Real Diaper Industry Association Member News Feed

Q&A with Melody Blauser

Admin of RDIA — Tue, 08 May 2012 16:47:56 GMT

Fresh Fannies Diaper Service (Diaper Service)
RDIA Member Since 16 September 2011
Lexington, Kentuck

Q&A with Melody Blauser: Offering Lexington parents a Fresh Fanny

Lexington, KY – May 8, 2012 - When Lexington resident Melody Blauser and her husband, Leland, had their daughter last spring, the health of their newborn as well as the environment were first on their minds.

“We discovered cloth diapers, which have made all the difference in the world,” Melody Blauser said. “And we really wanted to give other Central Kentuckians that opportunity.”

And so the catchy Fresh Fannies was born. Fresh Fannies Diaper Service picks up dirty cloth diapers and drops off clean cloth diapers to your home, work or daycare, so your little one “always has a fresh fanny,” according to the website.

As Melody finishes her MBA at the University of Kentucky, grows her new business and retains a full-time job, she has certainly gained perspective and strengthened her support of local business.

I think it is important to keep things local to preserve the tradition of community,” she said. “It is a reflection of the ‘good ole’ days’ when transactions were about more than just material goods.”

If you want to know Melody's favorite bourbon and why it is important to buy local, read the whole Q&A at at Kentuck Forward.

Baby Care Diaper Service Washes One Millionth Diaper

Admin of RDIA — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 18:59:44 GMT

Baby Care Diaper Service (Diaper Service)
RDIA Member Since 10 August 2009
Maryland Heights, Missouri

Baby Care Diaper Service Washes One Millionth Diaper

St. Louis diaper service saves over one million diapers from landfills

Saint Louis, MO – March 6, 2011 – Baby Care Diaper Service, a St. Louis-based diaper delivery service, has washed its one millionth diaper since coming under new ownership in 2006. Disposable diapers are the third highest contributor to landfills and every diaper washed, dried and delivered by Baby Care keeps a disposable diaper from harming our environment.

Owners Kathy and Mark Huntebrinker are dedicated to educating the community about the benefits and cost-savings of cloth diapering.

“It is exciting to know that we have helped keep over one million disposable diapers out of landfills,” says Kathy Huntebrinker. “According to the Real Diaper Association, it is estimated that over 28 billion disposable diapers enter our landfills every year. We are thrilled that so many St. Louisans have embraced cloth diapering and are happy to be part of a movement to keep our planet healthy for our children and future generations. Even the smallest everyday choices can make a huge impact.”

The Huntebrinkers’ dedication to the environment factors into every choice they make to manage the business. Not only is cloth diapering more environmentally friendly, the entire Baby Care process is managed with environmental consideration. Baby Care is part of Ameren’s Pure Power program that allows businesses to buy energy credits to offset their usage. The company conserves water by using a high-efficiency hot water heater and washers with “rinse save” technology, sorts diapers based on soil levels to conserve water and energy, and conserves energy by using the most efficient delivery routes. Baby Care operates within the standards of the Real Diaper Industry Association and uses a trusted detergent company that is phosphate, dye and perfume free.

“With over 90 percent of disposable diapers ending up in landfills, even part-time use of cloth diapers makes an astounding impact on landfill waste. Baby Care is committed to educating parents about the benefits of cloth diapers and how easy they are to use so they at least consider cloth diapering. We work with local like-minded businesses on community-wide education initiatives and we offer workshops and in-home demos. So many people think of the pins and the mess associated with old cloth diapering systems which is no longer the case,” says Huntebrinker.

Baby Care makes cloth diapering easy with convenient pick up of dirty diapers and drop off of clean diapers once a week. The Huntebrinkers are working hard to keep cloth diapering affordable for families with their Wraps for Life program which gives parents the option to “rent” diaper covers at each age and stage to keep their investment costs low and make cloth diapering work for them.

“For many of our customers, cost is one of the least important factors when comparing cloth to disposables,” says Huntebrinker. “But, surprisingly, using a cloth diaper service can end up costing less in the long run. The weekly price is comparable to paper diapers and is cheaper than other popular on-the-go systems. When you take into account that many cloth diapered babies end up potty training about one year earlier, the savings is substantial over the diaper lifetime of a child. Plus, the best part about Baby Care is that we make it even more convenient - you get the convenience of having clean diapers delivered to your doorstep and don’t have to worry about that late-night diaper run.”

Baby Care Diaper continues to show steady growth and has recently expanded their delivery service area into Illinois and more of St. Louis and St. Charles counties. In early 2011 Baby Care developed warehouse facilities in Maryland Heights and now washes and dries all of their own diapers, allowing them to conserve energy and the use of materials. This also allows Baby Care Diaper to offer special services like “Deep Cleaning” service for those that wash their own diapers to give them a nice deep clean. The home delivery service is hoping to add jobs this year and is available in Missouri as far west as O’Fallon, as far north as Florissant, as far south as Oakville, and now as far east as many areas in Illinois.

About Baby Care Diaper Service

Baby Care Diaper Service is the St. Louis and Illinois cloth diaper service, delivering clean cloth diapers right to your door. Baby Care strives to educate parents about the environmental, health, and cost advantages of cloth diapering. Baby Care Diaper has been around over 20 years, and they continue to offer affordable service to St. Louis and parts of Illinois and education to parents with community partners. To learn more about Baby Care Diaper Service, please visit www.babycarediaper.com or call 314-732-7009.

Eco Nuts Will Be Gifting at Pre-Oscars Boom Boom Room

Admin of RDIA — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 18:59:07 GMT

Eco Nuts (Associate)
RDIA Member Since 16 September 2011
Marina del Rey, California

Eco Nuts Will Be Gifting at Pre Oscars Boom Boom Room

Environmentally Friendly Cleaning Company Eco Nuts Will Be Gifting at Pre Oscars Boom Boom Room
Read more here: http://www.sacbee.com/2012/02/22/4282312/celebrities-are-eco-nuts-for-the.html#storylink=cpy

HOLLYWOOD, California, February 22, 2012 - Eco Nuts, an environmentally friendly cleaning product company has been invited to promote its award winning wares at the Boom Boom Room, the number one gifting suite at the Academy Awards. The Boom Boom Room promotes only top quality products to celebrity A-list parents for their babies and toddlers.

Jayneoni Moore, a celebrity guru, and host of the Boom Boom Room, handpicked Eco Nuts for this Oscar gifting suite due to the company's hands on service, ecologically friendly products and popularity with celebrities and the Hollywood elite.

Among the favorites of the Eco Nuts' product line are its certified organic and award winning branded soap nuts and its highly concentrated liquid laundry soap made from soapberry extract. Eco Nuts' soap nuts – literally a berry that grows on a tree -- is beloved by the A-list crowd and parents everywhere as a natural, economical, and non-toxic method of doing their laundry and keeping their fitness gear clean both on set and at home.

Eco Nuts has also gained favoritism among environmentally considerate celebrities for its pioneer use of alternatives to regular plastic packaging. "We're a green company they can feel good about using," said Scott Shields, company president and an actor who has appeared in the Pirates of the Caribbean movies.

Celebrities who have brought home Eco Nuts include Evan Handler, Jeremy Sisto, Jillian Michaels, Gilles Marini, and Brooke Anderson.

These parents and other Eco Nuts fans are also thrilled at the idea of a detergent that does not leave any chemical residues so it is safe even if their children chew on their clothes, and also will not aggravate their sensitive skin. "We're one of the top growing baby and cloth diaper detergents on the market today," said Mona Weiss, an actress and co-owner of Eco Nuts, "We are excited about how well Eco Nuts have been embraced by both regular moms and celebrities alike."

In the past, some of the celebrity moms that have visited and love the Boom Boom Room offerings include Halle Barry, Heidi Klum, Nancy Odell, Tori Spelling, Denise Richards, Melissa Joan Hart, Holly Robinson Peete, Brooke Burke, Danica McKellar and Jessica Alba.

About the Boom Boom Room: The Boom Boom Room is an exclusive event put on by Glamor Guru Jayneoni Moore. Jayneoni, a regular on MTV, VH1's The Fabulous Life of Celebrity Kids, Entertainment Tonight, The Insider, MSNBC Hot List and CNN, is well known as a bonafide Kiddie-swag specialist for Hollywood celebrities. Jayneoni's signature Boom Boom Rooms are held at hush-hush Hollywood locations and showcase the must-have baby and children's products of the season. Jayneoni Moore has become known as the "Fairy Godmother" to many of the famous tots in Tinseltown.

About Eco Nuts:http://www.EcoNutsSoap.com

Eco Nuts is an award winning, clean-rinsing detergent embraced by parents for its effectiveness on cloth diapers and its gentleness on sensitive skin, eczema and psoriasis. Eco Nuts Liquid Detergent and Eco NutsSoap Nuts contain no dyes, fragrances, fillers, enzymes or optical brighteners and are 100 percent SLS (sodium laurel sulfate) and phosphate-free. Eco Nuts is also the largest soap nut brand in North America with hundreds of stores and thousands of Facebook fans. Follow us on Twitter @EcoNuts and Facebook/EcoNuts

Media Contact: Mona Weiss of Eco Nuts, 310-309-0646, EcoNutsSoap@gmail.com

Snuggle Hugs Opens Shop in Berea

Admin of RDIA — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 19:19:59 GMT

Snuggle Hugs (Retailer)
RDIA Member Since 8 January 2009
Berea, Ohio

Snuggle Hugs Offers Latest Baby Trends

Anyone who considers cloth diapers a thing of the past should visit Snuggle Hugs on West Bagley Road.

It has your baby’s very important needs covered.

Owner Christine Bradt, a Berea resident, opened her shop this month after selling cloth diapers over the Internet for several years.

"I believe in them," said Bradt, the mother of six children. "They are cheaper than disposables, healthier for your child, they don’t stink and are more environmentally friendly."

Read the rest of the article from the Sun News on Cleveland.com.

Clean Bee Hosts Community Event with WOOLY ROUNDS

Admin of RDIA — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 17:23:55 GMT

Clean Bee Laundry (Diaper Service)
RDIA Charter Member Since 4 Oct 2008
Camden, Maine

WOOLY ROUNDS (Associate)
RDIA Member Since 12 July 2011
Camden, Maine

Clean Bee Hosts Community Event with WOOLY ROUNDS February 12

CAMDEN, MAINE, February 3, 2012 - Have you heard the buzz lately about WOOLY ROUNDS wool dryer balls and have questions or want to try them yourself? Then come to Clean Bee Laundry, 83 Elm in Camden (Reny’s Plaza) on Sunday, February 12 from 12-2 pm for the Laundry Intensive: Hands on WOOLY ROUNDS, an opportunity for anyone to use WOOLY ROUNDS for free at Clean Bee.

WOOLY ROUNDS are handmade, felted wool dryer balls which you use in a clothes dryer to help separate clothes. Using several in your dryer creates a constant motion that allows for more air to circulate around your wet laundry so your clothes will dry faster and you can reduce your dry time by ~ 10 – 25%. WOOLY ROUNDS not only helps you reduce dry time, which helps you conserve energy and save money, but they also help to naturally soften your clothes. Since they contain no harmful chemicals, they are ideal to use with all your laundry, including delicate garments such as baby clothes and cloth diapers.

Cyndi Prince, owner and developer of WOOLY ROUNDS, will bring a large basket of WOOLY ROUNDS for Clean Bee’s patrons to try and use for themselves and will also be on hand to provide information and answer any questions about wool dryer balls. Jennifer and Broo Temple, owners of Clean Bee Laundry have continually been focused on running a friendly, clean and efficient operation that highlights the benefits of earth-conscious laundering, will also be available to share their laundry experiences. Clean Bee has been using WOOLY ROUNDS for all of its commercial laundry and diaper service for quite some time now to shorten dry time and extend the life of cloth diapers, rags, and aprons. Clean Bee Laundry has the area’s only ozone equipped washing machines as well as single, triple and quad-load commercial quality coin operated washing machines for self-serve use. Clean Bee Laundry is open 7am - 7pm daily.

Coffee will be available for this event courtesy of Green Tree Coffee in Lincolnville.

For more information call Clean Bee Laundry at 236-2530 or visit www.cleanbeelaundry.com.

Green Earth Baby Works in Local Seacoast News

Admin of RDIA — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 04:39:17 GMT

Green Earth Baby Works (Diaper Service)
RDIA member since 12 Mar 2011
Epping, New Hampshire

Green Earth Baby Works in Local Seacoast News

Epping, NEW HAMPSHIRE - "The technology has come a long way in the last 10 years," Leo said. "The waterproof layers they use are far more advanced, and some are even biodegradable. Plus, the snap technology is a lot more advanced, which has made them a lot more convenient and easier to use."

What was once little more than a rectangular cloth folded just-so and secured with often faulty, skin-piercing pins has morphed into a reusable, sustainable version of a once toxic time bomb.

It's a green leap forward. Leo is determined to prove can be convenient, sustainable and cost-effective all at once.

"I'm trying to make having cloth diapers as accessible as possible," she said of her service. "I'm not into up-selling products or cutting corners. I want to find out what works for you, work with you to achieve that, while saving you money and helping the environment at the same time."

Read the whole story on Seacoast Online.

Jillians Drawers pays employees a living wage

Admin of RDIA — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 23:12:20 GMT

Jillians Drawers (retailer)
Member since September 10, 2008

Ithaca, New York

Minimum Wage Increase Battle
"Jillians Drawers is one of over 50 businesses in Tompkins county paying its employees a living wage."

ITHACA, NEW YORK, January 23, 2012

Jillians Drawers is one of over 50 businesses in Tompkins county paying its employees a living wage. Thats is $11.67 and hour, and workers say it makes a big difference. Kelly Serbonich has been working at Jillian's Drawers for the past 4 years.

“I'm a single parent and I have a child that’s six so this job has made all the difference in terms of us being able to live the lifestyle we would like to and be able to support myself and him.”

. . .

People who oppose a minimum wage increase in Albany say it will make it harder for small businesses to compensate. but for businesses like Jillian's Drawers, the commitment to staff is more important.

“We're very family focused and a very supportive work environment and living wage is apart of making sure that people can take care of their families and live the lifestyle they want to and not be scrapping by,” says Serbonich.

Watch the whole story from WENY-TV.

Apple Cheeks wins $100,000 investment deal on Dragon’s Den

Admin of RDIA — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 22:39:42 GMT

Apple Cheeks (manufacturer)
Member since August 31, 2011

Lachine, Quebec

Cloth diaper manufacturer Apple Cheeks wins $100,000 investment deal on Dragon's Den

LACHINE, QB, January 19, 2012 - LaSalle-based cloth-diaper firm AppleCheeks landed a $100,000 investment deal on CBC Television’s Dragon’s Den reality show Wednesday night. Two Dragons – Jim Treliving and Arlene Dickinson – agreed to provide the funds in return for a 25 per cent stake in the company.

AppleCheeks was founded in 2007 by Amy Appleton and partner Ilana Grostern. The duo – accompanied by their two babies – asked the Dragons to give them a $100,000 to help fund a plan to expand the firm’s product line into big box stores.

“It’s been a very, very exciting day,” Grostern said in an interview Thursday afternoon, the day after the episode aired on CBC.

“Our goals was not necessarily to walk away with a deal,” she said, explaining that two other cloth diaper firms had not been well-received by the Dragons on earlier episodes of the shows “We wanted to show them how well the industry does undefined and how legitimate it is.”

Diaper Junction Featured in Parents Magazine

Admin of RDIA — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 22:28:21 GMT

Diaper Junction (Retailer)

Member since 10 September 2008

Virginia Beach, Virginia

Diaper Junction Featured in Parents Magazine

VIRGINIA BEACH, VA, January 17, 2012 - Diaper Junction has announced that its president is featured in an article in the January issue of Parents Magazine. "Diapering Decisions" takes a look at how cloth diapers have changed over the past few decades. The magazine article focused on several tips for cloth diapering parents, especially beginners who may be overwhelmed by all of the decisions and choices today's parents can make.

"I think the best way for people to try cloth diapering is to start slow and get a feel for it, since it's not for everyone," said Guckin, president of Diaper Junction. "I wanted the readers to understand that there are several different options available, and that which type works best is really a matter of personal preference for the parents and their babies."

Green Earth Baby Works, New Hampshire's Only Cloth Diaper Service

Lori Taylor — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 04:27:42 GMT

Green Earth Baby Works (Diaper Service)
RDIA member since 12 Mar 2011
Epping, New Hampshire

NH’s only cloth diaper service determined to show green way forward

Portsmouth, NEW HAMPSHIRE - Citing her own daughter’s struggles with various rashes and allergies as her prime motivation for exploring the cloth diaper path, Leo’s research quickly revealed that not only did disposable diapers pose significant waste issues – human feces leeching into the ground being the most obvious example – but tangible health risks as well. . . .

Still, adopting GEBW’s old-is-new-again alternative doesn’t have to mean shunning modern convenience. With a wide range of cloth diaper products, accessories, and services, Leo is forging a unique, affordable niche as green as it is user-friendly.

“A big concern for people when they hear ‘cloth diaper’ is, ‘gee, I hope it doesn’t have pins,” Leo chuckles. “But that’s how advanced these products have become. Now you can get diapers with snaps or Velcro closure that are just as easy to put on and take off.”

Read the full article at The Green Alliance and The Portsmouth Patch.

All Things Diapers Voted "Best Diaper Service in the Twin Cites"

Admin of RDIA — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 02:37:40 GMT

All Things Diapers (Diaper Service)
RDIA member since 13 September 2009
Blaine, Minnesota

Voted "Best Diaper Service in the Twin Cites" by Minnesota Monthly Magazine

Twin Cities, MINNESOTA - It has been a big year for Martin and Patti Cross. First, they opened their first retail store in September 2010, then they tripled the store size and included a classroom in June 2010. On August 2, 2011, they washed their one millionth diaper.

Finally, to round off the year, they learned at the end of September that All Things Diapers was voted the "Best Diaper Service in the Twin Cites" in the upcoming November issue of Minnesota Monthly Magazine. The "Best of the Twin Cities" is an annual award by category.

From Minnesota Monthly Magazine:

"Martin and Patti Cross want to save you money, reduce waste, and have your little bundle of joy potty trained by the age of two-using cloth diapers. Since starting All Things Diapers in 2009 the couple has expanded the business to include multiple delivery and laundry packages plus a store offering the widest selection of cloth diapers in the state. Not only is it convenient (they deliver and pick up diapers up at your home), All Things Diapers is also eco friendly: the Crosses make deliveries in a prius, use energy-efficient washers, compost-even plant trees. Basically, they're the diaper genies you've always wanted but never knew existed."

Do Good Diapers washes 1,000,000 cloth diapers!

Admin of RDIA — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 20:24:03 GMT

Do Good Diapers (Diaper Service)
RDIA member since 4 August 2009
Minneapolis, Minnesota

Small start up business washes 1,000,000 cloth diapers!

Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN 9/1/11 – Do Good Diaper Service (www.dogooddiapers.com ), a local cloth diaper delivery company based in NE Minneapolis, is excited to announce that it has washed its 1 Millionth dirty cloth diaper. “It’s exciting” says Peter Allen, President, “When we started delivery the economy was just starting to go south, we didn’t know what to expect. We are just so happy that Twin Cities parents have embraced the ease, convenience and savings of using cloth diapers.”

Several studies estimate that between 1-3% of all landfill waste is disposable diapers. Every 3 months Twin Cities parents throw away over 50 million disposable diapers. Do Good Diapers believes that every parent can Do Good and even using cloth diapers part time helps make the world a better place.

How a diaper delivery service operates is simple. Once a week a Do Good Diapers delivery driver picks up a bag of dirty cloth diapers and leaves a fresh clean bag. The diapers are brought back to the washing facility where they are sorted, cleaned and folded. “It’s a dirty job” smiles Dan N., “but I’m happy to be working for a company that is growing and helping the environment.”

For more information or questions regarding Do Good Diaper Service contact Peter Allen at 612-990-2183 or DoGoodDiapers@gmail.com.

KellyWels.com New Book Wins Parenting Award

Admin of RDIA — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 20:14:17 GMT

KellyWels.com (Diaper Information Service)

Member since 28 June 2011

Waterford, Maine

Cloth Diapering Business Shows Healthy “Bottom” Line

New Book Promoting the Movement Wins Parenting Award

Omaha, Neb. (August 26, 2011) - New parents are changing to cloth diapers after learning the money-saving and eco-friendly benefits. A new book on cloth diapering due out in October has just been named a Mom’s Choice Gold Award winner.

Further evidence of the impact of cloth diapering, Inc. Magazine announced yesterday that the manufacturer of GroVia brand cloth diapers is one of its 500 Fastest Growing Private Companies.

“Once moms see how easy it is to use cloth diapers for most of their diapering needs, they quickly realize it’s not what they originally thought,” says Kelly Wels, cloth diaper advocate and author of the new book Changing Diapers: The Hip Mom’s Guide to Modern Cloth Diapering.

The business of cloth diapering is snapping up new customers through innovative marketing strategies on social media, blogs and online marketing tools. “Many new parents do extensive research prior to making the decision to use cloth. During these economic times, some feel more secure in having the one-time investment of cloth diapers rather than ongoing expenses of disposables,” says Wels. “And entrepreneurs who want to make a business of it are operating successful companies serving local and global markets and everything in between.”

The Natural Baby Company, manufacturer of the GroVia brand, released this statement: “The Natural Baby Company debuted this morning at number 457 on Inc.’s list – proving what we’ve all known for so long, that cloth diapers and natural parenting products are not only making a huge impact on our environment and the health of our children, but these products encompass an influential part of the U.S. economy as well.”

“People think that cloth diapers are making a comeback,” says Wels, “but the bottom line is they never really went away, cloth diapers have evolved and so have the reasons parents choose them.”

You can Preorder Changing Diapers at www.ChangingDiapersBook.com, (ISBN: 978-0-9835622-1-4, $17.95, Publication Date: October 1, 2011). The book will be available at bookstores, as well as specialty and online retailers.

The Mom’s Choice Awards® program recognizes individuals for creating quality family-friendly media, products and services. www.MomsChoiceAwards.com.

MEDIA: To interview Kelly Wels, review the book, or for a media kit, contact Erin Pankowski at erin@conciergemarketing.com or 402-884-5995.

Namaste Mama announces new product: the Boingo!

Admin of RDIA — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 02:10:35 GMT

Namaste Mama (Manufacturer)
Member since 24 February 2010
Chandler, Arizona

Do you Boingo?

Announcing the newest in innovative products from Namaste Mama LLC, the Boingo!

A fun way to fasten the Boingo is a patent pending stretchy fastener that grips when it should while maintaining flexibility and movement! Never struggle with difficult pins or fasteners again!

Boingo comes in 6 fun colors and glow in the dark!

No old fashioned pins needed! It is simple and easy to use. Just hook on one side of the diaper, pull and grip, and you done!

Boingo Fasteners grip on the sides of the diaper.This prevents uncomfortable compression on the baby’s tummy and delicate areas. Diapers fastened with Boingo do not need a cover because of its patent pending curved grips! It stays put and dose not pull off during play like other products on the market.

The curved grips also help prevent accidental injury’s like poked fingers and scratches.

Dandy Diaper Service Open in Southwest Harbor

Admin of RDIA — Sun, 07 Aug 2011 03:50:06 GMT

Dandy Diaper Service (diaper service)

RDIA Member since 13 January 2011

Southwest Harbor, Maine

Cloth Diaper Delivery Service Open in Southwest Harbor

It's a dirty job, and Liz Hudson loves every minute of it.

The Southwest Harbor woman has opened a new business, dedicated to saving our planet, one dirty diaper at a time.

As a mom to two young girls, Liz Hudson was looking for a career that could keep her home on weekends.

"I did laundry and dry cleaning in high school and college. And then, I was also a major in microbiology, and so I studied bacteria. And then, I diapered two kids," says Hudson.

It all added up- to bottoms.

"I pulled a magic button and it said- diaper service."

On January 1st, Hudson opened Dandy Diaper Service in Southwest Harbor. She quickly found out that Microbiology degree would come in handy.

Read the full story and watch the video from WABI.

Grand Opening of Baby Junk featuring Diaper DuDee Diaper Service

Admin of RDIA — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 16:41:15 GMT

Diaper DuDee Diaper Service/Baby Junk (diaper service)

RDIA Member since 31 May 2009

Omaha, Nebraska

Announcing the joint Grand Opening of Baby Junk featuring Diaper DuDee Diaper Service

Baby Junk featuring Diaper DuDee Diaper Service will celebrate their GRAND OPENINGS this Saturday, July 23rd, in Omaha, Nebraska.

Saturdays Events & Specials

FREE MILK and COOKIES all day!

Stork Vision will be offering 15-min mini ultrasounds with a photo CD
Bring your partner to paint your belly for our Belly Painting Contest!
Be one of the first 100 people through the door and get a mystery Baby Junk gift card
Bring the older kids from 1:30-3:30 to meet the Storm Chasers' mascot and get a FREE picture!
Get some relief from the aches of prenancy by joining Carole Westerman from 2:30-3:00 for prenatal yoga.

Giveaways from the following companies and business: Boba, Sleepy Wrap, Devetter Fitness, Body Basics, Omaha Jewelry, Great Harvest Bread Company, Reve, Category One, Bumkins, Bloom, Green Toys, Strike Zone, Flip, Econobum, BumGenius, Thirsties, Willow Store, Under the Nile, Planetwise, and many more!

We hope you can join us in celebrating everything we have been able to accomplish with opening these stores.

Thank you from the owners of Baby Junk (Diaper DuDee) and Stork Vision.

Andrea Foley and Jill Zuerlein

Handmade Toy Alliance urges CPSC to Stay Enforcement of ASTM-963 for Small Batch Manufacturers

Admin of RDIA — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 20:25:09 GMT

Handmade Toy Alliance (Associate member)
RDIA Member Since 27 July 2010
Stamford, Connecticut

Handmade Toy Alliance urges CPSC to Stay Enforcement of ASTM-963 for Small Batch Manufacturers

In a letter dated July 3, 2011, the Handmade Toy Alliance (HTA) addressed the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s (CPSC) recent staff briefing package on the “notice of requirements” for laboratories to become accepted to test for ASTM F963 as presented to the Commission and public. Primarily geared towards testing laboratories, this notice also signals to stakeholders such as the HTA that once approved and published in the Federal Register, all children’s products falling under toy guidelines manufactured 90 days after publish date will need to be tested and certified by a CPSC accepted laboratory.

“To begin requiring third party testing to the ASTM F-963 standard will dramatically and permanently harm small batch toymakers,” shares Dan Marshall, HTA President and owner of Peapods Natural Toys (MN). “We are therefore petitioning the Commission to delay the publication of lab certification standards for ASTM F-963 or to stay indefinitely the enforcement of the ASTM F-963 third party testing requirement for small batch manufacturers.”

Currently, Congress is considering substantive changes to the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) which would significantly reduce the compliance costs for small batch manufacturers. “We have received clear indications from the leadership of both the Democratic and Republican parties of their intention to modify the CPSIA in order to reduce its unintended consequences for small batch manufacturers,” states Randy Hertzler, HTA Vice President and owner of euroSource (PA). “While this legislation is pending and progressing, it is simply unnecessary to employ a ruling that will imperil thousands of small business.”

“The vast majority of HTA members are extremely small businesses, consisting of no employees, very small revenues and a limited number of products produced in short quantities,” explains Jill Chuckas, HTA Board member and owner of Crafty Baby (CT). “Yet, the CPSIA treats these micro businesses exactly the same as large, multi-national corporations. A typical HTA manufacturer making only a few thousand units of a toy per year simply cannot afford to absorb fixed testing costs (often at $500 to $3500 per toy created).”

The HTA also states concerns regarding the timing of this proposed rule making, which, by estimates, will bring ASTM F-963 into effect in mid-October, directly in the middle of holiday production runs. “Large companies who mass produce product for holiday sales complete their production runs at least 6 months prior to sale,” shares Mary Newell, HTA Treasurer and owner of Terrapin Toys (OR). “Imposing third party testing requirements in mid-October will have a much more negative impact of small batch toymakers like those in our membership who generally are crafting and creating product right up until the actual holidays.”

“For almost 3 years now, our membership has been working tirelessly together in order to better understand and manage the CPSIA. The basic language within the law is extremely difficult at best for our membership to comprehend, particularly without the assistance of attorneys and technical support staff,” states Marshall. “We have urged the Commission to author a simplified guide to the ASTM F-963 standards for small businesses, to no avail. Without such clear guidance, small batch manufacturers cannot negotiate fairly or openly with the third party labs they would be required to employ.”

The HTA consists of 653 member businesses, including retail stores, toymakers and children's product manufacturers from across the country who want to preserve consumer access to unique handmade toys, clothes and all manner of small batch children's goods in the USA. Formed in November of 2008 in response to the CPSIA, HTA members are parents, grandparents and consumers who are passionate about their businesses as well as the safety of the children in their lives. While in support of the spirit of the law, the unintended consequences of the CPSIA have motivated members of the HTA to work to enact change at a federal level. For more information, visit www.handmadetoyalliance.org.

Dan Marshall, co-owner

Peapods Natural Toys &

Baby Care (St. Paul, MN)

Tel. 651-238-8398

dan@peapods.com

Jill Chuckas, Owner, Designer

Crafty Baby

(Stamford, CT)

Tel. 888-788-5168

jill@craftybaby.com

Press Contact:

Jill Chuckas

Stamford, CT 06907

jill@craftybaby.com

888-788-5168

http://www.handmadetoyalliance.org

Ruby Moon Finds Angels for Details

Admin of RDIA — Sat, 25 Jun 2011 17:11:48 GMT

Ruby Moon (Retailer)

Member since 23 February 2011

Casco, Maine

Maine entrepreneurs find some angels for the details

A nonprofit business incubator and USM students assist with finances, marketing and technical processes.

GORHAM - Doug and Lyndsay Sanborn are already selling their all-natural laundry detergents to 28 retailers throughout the country, but they still haven't worked out all the kinks of their new business.

The Casco couple are hoping students from the University of Southern Maine's College of Science, Technology and Health can help.

The Sanborns' startup, Ruby Moon, is one of four chosen to participate in Campus Ventures, a new program created in collaboration with the Maine Center for Enterprise Development in Portland.

The center, a nonprofit business incubator, assists the entrepreneurs with the financial and marketing aspects of their companies, while the students help with technical processes, including manufacturing and quality control.

The 10 student interns in the program are paid $9.25 an hour and work on the projects for between 15 and 20 hours per week for about 10 months, said Michael Wing, director of external programs at USM.

Read the full story at the Portland, Maine, Press Herald.

Diaper Junction Debuts Cloth Diapering Service

Admin of RDIA — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 15:56:42 GMT

Diaper Junction (Retailer)

Member since 10 September 2008

Virginia Beach, Virginia

Diaper Junction Debuts Cloth Diapering Service

HAMPTON ROADS, VA, June 8, 2011 - Diaper Junction has announced the debut of its new cloth diaper laundering service in Hampton Roads, Virginia. Customers receive a set of clean cloth diapers, a hamper and a waterproof reusable bag. The weekly service picks up dirty diapers and leaves clean ones in their place for approximately $19 per week, depending on the monthly plan.

Diaper Junction sells supplies for cloth diapering. Parents buy them online or in person and do the laundering themselves. Diaper Junction received many local requests for a laundering service, something that the area has not seen in more than 20 years. The service now caters to local parents that don't have the time or the desire to wash their own diapers. Chesapeake Service Systems, a local non-profit organization which employs adults with disabilities, handles the laundering of the cotton reusable diapers.

"We have been in the cloth diaper retail business for eight years. We feel that cloth diapers are healthier," said Bryana Guckin, president of Diaper Junction. "There are no chemicals like what you find in disposable diapers. Cloth diapers are healthier for the environment and keep disposable diapers out of landfills. They are also cheaper, because babies potty train six months sooner than those in disposable diapers."

For parents who are unsure about taking on cloth diapering full-time, Diaper Junction offers a week-long Test Drive program. Customers receive everything included in the regular service with no further obligation if they decide it's not for them.

"Moms can get their feet wet without laying out the extra money," said Guckin. "We know that cloth diapers are not the norm these days, so we want people to be comfortable with what they're getting into."

About Diaper Junction: Diaper Junction (http://www.diaperjunction.com) is a family owned and operated cloth diaper store and diaper service located in Virginia Beach, Virginia. It is the premier source for cloth diapers for babies, diaper covers and cloth diapering accessories.

Do Good Diapers on CBS news in Minneapolis

Admin of RDIA — Mon, 09 May 2011 10:55:20 GMT

Do Good Diapers (Diaper Service)
RDIA member since 4 August 2009
Minneapolis, Minnesota

New Dad Gets the "Poop" on Cloth Diapers

Peter Allen left corporate America a few years ago to start “Do Good Diapers.” For $20 a week, parents can get about 60 diapers delivered to their home.

Do Good picks up their dirty ones to be washed back at their facility. Thousands go through the washer each week, but before that happens they are sorted based on their “degree of saturation.”

“Who gets that job?” I asked.

“We have a couple of great employees,” said Allen.

His reason for starting this also has to do with environment.

“Later on this year we will be hitting our one-millionth diaper. We track all the diapers that come in, we count them and that’s what we return to our customers. So we have a running tally of how many diapers we are keeping out of landfills,” said Allen.

Read and watch the full story on WCCO-TV, including a look at the Do Good Diapers laundering facility.