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Austin mom fits green living into tight schedule, budget

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Aislinn Mellor saves cash with reusable lunch bags, meaning one fewer trip to the store.
Aislinn Mellor saves cash with reusable lunch bags, meaning one fewer trip to the store.

AUSTIN, Texas (KXAN) -- For busy moms on a budget, "going green" may not seem like the most practical option.

Yet one local mother with five children shares how her eco-friendly choices save time and money.

From the moment Aislinn Mellor wakes up, she is a mom on the go.

With five children, it is a tough task just making sure everyone is getting along, but the busy mom also makes sure her family is eco-friendly.

"When we were expecting our fourth child, we were caught up in the expense of things and we started to look into a more affordable option," Mellor said.

Cloth diapers save her big bucks and require just two more loads of laundry a week.  She also saves cash with reusable lunch bags, and that means one fewer trip to the store.

"It's not hard!  If it was hard, I wouldn't be doing it," Mellor said.

Heather Bendle, the co-founder of BabyEarth, said green baby products like toxin-free glass bottles actually cost half the price of normal plastic bottles.

"I think there's a big misconception that it's going to take so much time and so much extra money," Bendle said.

Popular gDiapers have a detachable, flushable lining along with a washable cotton outer pant.            

For Mellor, she feels better knowing she is doing her best to keep her family safe and healthy, and at the same time saving the planet.

Green Mom Tips

  • Bottles: Glass, Bisphenol-A (BPA) free plastic, stainless steel
  • Personal care items: Synthetic preservatives (parabens) free
  • Clothing and bedding: Organic
  • Diapers: gDiapers, cloth diapers
  • Cleaning supplies: Safe, toxin-free cleaners; making your own cleaner with water, vinegar and baking soda
  • Toys: Organic, untreated cotton and wool, non-toxic, lead-free paint, avoid plastic

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