The Flats & Handwashing Challenge 2012 - Are You In?

The Second Annual Flats and Handwashing Challenge is coming up soon May 21-27th. Are you up for the challenge??? I am!!! I've been waiting all year for this. Last year I was pregnant with Lincoln and still clicking away on all my cloth diaper research when the first challenge took place, but I just knew that in a years time I too would be joining the masses in this wonderful tribute to the days of old and your most economical choice when it comes to diapering your child. So are you ready to pack away those All In Ones, brush up on (or in my case learn for the first time) your flat folds, and get to washing? Great! Well roll up your sleeves, give your arm muscles a pep talk, and let's get started!

The Flats & Handwashing Challenge is an event put on by Dirty Diaper Laundry that challenges families to use flat diapers exclusively (some exceptions apply) for a whole week. In addition to using flats, you also must refrain from using your washer or dryer. All diaper laundry must be done by hand. Sounds simple enough right? Haha! Maybe not, but then if it was simple it wouldn't be called a challenge.

So what's the point of this you ask? Well there are lots to speak of. The main point is to show families in need that there are other options out there when it comes to diapering that can cost you as little as $50 to diaper your child over the course of their diapering years. The second point is to raise money for various cloth diaper charities. Kim Rosas of Dirty Diaper Laundry is personally pledging $1 per participant (up to $200) who completes the challenge, to Giving Diapers, Giving Hope. She's also asking that other businesses do the same to help raise money for other cloth diaper charities. If you're not a business or can't afford to pledge, then you can also help by signing one or both of the following petitions. The first petition is to get WIC to cover cloth diapers or cloth diaper education. The second petition supports the DIAPER ACT (H.R.3134) and helps to get more babies access to cloth diapers. So much good is coming out of this event!

So if you're pumped and ready to dive in diapers first, then head on over to Dirty Diaper Laundry to sign up for the Flats & Handwashing Challenge and to read the official rules.  I'll be there along with several other moms and dads across the world to show my support. Leading up to the challenge I'll be discussing various topics on flats and hand washing. In addition I'll be blogging & vlogging (on YouTube) my experience each day of the challenge. It's going to be a great event. Hope to see you there!!!