So I tried something new...for the girls only!

First a disclaimer and a warning. The disclaimer is regarding the product I'll be writing about. I was not asked or compensated in any way to write this. I was just nosy and wanted to try it out. And the warning is for any of the guys who might read this blog (Dad?), if you're a guy or very squeamish about girly issues, stop reading now.

OK-so I've admitted in the past that although I really want to be more environmentally responsible, I'm just not a very green or crunchy person. So I'm trying to make some changes. Remember me mentioning the great island of trash? Yep, learning about things like that really bothers me. We only have our one little planet. If there are things we can do to cut down on trash and what-nots, then why shouldn't we? Plus in some cases it behooves us financially to make changes. I don't know about everyone else, but right now we need every cent we can save!

So after much ado and then not and back and forth, I finally took the plunge and got a...Diva Cup! Though I don't think the cup itself is biodegradable, it equals a whole lot less trash than some of it's counterparts. It's reusable, in fact it's supposed to last for a year. And though I didn't do exact calculations, a quick thought or two and I realized that in the long run it's less expensive than other products I use. But I didn't use it right away. I mean it wasn't time first of all and I'll admit it, I was scared. It's new. It sounds kinda gross. It took a while for me to actually make the commitment to trying it out. Finally though, I did it! And so I figured now I've got to tell you all about it.

First thing to tell you, there are two sizes and it's very easy-under 30 or over 30 and have you had a baby or not (regardless of type of delivery). That's it.

The instructions for insertion and removal are pretty straight forward, so I won't go into details here. Just know that I did practice folding it up the way they say to a couple of times and I was able to put the cup in place properly the first time.

Removal was even easier. It does need to be emptied and cleaned out a couple times a day, the maximum time limit is 12 hours. There can be a bit of an "ick" factor involved with the whole process. My experience was that it wasn't messy, it was just the "ick" factor. With lots of handwashing, cleaning the cup (they make a Diva Wash) and even latex gloves if you wanted to use them, there really isn't any problem at all. (I would suggest skipping the gloves if your desire is to go "green").

If the cup is inserted properly you don't notice it at all while you're wearing it. And again, I didn't have any problems doing that. Somehow that thing manages to stay put just fine.

Most importantly, I had no leaks. Not a one. Not even an almost leak. Even overnight. I was very leery. Wondering how it would stay where it belonged, not leak, not spill during changes, etc. And it was all needless worry. No Diva failures!

I didn't attempt to empty it while I was out and about. The instructions explain how you could work it out. It doesn't seem like it would be a big deal though.

Again the cup is cleaned every time you empty it. Lots of handwashing, a quick dump or wipe, a scrubbing with the cleaner and hot water. Not at all bad, and I had imagined lots of icky scenarios.

Once you are done with it for the month, it is supposed to be washed and then, and this is the only place I ran into hesitation, you are supposed to boil the cup. And I had problems with the whole idea of bringing it to the kitchen, filling a pan and boiling the cup on the stove. The instructions included a big list of things you should not use to sanitize the cup, risking damage to the silicone. It just so happens that rubbing alcohol was not on the "no" list, so that's what I did for sanitizing. (Of course I just looked at the FAQ's on the website and it does mention it. Darn!).

Mr. H didn't think it was a big deal to boil the cup, and depending on what others think, I may change my mind next time. So far it doesn't appear that the alcohol did any damage

The instructions tell you that you will become familiar with your cycles and you will learn how often you'll need to change it-which may vary day to day. So far I've only tried it for one cycle and I did notice day to day changes, but I'll need to continue to pay attention. It's amazing to me how little umm "stuff" is actually involved, it seems like a whole lot more with the other traditional methods.

So there you have it, my experience with the Diva Cup. I give it a good rating! Honestly, I have no complaints and already prefer it much more than it's counterparts. I guess I'll have to get over the boiling conundrum. But that's my one and only qualm. I'm impressed with the reliability and comfort. Oh and it comes with a cute little drawstring bag to store it in when not in use!

If you've been curious, are wanting to cut back on monthly expenses, are wanting less waste...this may be the your best option. And no leaks? Perfect!

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The BP Oil Spill

Up til now I haven't written about the disaster that is happening in our beautiful Gulf of Mexico. There is nothing I can say that will be helpful. The situation makes me very sad and very angry. I figure it's best to sometimes leave things left unsaid. I'm going to mention it now and share some videos for anyone who isn't aware of what is happening for reasons I've written below. Obviously, you can find many, many article and videos regarding this disaster if you look for them. I'm also going to mention some thoughts on the environment in general. And just so this isn't too Debbie Downer, I do have a giveaway coming up soon! It's come about through my desire and responsibility to be more Earth friendly, and encouraging others to do the same. Plus it's a pretty chic giveaway. Be on the look out for it.

A couple days ago I observed an online conversation taking place in a blog's comment section and was shocked that many people commented that they were not following the story, they didn't really know about it and I guess were not concerned. What? How can they not know? Well, it seems that other parts of the country are not directly affected and didn't give much thought to anything they had heard about the oil spill. This just seems unreal to me, and probably everyone else who lives in one of the Gulf states. The Gulf of Mexico is a part of our lives. Some of us enjoy it's beauty, some of us depend on it to support our families. All of us love it.

Another thing that came up over the course of this conversation was the inevitable polarization of views regarding wildlife and the environment. These types of topics always disturb me. I'm a nature and animal lover. Albeit one who is not doing all I can do to help our environment. That is something that I have started to work on and will continue to do so.

There are just a couple of things that I can say to try and bring everyone together when it comes to our environment and the many creatures we share our world with. All are created by God-humans, animals and Earth. There is a connection, a God given connection. As for our environment, I don't know the extent of damage our lives and actions cause upon Earth. Many disagree on topics such as Global Warming, etc. It seems that I read that the biggest leap of technology in the history of mankind has occurred in the past 100 years or so. If you think about it, it really is true. But have all of these new advances come at a price? I can't imagine that such changes have not affected our environment in a bad way. Here is an example of something pretty gross and certainly bad for our environment, The Great Pacific Garbage Patch. One hundred million tons of debris estimated to be twice the size of Texas and 30 feet deep, swirling in the middle of the ocean per a write up in Redbook magazine for July 2010.

Our bodies have been affected. The incidence of many types of cancer is increasing. Some children are developing earlier than children of generations before. I'm sorry I don't have stats for you on these things, but a google search can verify these increases. There are probably many, many more ill effects happening to us. My guess, and again it's a guess, is that these changes are happening to our bodies because of the increase in toxins, pollution, etc. So it's not so much of a stretch to think that Mother Nature is being affected as well.

The last thing I'll mention about concern for our environment is that *if* we as a whole are damaging our environment, then it should be something that concerns us all. Let's face it, if we have a planet that is damaged to the point of being unable to sustain life, then most other issues that come up really won't matter will they? Again, I don't know this to be true. I believe that yes we have caused harm. I hope that it is not to the extreme that some believe.

Here are the videos showing some aspects of the disaster to *our* beautiful Gulf. Yes, our Gulf. You may not have the pleasure of living in a Gulf state, but it is one of the many beautiful and fantastic places that our country has to offer to all of us! Apparently, the videos (2 parts for no longer than 15 minutes total) have been pulled down by BP a couple of times, or so it's been said. If the videos no longer work, you'll know why.

Part 1

Part 2

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The Plastic Bag

I find this story about the plastic bag oddly captivating.

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It's Earth Day 2010, and this is what I'm doing about it. Or green and crunchy missed me. Or I just FAIL.

Seems that these days there is a lot of talk and action about going "green" and becoming "crunchy". The phenomenom appears to be a good one, taking care of Mother Earth and our families. I can't find anything wrong with being green and crunchy. Not everyone believes that humans have an adverse effect on the environment, which I do. However, green and crunchy is certainly a good thing for our planet regardless of what our thoughts are. I think everyone does agree that there are things that are harmful to our bodies out there. So any change to reduce the introduction of harmful chemicals and what-nots to our bodies and our children's bodies is also great.

Now I have to confess...I am not very green or crunchy. *gasp* Why? I have no idea. When I look at myself and my life, I surely would fit in well. People consider me a tree hugger, I was always the "hippie chick", am a nurse, have had an immune system cancer with no known cause, am a mommy who wants the best for her children. And I am just not green or crunchy.

I support this cause. And I have tried to adopt it, really I have! But it's just not sticking.

I've gotten a bunch of reusable bags for the grocery store, but they never get used. A couple years ago we tried to grow a garden. It didn't work out. I'm a Cancer and I match the traits of that sign perfectly except for one...I don't have as a green thumb. I kill every plant I touch. We have talked about replacing our lightbulbs with whatever the green and crunchy type are, but have never done it. We would definitely recycle if our trash service made it more convenient like we've had in the past. As it is now, we would have to seperate our trash, no biggy, and then actually drive it to a recycling center. It sounds like a lot of work. We do have a recycling center nearby though...I should probably give a little more effort on recycling now that I've actually thought about it. I need to work on not relying on convenience foods and actually cooking meals regularly for my family, before I can concentrate on organic foods. I have eaten hummus and it was OK, but nothing that would become a staple in our diets.

There are a couple of things I actually do. The girls and I have t-shirts promoting the cause. That probably doesn't count does it? I don't litter! We buy our tomatoes from a road-side stand. Those plastic bags we get for our groceries? I save them and reuse them for things like litter box duty and to line small garbage cans in the bathroom. I wash some clothes in cold and hang dry, it's more for keeping clothes in good shape but it still counts. What else? Thinking. Surely there's more. Still thinking. Heck, I'm not coming up with anything. I must be nervous being put on the spot and all.

So that's a snapshot of my "green and crunchy" life. Obviously I fail.

There is every reason why I should make it a priority to be green and crunchy. No reasons why I shouldn't. At the least make *some* changes. In honor of Earth Day I will now start my green and crunchy journey. I'm going to make Earth Day every day!

Are you green and crunchy? What changes have you made that you think are most important? And could you help me out? Where should I start?

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