Guest Post: Getting a Cloth Diaper Subsidy going in Victoria, BC

Hello Everyone!   My name is Rachel Aube and I am a local Victoria mom who, like yourself, wants to see a cloth diaper subsidy in place for the CRD. I am hoping to gain the support of local businesses, cloth diaper advocates and families who would benefit from the economic and eco-friendly choice of cloth, and at the same time spread the word about how cloth is better for babies.  Abby Sprouts was one of the first businesses I thought to reach out to, as I know how active Steph is in the Victoria cloth diaper community. We also have the support of the Real Diaper Association and the Real Diaper Industry Association, two very important and established cloth diaper organizations. This lends us a bit of weight when we go to the CRD with our proposal, and we have the entire cloth diaper industry behind us, as well as our local advocates and businesses. It is also one of my goals to ‘roadmap’ our process so others can use our example in their regions to advocate for their own local incentives. We have some very important events happening this weekend, and the opportunity to get the word out about our desire for a subsidy. Thanks to collaboration with City Councilor Philippe Lucas, Victoria City Council has declared April 23rd as Cloth Diaper Day in Victoria, BC. This also coincides with The Great Cloth Diaper Change (Join the facebook event for updates please) Steph is hosting at the Oaklands Community Center. I have already written a press release, and we can use these events, as well as a newly created Facebook page ‘Cloth Diaper Subsidy in Victoria BC’, to get local support for our cause. Here is the basic plan 1) Encourage participation in the Great Cloth Diaper Change locally in Victoria BC. 2) Press release for ‘Cloth Diaper Day’ in Victoria BC advocating for a subsidy 3) Start a petition campaign to advocate for a cloth diaper subsidy in the CRD and promote our Facebook Page ‘Cloth Diaper Subsidy in Victoria BC’. 4) Have a town hall meeting early this summer to collectivize our efforts and lobby the CRD 5) Contact CRD Environment Committee, Heartland Landfill, Solid Waste Reduction Committee and present our plan for a cloth diaper subsidy. There are a variety of subsidies out there, and I have done extensive research on where and which types of subsidies are available. This is important to cite examples of how subsidies are being utilized when we develop our plan. Ideally, the subsidy would be a cash rebate like in most other regions, where you would have to submit the receipts to the CRD for reimbursement. Perhaps the most important part of our plan includes the stipulation that the subsidy is only available if the diapers are purchased in the CRD, thus supporting our local businesses. This is also a great way to ensure that we reduce our carbon footprint and protect baby from potentially unsafe diapers by ordering from overseas or from unknown on-line sources. Although a significant amount of research and preparation has been completed, we need everyone’s support to make this happen. Please be sure to spread the word about our campaign, ‘like’ our Facebook page, and please forward any suggestions or feedback on how we can successfully advocate for a subsidy in the CRD. You can contact me through the Facebook page, or via email at clothdiapersvictoria@yahoo.com Rachel Aube is a WAHM blessed with two boys, aged 3 and 4, and a wonderful husband and father, Sands Falk. Rachel is a University of Victoria graduate, a part-time administrator for the RDIA, and also supports local non-profits Environmental Health Association of BC and The BC School of Art Therapy.     A Note from Steph: We're committed to helping Rachel in whatever way we can and backing her 100% on her endeavor to have a Cloth Diaper Subsidy put into action here in Victoria, BC. Shortly after posting a story on our facebook page, regarding a similar subsidy in a Montreal Borough Rachel contacted me with the details about the Victoria, BC subsidy she has already laid most the ground work for- although I don't know if she saw that! Remember The Great Cloth Diaper Change 2011 in Victoria, BC is THIS Saturday!  Please RSVP and get your registrations forms in soon.

Savvy Squirrel Coupon Book Winner!!

Congratulations Jenn!

You've won the Savvy Squirrel Coupon Book.

Emailing you now.

Thank you everyone for entering!!

Savvy Squirrel Coupon Book Giveaway & Local Love!

 

Your chance to win Family Focused- Local Savings in the form of The Awesome Savvy Squirrel Coupon Book!

The Savvy Squirrel Coupon Book is all about supporting local business!

So in the spirit of supporting local- let's check out some locally made goodies

You'll find a coupon inside from Momma Goose Baby Care, a locally made line up of skin care for expecting mom and baby too. Also, available at Abby Sprouts!

How about some locally made, wooden toddler keys for teething and play?!

We love these- so does Abby!

New! Locally Made, Organic Cloth Balls

These balls are filled with lamb's wool- perfect for baby and toddlers. Much more appealing than the (potentially toxic!) plastic ones too. 

Tabitha and Lale are the two fantastic moms behind Savvy Squirrel- you can check out their website and buy your own coupon book there too.

I love supporting small local companies just like myself and when you spend your dollars locally you are truly supporting us little guys for which I'm sure we're all thankful for- I know I am!

I've recently entered a contest from a local web design company to win a new website and logo etc which would be such an amazing opportunity for my little business (and something I likely will never be able to afford!). So I'm asking for your vote, please, if you have a minute- I would appreciate it so much! Please show your support and vote here. I would be so grateful!

i have a handful of coupon books left for sale if you're interested too.

 How to Enter:

Comment below and let us know your fave locally made product at Abby Sprouts!

Be sure to leave an email address or way to contact you if you win.

The Savvy Squirrel Coupon Book is Victoria, BC focused but there is a 20% off coupon to Abby Sprouts so we'll leave the contest open to all.

Good Luck!

We survived Christmas and Boxing Week- Phew! So What's Next?

Our kiosk space at University Heights is now packed up and we're back to online based sales and free cloth diaper demos from home for now. It was so wonderful to meet so many local customers in person and to bring more awareness to eco-friendly products.

 My sister Jenn, worked many hours at the booth too so I'm sure many of you had a chance to meet her as well. 

The Green Toys Tug Boats were super popular along with our fantastic wooden stacking rainbows (which we're currently sold out of!). All be it a very small space it was a great chance to get my feet wet with a little brick and mortar reality before making any big decisions on that front. While I really love the online business, it's growing steadily and Abby will be in school before I know it I'm sure so I'm beginning to take a look around at possible locations for Abby Sprouts. I have a feeling it will be along road to find the right space at the right price and terms etc but it's fun to look and dream of course. 

Our Clementine Art Crayons were constantly admired by passer by's too.

So What's Next? For now, I'm considering all the extra's that come with a a 'real' location and how that will all play out. I'm also wondering about the importance of parking, accessible buildings, windows and corners, displays, signs and all the other fun stuff that comes with setting down roots for Abby Sprouts in Victoria. Of course, the online shop will continue and probably grow to include more variety as time goes by. I'm always open to new products, requests and special orders.  All what ifs and possibilities are fun and exhausting! 

Our Ever Popular and Awesome Priced ($17.95) Chef Set made from Recycled Milk Jugs!

So I believe a Thank you is in order to all our fabulous customers new, old and loyal because we've had a fantastic first year and are hopeful for many more to come. It's such a great feeling to be supported and encourage to continue with an ethical family style business and I of course could not have done it with out all of you fantastic customers and the huge help from my family up front and behind the scenes.

I hope you have all had a wonderful 2010 and let's go for even better 2011.

Holiday Shopping in Victoria, BC at University Heights Shopping Center

Abby Sprouts is at University Heights Shopping Center now until Nov. 24 and then Dec. 6 to Christmas Eve. Please come down and see us in person if you're local! Of course, we are still offering Free Shipping over $49 in Canada and over $99 to the USA. 

Our collection of Eco Friendly Toys, Organic Baby and Childrens Clothing,  Organic Baby Needs including adorable hand knits are all on display. Select Cloth Diapers are there as well and we are more than happy to give you a diaper demo and explain the pros and cons. 

University Heights Shopping Center is located at 3980 Shelbourne St. at the corner of McKenzie Ave. Map it here.

Amber teething necklaces are also on display and a great time to come down and choose your favourite in person.

Some of our Holiday Goodies have already arrived and are going quickly! Keep your eyes out for the top Stocking Stuffers coming soon.

Current 'Staff' Picks

Jenn's Fave:

 

The Green Toys Recycling Truck made from 100% Recycled Milk Jugs!

Steph's Pick:

I love these natural soy Crayons but all the Clementine Art supplies are fantastic.

Thanks for all your support!

The Baby Fair is this Weekend!

Are you going? Want to Win a Pair of Weekend Passes?

Abby Sprouts has 2 Pairs of Weekend Passes for the Vancouver Island Baby Fair to Giveaway!

So Let's talk about the Fair first, before we get to the good, free stuff.

The Vancouver Island Baby Fair is different in a good way. 

Highlights for me:

• Photo Contest, but it's not about the contest (for me anyway) as much as getting a professional picture for only $10 that is donated directly to the Greater Victoria Down Syndrome Society
• The Shopping is incredible and all in one place, go ahead and compare prices within walking distance
• You get to get your hands on cloth diapers!
• It's incredibly baby, child friendly with fully stock change area with diapers, helpful staff and clean changing station!
• Oh-- Bobs & LoLo are coming and playing 4 shows!
• Completely Breast Feeding friendly with a baby feeding area in private with couches or pit stops all around. 
• Shirley, the woman who puts this fair on, is amazing and you might get to meet her.
• Stroller Parking by donation if you want to wear your baby or let your toddler walk while keeping the stroller near
• Baby Races
• We'll be there! Booth 80/81 en route to the photo contest and next to the baby bistro!
• Some fabulous prize packages to be won including a little something for Abby Sprouts! 

We will have an awesome promo going on for those who come visit us at the baby fair this weekend as well. 

So, how to win, just leave a comment, (make sure to include an email address or means of reaching you!) and tell us what item you are most looking forward to seeing, buying, trying or that we just can't leave behind!

Make sure you come see us at booth 80/81!

 

Little Late but Better than Never All Better Balm Update

Ok, so we're into Day 5 of applying the All Better Balm by Momma Goose and have seen improvement with her horrible rash. Yesterday it seems to flare up more I think because she had a sun dress on and wouldn't stop stretching but still looks better.

On another note is working wonders on relieving my ridiculously painful sun burn from yesterday too. I guess I should have had the Sun Defense on!

Hopefully I'll have one of a rash free baby soon!

Momma Goose All Better Balm Gets a Real Test!

I have tried many products to clear up the rash behind my daughter's knees and I'm yet to have any luck finding a product that will completely clear it and be safe and gentle on her skin. I did try the Lalabee baby butter but it really is only a moisturizer so just helped with the dryness but not the rash itself. It seems to have gone from bad to worse lately and it just looks so sore.

 Here's the blurb about Momma Goose All Better Balm, handmade in Victoria, BC, Canada! 

All Better Balm - A wonderful cure-all. Great to treat cradle cap,
rashes, burns, minor scrapes, eczema, and even diaper rash. Coconut
oil has natural anti-fungal properties to combat rashes, while
calendula, comfrey and St John's wort provide excellent healing
properties. This cream is a perfect bum cream for cloth diapers!

The photo of her rash is from today and I put the all better balm on about an hour ago now.  I figure the best way to see if it works well is to do a real time test. I'll post new photos tomorrow or the next day.

2 Vancouver Island Baby Fair Tickets to Giveaway!

This weekend Abby Sprouts will be up in Nanaimo at the Vancouver Island Baby Fair Booth #28!!

On Saturday June 5th, I'll be giving a cloth diaper demo for everyone interested!

Here's the blurb from the Vancouver Island Baby Fair Website:

3:00pm - Modern cloth diapering: Benefits & myths plus simple guidelines to help you get started
Considering Cloth Diapers? Are you feeling overwhelmed? Stephanie will show you modern cloth diaper options (no pins!), how to use cloth, how to wash your diapers (it's easy!), and let you try cloth diapers out yourself. Learn answers to common questions, why more parents are choosing cloth, what you need to get started, and some helpful tips and tricks. Come and get the answers you need to make the right diaper choice for your family.

Our last pair of tickets needs be given away before Friday so hurry up and Enter!!

For your First Entry tell me what you are doing to tread a little lighter on the planet. It can be using cloth diapers, composting, going solar... A wise women told me it's all about being on the path to sustainability. So let's hear where you are on the path!

Tickets at the door are Cash only FYI but we will be accepting Visa and MasterCard as well as Cash at our booth #28!

Additional Entries:

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In order to keep the blog family friendly I moderate all comments so if there is a delay in seeing your comment posted it's just because I haven't checked it yet :)

Leave One Comment for your first mandatory entry and then one for Each Additional Entry!

See you at the Baby Fair this Weekend!

Good Luck!

First Line drying Day for Us

I thought it was so great to finally get the diapers on the line for a little natural sun bleaching action and then it rain. One of those spur of the moment 5 minute pours on an otherwise gorgeous sunny day here  in Victoria, BC. Another load to go up today and I'm hoping that once I hang the diapers the sun will get over here and do it's thing. 

Government St. Sunday Market in Victoria, BC *First One April 18*

We just found out last night we'll be participating the the Sunday Market from 11am to 4:30pm in downtown Victoria, BC on the 1600 block of Government St. between Pandora and Fisgard.

We're so excited! I had the pleasure of meeting a few of the other participants last night and I think it's going to be a fabulous mix of products and people.

Abby Sprouts will be there to give cloth diaper demos, sell everything that's in stock!, giving exclusive market sales and booking cloth diaper or Abby Sprouts Parties in Victoria or around Vancouver Island too.

Hint Hint: ALL Melissa and Doug Toys are going to be on sale!

Support Smoke Free Playgrounds in Victoria's CRD

One local mom who's the host of CFAX 1070 Real Parenting Show has taken the initiative to go to the CRD and ask for a CRD Wide Ban on smoking on Victoria's public playgrounds.

Find more info on the Real Parenting Blog: http://www.realparentingradio.blogspot.com 

Support this important causes by joining the Facebook group and inviting your friends too. Join now!