Since 2011, Kim Rosas, the blogger behind Dirty Diaper Laundry has coordinated and hosted the Flats and Handwashing Challenge. Originally, she created the Challenge as a series of blog posts to spread awareness that using cloth diapers does not have to break the bank. Discouraged by a news report she saw that depicted the high costs of diapering a child with disposable diapers, Kim wanted to prove that any family can use cloth diapers economically and still have the funds for their other every day needs. Kim writes on her Dirty Diaper Laundry blog,

"A quote from the LA Times: ”Cloth diapers are often not an option because they require frequent and expensive trips to the laundromat.”  Ask the thousands of families making cloth diapers work who are considered “low-income” before making such statements.  It can work, with a washer and without!"

Now, she's into the fourth Flats Challenge and it has turned into so much more. Each year participants collect and send data back to Dirty Diaper Laundry with tutorials and other information on how to use flat diapers, handwash diapers and airdry diaper efficiently. The wealth of knowledge that's accumulated over the last three Challenges is amazing. Much of the information Kim has received has been turned into free downloadable pamphlets to aid new cloth diaper users and those considering using cloth diapers. So why should you participate in the Challenge? I had to ask Kim why it would be beneficial for a person, who isn't a blogger, to join in the cause. Kim responds,This year, the same as in years' past, bloggers from around the continent are participating in the Flats and Handwashing Challenge. They're blogging about their experiences, what they've learned, the victories and the failures of their week with no washer and dryer using anything simple as a cloth diaper. This year Kim is also looking raise money to help the non-profit organization Giving Diapers, Giving Hope; a charity that lends cloth diapers to low-income families.

"At the heart of the Flats and Handwashing Challenge is the message that anyone can cloth diaper under any circumstance. Participation teaches you more than just how to handwash, it shows you how affordable diapering can be and makes you appreciate the things you may already have. Washing machines look really miraculous after handwashing for a week."

If you're interested in participating in the Flats and Handwashing Challenge sign up on the Dirty Diaper Laundry blog by clicking here. There you'll find a registration form, helpful videos about using flats and prefolds, making your own camp style bucket washer and of course, the rules for participation. And don't forget...we have some great prefolds and covers for you to use!