Many of us who are green businesswomen have office and work policies in place to support parents, children, and families. In my case, I'll list the eight things I've done that I believe have saved me, saved resources, helped reduce my energy consumption, and decreased my health bill, grocery/drugstore bill, and out-of-pocket expenses.

1) Using cloth diapers.
I definitely want to hear some of your responses on this. With our first child, we used a cloth diaper service that did weekly delivery, and with my second child, we bought and used cloth diapers that we washed and sanitized at home. There is still a debate about the energy and agricultural cost of creating cotton for the diapers; however, in terms of economics, we definitely have focused on reducing our ongoing weekly cost by not having to buy plastic diapers.

2) Toilet training/"infant potty training".
We started taking our first child to the toilet at about 8 months, and I'd say there was awareness of bladder functioning by age 14 months. We started taking our second child to the toilet at birth, and this one is even more aware of all bodily functions. I can safely say that with enough attention and by starting early, you can definitely get your child to use the toilet, even when they are itty-bitty babies. We now go through about 2 cloth diapers a day for pee accidents. All other bodily wastes go in the toilet, like the other humans in the household. It can be done.

3) Working at home/telecommuting.
With my firstborn I was commuting every day, but by the time he was in preschool we were able to spend much more time at home by working at home. I highly recommend you find a way to earn income that includes ample time for you to work at home during your own hours. It can be done. When we speak up, we have an opportunity to make a priority out of our families and go green at the same time: demand more in terms of asking for a flexible work schedule, as long as you put the hours in and get the time you need. Consider if you can take a job or if you can launch a business that you can do during off-hours or spread out throughout the day around your family's needs.

4) Nursing/pumping.
With my first child I nursed and after going back to work I pumped. We went through ~7 total cans of formula during his first two years: we continued a nursing relationship until the third birthday. With my second, we're nursing until weaning seems the most natural next step. By nursing, I've saved on the overall cost of producing, shipping, buying, preparing and storing formula.

5) Preparing homemade baby food.
During my first child's early years, we created our own baby food and stored it in small glass jars. We usually did a non-seasoned version of our own adult dinner. For our second child, we haven't even bothered creating separate baby food; instead, we offer regular table food that we ourselves are eating -- cut up, mashed, or sliced if needed. Be advised to defer honey until you're past the first year, and consider waiting to offer dairy, wheat, nuts, and shellfish as long as physically possible.

6) Proper nutrition.
"Let your food be your medicine and your medicine be your food" said Hippocrates, and we can all take more steps to increase the nutrition and health-giving benefits of our food and drink. The best way to consider this is that everything that goes into our mouths either nourishes and supports our immune system and physical development, or it detracts from and destroys our bodies. We ate whole grains, health supportive food and drink like yogurt and wheatgrass, organic fruits and vegetables, and few candy, soda drinks, and chips. We always check labels and we've banned food that has partially hydrogenated oils or high fructose corn syrup.

Ginger, onion, garlic, and turmeric are wonderful for increasing your body's natural health. When you incorporate carefully chosen ingredients and choose to eat from a variety of colors (get a rainbow of produce, like red beets, orange citrus, yellow squash, green leafy foods like chard and kale, blueberries, and purple cabbage), you give your body a better chance to increase its own restorative powers.

7) Healthy habits.
By paying attention, breathing, exercising, meditating, and relaxing when needed, I feel like my whole family has a more balanced perspective. I notice that my children's outlook improves when they eat a good breakfast and get enough sleep. I'm certain the same goes for adults: carve out the time to rest and to take care of yourself, and your body will take care of you. Notice that getting sick is usually a reminder that you need to take a break: your body literally needs to slow you down so it can heal itself.

8) Paying attention.
We had childcare providers throughout my children's early years, and we have always appreciated the help, support, and love they give. When you feel safe and you trust your childcare provider, you will work happier and you will feel more comfortable. If possible, open your family up to additional community, playgroup, church, grandparent, neighbor, and other adult involvement in your lives: we all work together as part of a larger network, and your children benefit from knowing there are many people who love them.

If you have other ideas on being green and being a mommy, please let me know @monicadear.