Not having ever been a mother, I know I shouldn't address the diaper thing, but the fact is, a few generations ago both parents weren't usually required to work to make a living. One income was enough to run a household.

In recent years, however, both parents have to work--and women don't have the time or energy to wash stacks of diapers when they're also holding down a full-time job.

The same is true for a lot of the time-saving things we use now; a few decades ago, there was usually a parent home full-time to take care of things like cooking. Now, convenience has become worth it's weight in gold, whether it's in the form of disposable diapers or TV dinners.

It's not about progress; its about income not keeping up with inflation. It's about a high cost of living that makes it necessary for both parents to have a full-time job, in addition to parenting. Unfortunately, many of our modern-day "convenience" practices aren't good for the environment. Likewise, some of them (like fast food) aren't ultimately good for ourselves, either, regardless of how helpful--or tasty--they might be!