diaperlab

Driving down Highland Ave. in Somerville tonight, a small storefront caught my attention. A sign stating "diaperlab" was up.. Hmm... so I checked them out online. http://diaperlab.com

What a great idea! A place where you can go to learn about the variety of cloth diaper choices out there, get help choosing the right one, purchase them right there, and even get a demonstration of how easy they are to use!  An all in one diaper mecca!

I also like the personal touch that the owners put into the website - they are the ones who will help you out at the store. Support your local businesses!

As of now, I do not have a little one that necessitates diapers, but I do remember that out Mom always used them, and I feel it is the greener way to go, so I like to keep my eyes open for myself, and for friends who have children.

If I get a chance to visit, I'll let you know how it goes. But would that be weird? "Hi, I don't have a baby, but I like your store. What's the largest size diaper you have...I'm planning a long trip."

What Would Jesus Buy?

"You don't need to buy a gift to give a gift."

Reverend Billy and the Church of Stop Shopping have got to be some of my favorite activists. Not only are they totally entertaining, they have a wonderful message for the holidays and everyday. Reverend Billy, while not an actual reverend, uses the format of a religious service to get his point across - put family, God and love back into the holidays.

From their Statement of Belief:"Reverend Billy and the Church of Stop Shopping Gospel Choir believe that Consumerism is overwhelming our lives....So we are singing and preaching for local economies and real - not mediated through products - experience."

The theatrical release of "What Would Jesus Buy?" in the fall of 2007, produced by Morgan Spulock of "Supersize Me" fame, follows the Rev and his Choir on a tour of the country. It also features portraits of a wide range of people - from mega consumers maxing out credit cards, to the just barely not homeless - and how the holidays affect their minds, spirits and wallets.

Funny and scary at the same time, scenes of shoppers trampling one another to buy the latest video game system, spitting in the faces of employees who are the bearers of 'bad' news, and maxing out several credit cards, is enough to make you want to never enter a mall again.
Reverend Billy, being the only champion of victims of out of control shopping, has recently held several services in honor of Jdimytai Damour, a young man who was trampled to death by shoppers entering a store on black friday.

But the message of hope, of turning Christmas back into a holiday of love and family and being thankful for what you have is at the heart of the sermon. For some, this is a hard thing to do. We are accustomed to showing our love by giving wonderful material gifts to one another. And it is exciting to open a gift on Christmas, and especially fun to watch children open them! And it is fun thinking up a gift that you know your loved one will be very excited to receive.

At our house, even more than gifts, the point of the holidays are to get together with family and friends, to catch up with dear ones we may not have seen in a long time, and share homemade food, made from the heart. This ideal, to me, is my favorite part of the holidays. I feel so lucky to have a family to share it with!

Happy Holidays!

Update: 12/17/08 WWJB? Is now available On-Demand! "The Christmas Revolution is coming to cable! Families all over the world have watched WHAT WOULD JESUS BUY? on DVD and discovered how they can BUY LESS and GIVE MORE this Christmas, now you can also see it on over 100 "On-Demand" cable providers including: Comcast, Time Warner Cable, Cox, Charter, Cablevision, Verizon, AT&T, RCN, Insight, Mediacom, and Bresnan!"  We also saw that it was available to rent through our Library system, so check it out!

Local Business Review - Cambridge Naturals

I believe that being eco-friendly also means being conscious about where you shop. Shopping at local businesses, instead of huge name brand stores, supports your neighborhood and keeps the local economy thriving.

Cambridge Naturals, located right in Porter Square, Cambridge, MA is one of my favorite stores. I love the fact that I can walk in and instantly have access to pretty much any type of vitamin or beauty product, and know that it is safe and natural. The decor is warm and welcoming, and I am always delighted to find interesting new products. The other day a seminar on ayurveda was being held in one area of the store.

Cute organic cotton baby onesies, decorated with applique vegetables and made by a Cambridge mom caught my eye as I am going to a baby shower next weekend.

A new hemp wallet, made by Ecolution, to replace my worn out hemp wallet I got in New Mexico years ago, was ready and waiting there for me.

Selenium was also on my shopping list, and I was happy to find a good brand for a little less money than I paid at "Whole Paycheck". Mmm....an entire display of organic honeys and agave nectars tempted me, plus a selection of natural foods, even a refrigerated section. Organic candy always gives me an excuse to still OD on stuff I know I don't really need, but am completely addicted to...seriously. It's a problem. But at least it's organic!

Next spring, I want to try out their selection of Earth brand shoes and sandals - they have a negative heel that is supposed to be better for your leg while walking. It is nice to have a place to try out things like that - instead of guessing on the internet and hoping they fit when they arrive!

So if you are in the area, stop in and check them out. Combined the with Porter Square Books next door, you might just be there for a while! If you are not in the boston area, you can still access their selection at www.cambridgenaturals.com

Enjoy!!!