Family's fresh approach wins contest

A family that has gone back to basics to save the environment is the winner of the Bermuda Sun and Bermuda.com’s Green Solutions contest.

Lisa Bagchi not only uses cloth diapers for her 17-month-old son Arlo, but also cloth wipes.

The winning entry to the contest was a photograph of husband Kris hanging out the diapers on a laundry line in the garden of their home at Paget.

Mrs Bagchi, 40, told the judges: “Our family goes green by cloth diapering our son. We smooth him with cloth wipes, cloak him in cloth diapers and after laundering, raise them to dry in fresh air.”

Natural

Mrs Bagchi won a $1,800 Urban Mover 24 Terrain electric folding bike, courtesy of thegreenhousebermuda.com, and a hamper full of environmentally-friendly cleaning products, donated by Lindo’s.

Green Solutions challenged contestants to e-mail a photo summing up how they and their family were going green.

The contest ran throughout April, with four weekly winners, from whom the final winner was chosen.

The other prize winners were the 1st Bermuda Company of the Boys Brigade, David Barber and Steven Davis. They received Klean Kanteen water bottles and Onya bags.

Mrs Bagchi, the founder of fertility support group Paperwhites, said she and husband Kris — a 36-year-old actuary — had made “a conscious decision” to be ‘green’.

They have used cloth diapers since Arlo was born. “Hanging them outside in the sun bleaches them and they smell good,” said Mrs Bagchi.

“It’s actually a household chore I really enjoy doing and it makes me feel better.

“We try to be environmentally-aware. Our clothing is made from natural fabrics. We also try to buy used household items and furniture.

“I’m really delighted to win. We know we are doing the right thing but it’s nice to be recognized for making good, green decisions.”

Michael Burke, owner of thegreenhousebermuda and one of the judges, said: “People need to start thinking ‘outside of the box’ when trying to be green and sustainable.

“It can actually be a lot simpler than having a vegetable garden or solar panels. For example, you could cycle to work.

“It’s easy to pick up a pack of diapers at the store but this family have taken the time to choose natural fibres instead.”

Judge Carolyn Moss, of sustainable development group Greenrock, said: “The effort made in using cloth diapers not only reduces waste-disposal significantly but demonstrates the level of commitment in the family’s day-to-day actions to forego those everyday conveniences which we’re all used to, such as store-bought diapers. The actions they’re taking do add up and make a difference.”