowly, you may not need all of the water).  Knead on a floured surface until fairly smooth and break the dough into desired rock sizes.  Hide small toys in the center and let it air dry 3-4 days.  Once it's dry it'll look like a rock and can be broken open to reveal a "surprise!"

This week, I want to challenge you to "tackle your trash."  Not necessarily literally, but if you're up for the mess...go for it!  Take a hard look at the contents in your trash can.  Write a list (preferably on a scrap piece of paper or on the back of junk mail).  Then, beside each item, brainstorm some ways that you could minimize or completely eliminate those items from your "trash list."

For example, my list might look a lot like this:

• paper towels - Switch to cloth towels.  I will use cloth napkins for dinners, gradually increasing my supply.  I will use blue "shop rags" for dirtier messes, dish towels for dishes and simple water spills and rags from old clothes to clean up really gross messes.  I may hide one roll of towels to be used in case of pet messes, but I'll put them up where my kids and husband won't see them.
• pizza boxes, toy packaging, food packaging, drink packaging - Recycle them.  Also, I can look for food/drink products that come with less packaging in the first place.  I could also make more of my food rather than buying so much store bought, which would cut down on the packaging in itself.
• junk mail and papers - Recycle the paper that I already have and sign up to have my name put on the "no junk mail" list.
• 2 magazines I've already read - The ones that are already in the trash, will stay there.  But, from now on, I could send my magazines to friends.  (My friends and I actually already have a "magazine circle" where certain magazines take certain trips around, and we all participate so we get to read some magazines we normally wouldn't get to without subscribing to 20!
• Tinfoil and saran wrap from leftovers - Some people would say to "rinse it," but I'd rather pay more attention to my leftovers and put them into glass storage containers that I'll wash later.
• Toilet Paper - Technically, I could do a few things here.  But, this is one that I choose to keep.  Although, I could buy more "biodegradable" stuff, I'm not sure if I'm willing to do that just yet.
• Baby diapers - Will consider using the new cloth diapers.

Once you have your list, the next step is to act on it.  Begin setting yourself up for success.  If you plan to make crafts with some of your trash (paper towel tubes, empty milk cartons, etc.), then set out a tub or box to put them in.  If you choose to recycle, prepare a place to do so.  If you plan to make a switch to other materials (like cloth napkins), you should go ahead and build your stash so they're ready to use and temptation doesn't have time to set in.

If you would like more information about recycling in Western KY, you can read THIS ARTICLE.

If you have questions or would like ideas for this process, leave a comment!

- a guest article by Shawn Baldwin

With its pastures, fields, hillsides and woods, West Kentucky is truly a green place to live. The good news, though, is that it is getting greener:  More people are recycling and more opportunities to recycle are becoming available.

If you’d like to become one of the growing number of green people living in this green area of the country, here are some things to know:

What To Recycle

• Paper (any color, paperboard, envelopes, newspapers, magazines, books)
• Cardboard
• Aluminum cans (rinsed)
• Metal cans
• Glass bottles and jars (rinsed without lids; put lids in with metal)
• Plastic (except Styrofoam; rinsed with caps removed)
• E-scrap (computers, monitors, cell phones, household electronics except for kitchen appliances or AC units; all batteries and ink/toner cartridges)
• TVs (some places charge a disposal fee, however)
• Scrap metal

Not trash, dirty items, items with food on them, or waxed paperboard (like milk cartons).

How To Recycle

1.  Find a spot in your house for the recycling

A good location is a place that has enough room to hold containers and is convenient enough that you will use it on a regular basis.  A garage or floor of a pantry might work. Also, you can put a decorative trash can or basket in your bedrooms, home office, or kitchen to catch things until you can empty them into your main containers.

2.  Get containers

It’s best to put items in containers in which you can recycle them.  Here are some suggestions:

• Plastic—plastic trash bags
• Glass, steel cans, aluminum cans—small plastic grocery bags
• Paper, paper board and cardboard—paper grocery bags

Put your containers in your chosen spot.

3.  Fill the containers

Paper can go in as it is. You can even leave staples in documents.  Break down cardboard and paperboard boxes so they will lie flat.  Rinse and shake out glass jars, plastic containers, aluminum cans, and steel cans.  They don’t have to be completely dry.  Cut paper labels off glass, plastic and steel containers if possible, and put the labels in paper recycling.  If the labels are glued all the way around, don’t bother removing them.

Where To Recycle

As of right now, there are three main locations in the Jackson Purchase area to recycle that we are aware of. If you know of others that you would like to have listed, please contact us at ashley@helloky.com.

Please note that not all centers take all the possible materials.  Mayfield takes paper, cardboard, plastic and aluminum cans.  Paducah takes those items plus steel cans, glass, and electronic scrap.  Murray takes paper, cardboard and aluminum and metal cans.

Mayfield Public Works
1101 Old Pryorsburg Road
Mayfield KY
(270) 247-0067
Mon-Fri, 8am - 4pm

Greater Paducah Sustainability Project Recycle Now
1830 North Eighth Street
Paducah KY
(270) 556-2207
www.jpf.org/recyclenow.htm
Tue-Fri, 7:30am - 4:30pm / Sat 8am - 12 noon

Murray Sanitation Department
Andrus Drive
Murray KY
(270) 762-0380

Murray also offers regular "Make A Difference Days" held in the parking lot of Roy Stewart Stadium. "The Make A Difference Days" are usually held 3 or 4 times a year on Saturday mornings from 9am - 1pm.  Please contact the Sanitation Department for more information at (270) 762-0380, or check the City Calendar for the next scheduled Make A Difference Day.

Secondary contact: Bill Wells at (270) 759-1918

Make A Difference Day Recyclable Items

(Will vary each time)

• Eyeglasses
• Plastic containers
• Inkjet printer cartridges
• Glass
• Newspaper (bundled)
• Magazines
• Cardboard
• Books (remove and dispose hardcover)
• Other paper
• Cell phones
• Clothes
• Aluminum Cans
• Tin Cans
• Used Motor Oil

Do you have any extra information that you'd like to share with us?  Send an email to ashley@helloky.com

Making yogurt is a rather simple process.  It takes a little bit of time, but requires little "hands-on" time.  There are plenty of resources with a variety of recipes, but this recipe is an accumulation of several that I've re-written with my friend, Sara's permission.

What You Need To Make Yogurt

*All items must be incredibly CLEAN.  The yogurt process is all about growing good bacteria, but it will be the right conditions for bad bacteria to grow, too, so starting with sterile jars and utensils is crucial.*

• An ice cube tray
• A container of your favorite yogurt (You will need this for your "starters")
• Stirring Spoon
• 2 Quarts Whole Milk
• Dairy Thermometer (technically, you can use any kitchen thermometer that goes up to 185 degrees F)
• 2 Quart Canning Jars
• Stainless Steel Pot
• Incubator (or an insulated bag that will hold your jars and a heating pad and some towels)

Tips For Making Yogurt

• Make sure all of your equipment is STERILE
• Never use plastic - only glass, stainless steel, or ceramic
• Buy your favorite yogurt and divide it up into an ice cube tray and freeze it.  Then, store them in a ziploc freezer bag.  These are the perfect sized starters for your yogurt.
• Whole milk makes thicker yogurt

How To Make Yogurt

To begin:

1.  Wash dairy thermometer, a spoon, and two quart canning jars with lids.  (Just to be safe, I boil the jars and spoon while moving on to step 2. Then let them cool some before putting in the frozen yogurt cubes in step 3)
2.  Heat milk to 185 degrees slowly. Do NOT let it get any hotter
3. Take the pot of milk off the burner and let milk cool down to approximately 115-120 degrees. This will take a while. While milk is cooling, put yogurt starter in jars. Use one or two ice cubes of starter per quart jar.

(I've done it successfully with one cube, but you increase your chances of thick yogurt when you use two cubes.)

4.  When milk reaches 115-120 degress, pour it into jars over the thawing yogurt starter cubes.
5.  Stir milk-yogurt cube combo.

(Interesting tidbit...always stir yogurt the same way, as in....to the right. Apparently yogurt can be dehydrated or frozen without damaging the bacteria cultures, but if you stir it wrong it will inactivate the cultures.

Crazy, huh?)
6.  Put lids on jars.

7.  Place jars in incubator.... ...I made my incubator up with what I had on-hand. I put a heating pad on low in an insulated lunchbox type thing and a dishtowel on top. You need a place that can keep the yogurt consistently 95-110 degrees for 10-12 hours. I put my thermometer in so I can check the temperature and adjust the heating pad, if necessary.
8.  During the incubation period it is important not to move the yogurt or let it get too hot or cold. Any of those things can kill or inactivate the cultures. Other than that, there's nothing you need to do....
just  let it incubate all day without being disturbed. This is the hardest part of making yogurt – denying that urge to "check on it” as it incubates.

9.  After 10-12 hours, it's done! Put your yogurt in the fridge. The longer you let it incubate, the thicker it will be. Some people do it less than 10 hours. My sister incubates hers for like 24 hours.
It works for me to make yogurt first thing in the morning and put it in the fridge just before bed. All day incubation is just the right thickness for us.

The next morning I can pull out some yogurt, a jar of homemade granola, and some peach sauce (canned with my sister last summer) and declare..."Make your own parfait day!" The kids think this is the greatest breakfast in the entire world. It's inexpensive and it's healthy. Plus, being that it's the only breakfast they can make themselves, it's like granting a holiday for this mama. Love our parfait days!

Did you know that some sunscreens contain suspected carcinogens?  (A carcinogen is a cancer-causing agent.)

Did you know that some sunscreens contain endocrine disrupters?

Did you know that some sunscreens cause redness, skin irritation, and rashes?

Is My Sunscreen Bad?

First, check your sunscreen bottle.  If it's over 3 years old (or the expiration date is past due), throw it out.  Next, check the back of the bottle for the ingredients to see if it contains any of the following:

• Carcinogens: diethanolamine and related ingredients (DEA, TEA), padimate-o, and titanium dioxide
• Endocrine Disrupters: benzophenone (oxybenzone), homosalate, octyl-methoxycinnamate (octinoxate), and the parabens (methyl-, ethyl-, butyl-, propyl-)
• Other Irritating Chemicals: avobenzone (parsol 1789), benzophenone, octyl-methoxycinnamate, and PABA (para-aminobenzoic acid)

Which Sunscreen SHOULD I choose?

After a quick look around an average convenience store, finding the right sunscreen can feel disheartening.  If you're in a pinch, go for the pure zinc oxide (white).  Or, you can opt for sitting under a shady umbrella, woven fabrics and hats, and the like.

But, a healthier sunscreen doesn't mean you can't get some sun.  Check out these great finds!

• California Baby Sunscreen
• Soleo/Wyland Organic Chemical Free Sunscreen SPF 30 +
• Badger Sunscreen SPF 30

Feel free to modify and print this list out for your stockpiling endeavors:

BAKING SUPPLIES

• Flour
• Yeast
• Salt
• Granulated sugar
• Powdered sugar
• Brown sugar
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Corn meal
• Corn starch
• Cocoa
• Vanilla extract
• Cooking oil (canola, olive, etc.)
• Spices
• Honey
• Powdered milk
• Sweetened condensed milk
• Chocolate chips
• Nuts
• White vinegar
• Apple cider vinegar

BREAKFAST

• Cereal
• Oatmeal

LUNCH AND DINNER

• Canned meats (tuna, samon, chicken, etc.)
• Broth: (chicken, beef, etc.)
• Rice
• Dried pasta
• Beans
• Peanut butter
• Jelly or jam
• Tomato-based products (sauce, paste, stewed, crushed, etc.)
• Canned fruits and vegetables
• Soup
• Dried fruits and vegetables

SNACKS

• Popcorn
• Pretzels/Chips

CONDIMENTS

• Ketchup
• Mustard
• Mayonnaise
• Salad dressing
• Barbeque sauce

DRINKS

• Water
• Coffee
• Tea
• Soda
• Juice

TOILETRIES

• Soap (bar and liquid)
• Shampoo
• Conditioner
• Hair products (gel, mousee, hair spray)
• Lotion
• Deodorant
• Toothbrushes
• Toothpaste
• Mouthwash
• Razors
• Shaving cream or shaving soap
• Aftershave
• Feminine products

MEDICINE

• OTC meds (aspirin, ibuprofen, etc.)
• Prescription meds

CLEANING SUPPLIES

• Laundry detergent
• Dish liquid
• Dishwasher detergent

PAPER AND PLASTIC GOODS

• Toilet paper
• Paper towels
• Napkins
• Trash bags
• Freezer bags
• Sandwich bags
• Foil
• Plastic wrap
• Wax paper

HOUSEHOLD GOODS

• Batteries
• Light bulbs
• Candles
• Matches

OTHER

• Baby supplies (formula, diapers, wipes, etc.)
• Pet supplies (food, litter, etc.)

What You Need:

• Cloth wipes or soft baby wash cloths
• Water Spray Bottle
• Water
• Baby Soap

Here’s How:

1. Fill the spray bottle with warm water.
2. Add 2-3 T of baby soap and mix well.
3. Spray on wipes or directly on baby's bum when needed (then follow with wipe).

It really can't get any easier!

Just like cloth diapers, cloth pads are a healthier, more earth-friendly option.

Cloth pads:

• Don't contain chemicals and dioxins
• Are much more comfortable
• Don't have sticky wings or materials
• Save money over time
• Mean fewer rashes and yeast infections (which can be caused by disposable pads)
• Are readily available (no late night runs to Walmart!)
• Come in fun colors and patterns for those of us who need a little extra dose of "happy" during Aunt Flo's stay

So, in honor of moms everywhere, we gathered a handful of willing ladies together to test a few different brands of Cloth pads, and here's what we had to say:

MoonPads

Average Cost: $8-9 each
Materials: 100% organic cotton flannel (which is then hand-dyed) filled with 100% organic terry cloth
Measurements: 7.5"x2.5" (not including wings) for regular moonpads, 10"x2.5" for overnight moonpads
Pros: It is clear that each of these pads are made with the utmost love and attention to detail. Each pad comes in cute colors with coordinating tabs, as well as a ribbon hanging loop (for drying) and darling gem-covered snaps (on the wings).
Cons: On a scale of 1-5, these come in at about 3.7 in slimness. They are a little on the thicker side, which may be a pro if you have a heavier flow.
She said:
"I ADORE the details - the colors and the gem-snaps are so fun and make a really un-fun week just a little more special. - At least, as special-feeling as it can be between the cramps and urge to punch people. Wait, did I just admit I sometimes want to punch people?"
"As cute as these are, I was a little disappointed. I think for most women they would be great, but maybe it's because I'm a little bigger....I would have appreciated something with more width I think."

LunaPads

Average Cost: $10.99 - 16.99 each
Materials: Pads feature a 100% organic or regular cotton flannel base, topped with an absorbent panel made of 2 layers 100% organic or regular cotton fleece, and 1 layer of ultra-thin nylon to minimize soaking through. Liners are made from 2 layers of 100% organic or regular cotton fleece. Pantyliners feature a 100% organic or regular cotton flannel base, topped with an absorbent panel made of 2 layers 100% organic or regular cotton fleece. Click here to see how they are constructed.
Measurements: Maxi Pad: 10" long x 2.5" wide (not including wings), pad is 2mm thick and liner is 2.5mm thick.
Mini Pantyliner: 8" long x 2.5" wide (not including wings), pad is 2mm thick.
Pros: Contoured design means pad doesn't bow when wings are snapped. Great design also enables a "build-a-pad" option where individual inserts can be layered securely to create more or less absorbency and protection. LunaPads offers a unique design, however, where you can add or subtract layers on top, meaning if you need to change a layer but not the whole pad, you can!
Cons: The price.
She said:
"Super comfortable and just the right thickness! I appreciate the thoughtfulness of the design. Sometimes I need more protection than other times, and I like having the option of adding or subtracting layers without necessarily changing an entire pad!"
"Although the nylon isn't all-natural, I really appreciate the security it gives me. Previously, I was only wearing cloth pads at home, but these give me the courage to wear them out! Plus, you can't even tell I'm wearing them!"

Mother Moon Pads

Average Cost: $4 each
Materials: The topping of these pads is cotton flannel. You now have the option of adding OBV to the center of your pads too! The backing is anti pill fleece in a coordinating color.
Measurements: 12" x 3" - HOWEVER, you can request a custom made size here
Pros: Soft and comfortable with a quilted design that forms to your body.
Cons: slight bowing because of the smaller wings, but it's not a big problem because of the quilted flexibility, allowing the pad to curve easily
She Said:
"The quilted design is nice. I really like how it bends with me."
"Quality product, but the price in and of itself is what would make this a winner for me!"

**SPECIAL NOTE: Due to pregnancy complications, Mother Moon Pads are currently unavailable but will hopefully come back soon! Our best wishes!

Glad Rags

Average Cost: $13.99-17.99
Materials: GladRags inserts: have a layer of terry cloth sandwiched between the two outer layers of cotton flannel.
Daytime holders: made of two layers of cotton flannel, and the inserts slip between each layer, like a letter inside an envelope. Each GladRags pad comes with 1 holder and 2 inserts, and you can opt to use as many as 3 inserts with a holder for your heavier days.
Nighttime holders: are wider at each end and longer than the daytime holder, and also constructed a bit differently: the holders also have a layer of terry cloth sandwiched between the two layers of flannel, lending the nighttime GladRags even more absorbency for your sleeping comfort.
Measurements: GladRags night holder is approximately 14" long and 3" wide at the middle. Day holder: 9"x2.5". Pantyliner: 6 3/4"x 2 3/4".
Pros: Glad Rags are a great option for women who want good protection but a more breathable and natural pad because they don't have a nylon backing. They are designed to be customizable with inserts that can be added for extra absorbency.
Cons: Unlike the Luna Pads, the entire pad must be changed since the inserts are added on the bottom (beneath the main pad). Cost.
She said:
"The width for the nighttime pad is PERFECT. It has a unique shape and size that will keep you feeling secure all night long, no matter how much you roll in your sleep! I appreciate that I can wear these during the day, too to get more coverage for my plus-size frame."
"I do like the idea of the customizable pads, but since I don't always know how heavy I'll be, I don't really like having to change out the entire set every time."

Crea8tivemama's Reusable Mama Cloths

Average Cost: $4.75 each
Materials: Pads: Made of an outer layer of comfy flannel with a layer of quilted batting covered waterproof lining and a layer of absorbent terry sewn securely in between.
Panty-Liners: made of an outer layer of comfortable flannel with a layer of micro-fleece sandwiched between.
Measurements: Pads and Panty-Liners: 8.5"x3" (with wings snapped).
Pros: A little wider than others, for women who prefer wider pads. Cost!
Cons: The pads are a little less flexible than others, but still comfortable.
She said:
"I really don't care about having a 'pretty period' but want something basic that won't break my bank. I think I found it. These are great!"

Note: Scoring these diapers was harder than we thought it'd be. Every parent/grandparent had their own favorite, and while some diapers stood out more than others, each one was liked by someone. We scored based on Design, Fit, Comfort, Ease Of Use, Leakage (or lack thereof), Cost and additional feedback. The scores for each were then averaged out. While you are looking through the scores, please be sure to click the headings to see the great diapers and accessories, and be sure to read the extra comments from our parents and grandparents.

Happy Cloth Diapering!

Bummis Superbrite Wrap

• Design: 10
• Fit: 10
• Comfort: 10
• Ease of Use: 9 - Must learn how to use prefolds, but after that, SIMPLE!
• Leakage: 10!! This diaper features special leg gussets which fit comfortably and securely around your baby's thigh's to keep the diaper from leaking.
• Cost: $12-13

Additional Comments:

"These are my favorite. Hands down. For the family on a budget, these are some of the easiest and least expensive to buy! You can buy lots of cheap prefolds and several good quality wraps like these and be good to go!"

"We only had a few while keeping our granddaughter and found it really helpful to just rinse them out and let them dry between uses instead of a full wash cycle for her stay."

"I really thought I'd hate these, but they quickly became my favorites!"

Bummis Organic Pre-Folds

• Design: 9
• Fit: 10 - can be folded to fit differently, very customizable
• Comfort: 10 - becomes really soft with each washing
• Ease of Use: 8 - small learning curve requiring folding techniques for different circumstances
• Leakage: NA, must be used with wraps
• Cost: $20(Toddlers) or $15 (Infants) for 6

Additional Comments:

"Wow. These have definitely spoiled me. They've become some of our favorites!"

"I swore these were too old-timey, but paired with the Super-Brite Wrap, they quickly became some of my favorites. It took a little time to figure out how to fold them just right for my baby boy, but then they were some of the most customizable. I could add thickness and I can change the folds as he grows! "

Bummis Bamboozle

• Design: 8 - a soft bamboo fitted diaper with 4 layers of absorbency. Has snaps and requires a cover.
• Fit: 10
• Comfort: 10 - so soft!
• Ease of Use: 8.5
• Leakage: NA, must be used with a cover/wrap
• Cost: $18 - $20

Additional Comments:

"I couldn't believe it was made from bamboo and yet so incredibly soft!"

"This ALMOST makes me want to wear diapers. Almost."

"I liked these except for the fact that you had to unsnap them when it's time to change diapers, meaning you had to touch the wet diapers."

Fuzzibunz Perfect Size Diapers

• Design: 8 - Slim diaper (without all of the bulk) with adjustable waist and leg openings.
• Fit: 9
• Comfort: 10
• Ease of Use: 10 - Easy to use, must be stripped and must use special laundry detergent. Simply use the liner and then snap like a regular diaper
• Leakage: 7- relatively no leakage except around the legs when wearing shorts/pants
• Cost: 17.95 ea

Additional Comments:

"I loved these! Many of the cloth diapers make my baby look like he has 'junk in the trunk' and make it really hard to fit bottoms on them, but Fuzzibunz didn't!"

"These were the only ones that my baby's daycare would even accept because they were so much like a disposable diaper (except better)!"

One-Sized Bumgenius (By Cottonbabies)

• Design: 9.5 - one sized pocket diaper with velcro tabs
• Fit: 8 - can't adjust the legs
• Comfort: 10
• Ease of Use: 9 - very similar to regular pocket diapers but with a few extra snaps so you can adjust the length of the diaper
• Leakage: 7 - leaks around legs
• Cost: 17.95 ea

Additional Comments:

"It was great having a diaper that I didn't have to worry about which size to order! - Because it's made to be adjustable!"

"For convenience factor, the velcro is great. But, then again...I hated pulling fuzzies and hairs out of the velcro and detaching my diapers from each other when the laundry tabs wouldn't hold the velcro (or when daddy forget to use them)."

Bummis Superwhisper Wrap

• Design: 7 - A wrap (needs insert or fitted underneath). Velcro closures, no gussets for legs.
• Fit: 8
• Comfort: 10
• Ease of Use: 10
• Leakage: 4 While a few parents liked this wrap, the majority of them had a problem with leakage around the legs. One parent said, "you just can't use it at night unless you want some major leakage. Brief periods when you plan on keeping the diaper constantly changed, sure, but not for longer periods or when you're wearing your best suit. Or, in my case...a white polo shirt."
  (We also noticed that the handful of parents who liked this diaper had chubbier babies, while those with smaller and thinner babies seemed to have more issues with leakage)
• Cost: $10-$13

"Can't Live Without" Accessories For Cloth Diapering

Bummis Bio-Liners

• Design: 10
• Ease Of Use: 10
• Usefulness: 10 - for babies and toddlers eating solid foods
• Cost: $6-8 per roll

Additional Notes:

These "Bio-Liners" are toilet-safe liners that go on top of your cloth diapers, fitting between baby and diaper. When baby soils diaper, the liner can easily be lifted off and thrown away. If you have a finicky toilet, you may not want to flush them. In most toilets, they flush well and keep you from having to worry about any solids in the diapers!

Planetwise Wet Bags

• Design: 10
• Ease Of Use: 10
• Usefulness: 10
• Cost: $9.50 (small), $16.50 (medium), $19 (large)

Additional Comments:

These are perfect for wet bathing suits, diapers, clothing - you name it! The specially designed bags keep odor and wetness in and are great to carry in diaper bags!

Other Great Cloth Diapering Accessories

Bumgenius Bottom Cleaner

• Ease Of Use: 9
• Usefulness: 7 - This is a great alternative to disposable wipes. Simply spray on baby's bottom and wipe with a soft clean cloth. Great for travel.
• Cost: $9.95 for 4 Fl Oz

Additional Comments:

Ingredients: Water, Cucumber Extrac, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Extract, Organic Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe) Leaf Extract, Sodium Benzoate, Natural Vanilla, Polysorbate 20, Essential Oil and Isolates of Orange, Essential Oils of Grapefruit, Lemon, Mandarin (Bergaptene Free), Organc Palmarosa, Tangerine

Bumgenius Odor Remover

• Ease Of Use: 9
• Usefulness: 9 - helps get odor out of diapers when washing
• Cost: $5.99 for 8 FL OZ

Additional Comments:

To use, spray directly on soiled diapers after removing waste. Then, store in a dry pail until time to wash. This spray eliminates odor causing bacteria.

Ingredients: Water and vegetable microbes

Bummis Fleece Liners

• Ease Of Use: 9
• Usefulness: 7.5
• Cost: $5 for 5

Additional Comments:

Place between baby and diaper to help wick moisture away from baby's skin and keep baby dry even when diapers are wet!