I recently had the opportunity to review the Libman Freedom Spray Mop.  I don’t usually jump at the chance to review a mop, or the other random pitches that come into my inbox.   If I did, my blog would look a lot different!  I decided to review this mop because it had some really cool, unique, and “green” features that I wanted in a mop.’

Why is this mop so cool?

Reason 1: No disposable floor pads!

I have long ago ditched my Swiffer in favor of mops  that let me reuse cloth pads.  I hated the idea that I was a. created uneccesary waste and b. throwing away my money, literally.  It was a mind shift for me because often times you feel things are cleaner when you use a disposable pad (same with cleaning with paper towels).  I tried a few other mops.  I tried the sponge mop, which was a pain.  I never could get the hang of wringing it out.  I tried the stringy mop and that was a total bust.  NEVER AGAIN.  I also tried a steam mop.  This is nice to have around but not practical for quick messes.  My toddler’s name may as well be “Quick Mess.”

Reason 2: No batteries or plugs required!

One mop I have been using requires being plugged in.  It is heavy because it is also a vacuum.  This can be handy, but honestly, since I got a roomba I never, ever vacuum.  So basically I am pushing around a heavier mop than I need to.  The spray function on the Libman Freedom Mop is a trigger spray with an easy to grip handle.  You use your 4 fingers, not 1, so it isn’t tiring.  You control how much is coming out at a time, and you don’t need a bucket full of dirty water.

Reason 3:  You don’t have to buy floor solution!

The other thing I HATE about most mops in this category is that they have a specific cleaning solution that is needed.  I discovered the hard way…  They either have replaceable bottles that load into the mop itself or a special filter that won’t work with other solutions.  I tried rigging a swiffer once, they make it impossible because they want you to buy more of their product!  Not only are you wasting plastic, you are wasting more money!  The removeable container on the Libman Freedom Mop is super easy to refill with any solution you desire.  I have hard wood floors so I use a vinegar and water solution.   This is crazy cheap!  I will never have to go to Amazon.com and buy the special solution my other mop required.

Reason 4:  Swivel Head!

The Libman Freedom Mop has a swivel head that works beautifully around my toilets.  I have been having a hard time with my old mop and am happy to report the mop head is small enough to fit around the toilet and swivels to get it clean all around!

Reason 5: Affordability!

You can find the Libman Spray Mop in your local retailers for the suggested retail price of 19.99-24.99.   Not bad, especially when you realize you never need to buy solution!  The mop pads say they last 50 washes, but I think they might go longer than that.  So, eventually you will need new ones but that is paltry compared to boxes of disposable pads!

The only negative comment I have is that the mop head isn’t as absorbent as I would like.  I did use a different microfiber pad and I enjoyed it more.  I have only washed the mop pads 3 times so I am hoping a few more washes will make it more absorbent!  Still, this has been an excellent addition to my cleaning arsenal!

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Win it!

One lucky DDL Reader will win a brand new Libman Freedom Mop!

Mandatory Entry: Tell me what you hate about your current mop and why a Libman Freedom Mop might be the one for you! Leave it as a comment. (please remember to include your email!)

For extra entries do any or all of the following.  Leave a comment for each you do.

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I was sent a Libman Freedom Spray Mop for review, free of charge, through my membership in the Mom Blogger’s Review Team.  All opinions expressed are my own and 100% genuine.  No other compensation was received.  I was under no obligation to post a review.

Giveaway ends Oct 21.  Open to US only.  Winner chosen using Random.org.  If winner doesn’t respond within 48 hours a new winner will be chosen.

I love to research purchases, and in light of my recent post on reusable bags, I decided I would round-up some of the wonderful reusable bags out there.  Some of these I have tried and use myself, others are ones I thought were neat!  I think the key to remembering to use your bags is having them around, everywhere.  I have bags in my car, bags in my diaper bag, bags on the closet door handle, and bags in bags!  Grocery shopping is easy because you plan to go and remember to bring the bags.  Impromptu shopping means you don’t always plan to bring your bags.  That is why I love the selection of compact nylon bags that can be stored in your diaper bag.  I always have a Chico bag or other small nylon bag handy!  These days there is a ton of variety!  I picked a few from DDL affiliate, Amazon.com.

I am starting with my favorite!

Chico Bag

ChicoBag Reusable Nylon Bags So these are by far my favorite reusable bags.  They are easy to use and compact.  I love these more for general shopping because they fit in my purse (I always keep 2 in my diaper bag)  They also have a carabener to attach to your bag and a drawstring that can be used to loop around your wrist if you are running into the store.  5.00 each.

flip and tumble

flip & tumble 24-7 Reusable Bag- The Flip and Tumble bag is not one I have tried.  It is a nylon bag that you can roll up into a ball so it is easy to use. 12.00.

Blue Avocado Reusable Bag

BlueAvocado Reusable Bag- These are very similar to Chico bags, compact and can be stuffed in a small pouch.  But they come in really pretty patterns!  I am a sucker for that!  Haven’t tried them but love this pretty flower pattern.  20.00 for 2.

Canvas Grocery Tote

Reusable Grocery Tote - I have a set of 6 of these canvas grocery totes.  When I decided to switch over I knew I wanted non brand specific bags I could use at any store, and a matching set.  They fold up nicely and hold a ton!  They have a shape so they are easy to load with groceries.  I keep them in one bag and have that in my car or hanging from my coat closet door so I never forget them (almost never).  These are really the best for groceries! 10.00 for 6.

So guess what I recently learned?  The Taga is coming to the US!  I ran across this product thanks to a friend, and although it is out of my price range you better believe if it weren’t I would own it.  It would solve so many of my problems right now.  I have a baby bike seat, but no bike.  And the bike seat needs certain types of bikes, so I have to get one of those bikes.  My car?  Can only have certain bike racks, it is hard to find one that works.  So I would love a collapsible solution so I could take my son riding at the park and into town.

If you want those things and have some spare cash, go pick up the Taga!  Here is information from the company:

Going “green” is not a fad, it’s a way of life. And now, there’s a new way to get you going green-while you get going. This April, Taga will debut in the US. This multifunction vehicle converts from a carrier bike to a stroller, allowing families to move in ways they never have before, and at the same time, support the earth by reducing the carbon footprints that gas-powered vehicles leave behind.

Taking “carpool duty” to the next level, instead of driving, try taking your Taga for a spin. You and up to two children can ride to town, and in under 20 seconds toggle from bike mode to stroller mode without leaving any parts behind. Going far? Taga easily folds so that you can utilize mass transportation. With Taga, you can continue on whatever road life takes you on, knowing that you’re supporting the earth with eco-friendly transportation.

For more you can visit Tagabikes.com Read the entire press release after the jump!
Read the full story

Not too long ago a friend of mine sent me a message about an online store that sold cloth diapers.  There are a million of them!  This one happens to be run by a mom who is local to me.  She lives 20 minutes away.  How did I not know this?  The store, Green Baby Shoppe, sells cloth diapers, cloth diapering accessories, organic toys, teething bling, and stuff for moms as well.  The coolest part is that I can go pick up what I buy!  I can save shipping and support a local mom.

Before this I bought many of my diapers from another local store which also ran a cloth diaper service.  Unfortunately, I wasn’t pleased with the entire operation.  I bought there to save myself shipping, but if given the option I would rather have spent my money at Jillian’s Drawers in Ithaca or used a free shipping coupon from Kelly’s Closet if I had one.

The person who runs the store is extremely nice and easy to work with.  The first time I made a purchase she met my friend and I at the local mall.  I bought a Planet Wise wet/dry hanging wet bag.  The next time I needed another wet bag I dropped by her house!  It was steps away from where I was going anyway.

I am kicking myself that I just found out about Green Baby Shoppe.  When I was pregnant I would have benefited greatly from a cloth diaper consultation, which the owner offers.  She comes to your home with the different types of diapers and gives you a little run down of what is out there and how to cloth diaper.  One of the hardest things about cloth diapering is where to start!

So, if you live in the Central NY area, you should give Green Baby Shoppe a look see!  And , if you aren’t, she ships too!

My husband may freak on me!  After FINALLY watching the dvred Earth Day episode of Oprah I am never even buying paper towels, napkins, or paper plates again.  They showed the garbage swirl in the Pacific Ocean which spans from the coast of California all the way to Japan.  In some places it is 90 feet deep.  It is full of plastic bags and household trash.

A glimpse of the trash in our oceans!

I have already quit using plastic bags as my New Year’s Resolution and that is going great!  I stash them everywhere; my car, on the door knob on the front door so I remember to take them, in my diaper bag, and in my stroller.

Right now I am pretty good about using cloth napkins in lieu of paper, and I have started using regular plates for sandwiches instead of paper plates.  But I know there are times when I reach for the paper stuff out of habit, or convenience, or laziness, or all three.  If they do not exist in my home, then I have to use the real stuff.  Now, every time I have a wheat bread sandwich with muenster and turkey and a side of Sun Chips (their bags are made from 33% recycled materials) I will be high class.  Linens and China with my sammich!

Now, cleaning.  I used to be a paper towel-aholic.  It made me feel as if what I was cleaning was cleaner since on the last swipe I could use a clean paper towel, not a dirtied up rag.  Growing up I never ever used paper towels for cleaning.  We were poor so we used towels and old rags.  I think I rebelled when I was no longer poor.  Paper towels were some sort of luxury!  And it has come full circle.  I am back to using rags to dust my furniture, wipe my counters, polish my plant leaves, and I think I will use newspaper to clean my glass.  I still use paper towels for glass at the moment but if I have none then I have to figure out something!!!  

It is one baby step at a time.  I don’t believe you can go from all modern conveniences to urban homesteading in one day.  Each week/ month I choose a new way to reduce my family’s impact on the environment.  The next step will probably be a worm composting bin!!!  I am so scared and so excited about that at the same time.  Even though we only throw out 1-3 bags of garbage a week, the majority of those bags contain food waste and paper plates/towels.  Within the next 2 months if I succeed I should be throwing away only 1 bag per week.  

I will keep everyone posted with my progress!

I was thinking today about how little TV i have watched in the past few weeks. Last night I watched a total of one hour’s worth of TV. I will cop to having the TV on 80-10 hours a day before having a baby. Even after having him I would have it on, whether I was watching it or not. Why? I don’t know!!! It would be on while I was doing crafts, on the laptop, playing with the baby, and even sometimes while I was in the shower!

A lot of people have the misconception that to be Green is expensive.  You have to buy organic food, clothing made from natural fibers, and expensive hybrid vehicles.  In some ways it can add up!  Organic food is always more expensive than their genetically altered and pesticide sprayed counterparts; organic cotton onesies are 20.00 compared to 5.00 or less for the cheap ones from Walmart.  But what if you buy could buy some of the things you need used?

Buying things used, though they may not be made organically or from organic products, is still a great way to be eco conscious while still saving money.  I will admit that once upon a time I turned my nose up at the idea of buying ANYTHING used.  Now, I am the Queen of getting great deals.

Buying used is eco friendly for so many reasons.  You are preventing the items from possibly being thrown away, and there is no additional fuel for shipping or packaging involved.  The best reason for you to buy used is to save money!

I will give you a few examples.  I desperately wanted an ergo carrier but the price tag was way too steep for me to swallow.  I looked on craigslist and found one for less money.  I got what I wanted, without the new packaging attached which I would have had to break down and recycle what could be, and throw out the rest.  The owner made money and got rid of the product she no longer wanted.

On the flip side, I sell or donate items at least monthly.  I have sold back many of the cloth diapers that my son has outgrown locally.  A mama can get a great deal on diapers and to boot she is saving money by not buying disposables and not harming the earth.

I suggest utilizing these websites to help you get the new and new to you items you want for less money.  Or you can always donate or sell your unwanted items.

www.craigslist.org
www.freecycle.org
www.freepeats.org

And don’t forget your local consignment stores, thrift shops, and yard sales. There are deals to be had everywhere if you are willing to look.

This year I feel compelled to really celebrate Earth Day.  Becoming a mother changes your world view in so many ways; my eyes have been opened to the state of the Earth and action needs to be taken!!!  In some ways I still have a defeatist attitude- “What can I, one single human being, do to impact our planet?”  While it is true that one person is not going to save the world by recycling their aluminum, every little bit helps.

In college my husband (then boyfriend) and I threw away 6-12 bags of garbage a week.  We had two roommates as well, but this equals close to 3 bags of garbage person per week.  There was no recycling pick up where we lived, so we didn’t recycle.  I did feel guilty, but I was more concerned with having fun and graduating college than my garbage.

Moving to New York and becoming a mother has made me a better person in so many ways.  Recycling in our area is the norm, not the exception.  Every week I proudly fill my blue bin with every single possible little thing I can.  Instead of 12 bags of garbage on the curb, there is one, maybe two, waiting for the big garbage truck.  Being a mother I now understand that my son has to inherit the world I helped pollute.  It is just that simple.

For Earth Day I plan to spend it outdoors as much as possible, weather permitting.  The family can take a blanket to the park and play outside, take a long walk, and whatever strikes our fancy.

There are many places holding Earth Day clean ups and stores are having special promotions, so if you are itching for something to do in your area I can bet you will find something.  I know Wegmans where I live is giving away a reusable grocery bag if you turn in a wadded up ball of the old plastic bags.

What will you be doing this Earth Day?  Leave me a comment!  I know you are out there, speak up!

If you haven’t seen this, check it out.
Sundance Channel’s Green Porno
It is quite possibly the weirdest yet coolest thing I have ever seen. My favorite quote is, …”so I don’t get screwed by a bear.” You really have to watch it to understand. I took their quiz and I am…



If you want to take it here it is.

And by the way, my green porno name is PLATINUM LYRETAIL

Change the way you shop – for good. Watch this video and make the pledge to use fewer plastic bags. Together we can keep one billion plastic bags from polluting our streets this year.

REASONS!

1. They are great for the environment.

2. You can get CUTE ones

3. They hold more than plastic bags

4. They are more durable than plastic bags.

5. Did I mention it is great for the earth?

There are many sites you can buy them from; I bought mine from amazon.com.  I have been using them consistently since Jan 1 2009 when I made my resolution to not use plastic bags.  I have probably used less than 10 since then and those are recycled for various uses around the house.

http://www.alternativeconsumer.com/2007/03/26/eco-friendly-eco-chic-shopping-bag-guide/

This site has a great list of cool reusable sacks.