Why Cloth?

I know it has been a few years since we started using cloth diapers but after moving here to Louisville and being around many who use them as well as other reusable products I decided to write about my opinion on the matter. I do want to start off by saying I am not a "tree-hugging greenie" (and no offense to those of you who are as I hope to get better at taking care of the earth for my part) these are simply my observations as I see and hear things and pray about the best decisions to make regarding certain things. I am also not completely opposed to paper, plastic, etc. I do think these things have there place and use them myself. Like many things I am discovering I believe there is a balance.

What really got me thinking about it a lot was one of my teachers saying, "If you can afford the modern conveniences do it." Though I have a great deal of respect for this teacher, I must politely disagree. We did start using cloth diapers for monetary reasons (and with 3 kids back to back it has certainly saved us a LOT of money) and we have been able to continue using them for almost 3 years now. Not long after we started using cloth wipes as well. I will admit this is not always convenient when out in public, but if you carry a water bottle or can find a sink/water fountain you can still use them. On occasion we will buy store wipes, but this is rare. I know that wipes are not super expensive, but again we have saved money, especially since we were able to cut up some excess blankets to use as wipes.
We also primarily use cloth napkins to clean our hands and faces and have reusable washable cleaning rags. Last December we got reusable washing sponges and good scrubbing dish rags that can also be tossed in the washing machine when they get gross. Since we do not have a dish washer this has been a huge help in cleaning our dishes, as they work great, and saves us money by not having to buy sponges every couple of months. Since the sponges are made out of cloth they can be used on our non-stick pans and regular dishes so we get 2-in-1! Needless to say that really saves money.
We do use cloth in other ways too, but I believe I have made the point well enough that using cloth items can save you money. That is usually why people switch.

So now I want to think of it from a responsibility aspect. We know in Genesis after God created man that He told them to subdue the Earth. After reading the definition of subdue I would like to do a word study on the original Hebrew, but perhaps another time. The 5th definition is the one that applies here from dictionary.com that says to bring (land) under cultivation. The other definitions talk about conquering and subjugation which I do not think is exactly what God meant, but as I said I need further word study. So God commands us to cultivate the land. To cultivate means to work the land to raise crops. I would take this as use the land to take care of ourselves. What does that have to do with cloth?
Again I am not 100% sure on some of these things, just going on what I see and observe (research is not my thing) but it seems as though most cloth things are made from things that are cultivated, cotton primarily. I don't know about other materials and such, but these things are made to last, to be used many times and for a long time. They help us not to be wasteful.
I believe as a Christian that we do have some of a responsibility to not be wasteful, that in cultivating the earth we are also to care for the earth that God created and gave us to live in and off of. I do realize that there is freedom in this. I cannot point you directly to a Scripture that says we must do it this way or that way and I think that is deliberate so that each person can do what is best for their family as well as others.
For example, a single mom working full time is not likely going to be able to use cloth everything. Some might be able to, and that is great, but the reality is if she is single and her little ones are young, it's probably not going to be feasible. Some people do not have washing machines making it challenging to use a lot of cloth. And there are many situations that make it not as practical. There is freedom.
But I would challenge those who are in practical situations to use less non-recyclable plastic and other wasteful items just because they are convenient and you can afford them. Do I still use these items, absolutely! I am condemning no one or I would have to condemn myself.
Other great ideas I have heard from those who are unable to use cloth is reusing Ziploc bags as many times as possible, finding creative ways to use plastic grocery bags, or reusing them for shopping if you don't have reusable bags, when a toothbrush is not good for brushing anymore use it to clean, get as many uses as you can out of paper towels, and dried out or washed wipes make good dust clothes. There are many other things but be creative.
We have heard the words, "Reduce, Reuse and Recycle" for years but somehow the message is still not sinking into our heads. I am far more wasteful than I care to admit and I'm always evaluating. Some seasons are more wasteful than others and as I am always reminded there is grace for it.
So I challenge you today, what is 1 change you can make to help take better care of what God has given us to take care of?