Green & Thrifty: Make your own!

I've been doing some research on make-your-own alternatives that are good for you, good for baby, and good for the environment, and thought I'd share. I think a lot of people want to be "green" but think it's not affordable for their family, and making your own is definitely a way to change that.

Make your own cloth diapers:

http://www.diaperjungle.com/sewing-cloth-diapers.html

Lots of great resources out there for those who are thinking of cloth diapering and want to make their own, or who want to start a cottage industry. I've heard that there are some moms who make and sell the cloth diapers and do quite well for themselves.

There are some free patterns, too. Just be sure to check the copyright before you produce any pattern for sale.

Make your own baby gear:

http://www.makethemyourself.com/

"We are a small family-owned company specializing in patterns that make life easier and safer for parents and their little ones. Here you'll find a wide variety of mother-designed products that you can quickly make for a fraction of the price you'd pay at specialty stores. Choose your favorite fabrics and design your own customized baby gear!

We're doing our part to help level the playing field on overpriced baby items by letting parents make their own! The patterns you will find on this web site are personally developed and designed by me and I have carefully finished and tested products from each of them."

Make your own vegan baby products:

http://www.vegfamily.com/babies-and-toddlers/mamas-own.htm

"Conventionally produced cosmetics and personal care products often contain poisonous substances, many of which were synthetically derived from petrochemicals. These ingredients have the potential for causing cancer, birth defects, central nervous system disorders, allergic respiratory reactions, and skin and eye irritations. Many chemicals found in cosmetics don't cause immediate visible signs of toxicity, but affect our health negatively over time through repeated use."

Make your own reusable bags:

http://www.alteredcloth.com/blog/2007/07/top-7-tutorials-for-making-your-own-shopping-tote.php

I love this one, and there's also this:
http://www.threadbanger.com/post/5148/not-another-plastic-bag-tutorial

This is another one that could be an awesome cottage industry, especially if you are using vintage fabrics from thrift stores and freecycle. It's easier than you think to find vintage fabrics- just check the section where they sell sheets and drapes. That set of ugly-ass drapes could make AWESOME shopping bags!