Want something eco-friendly and useful that’ll keep your kids occupied for hours? Thought so. Try the Kidzsack, a tote that will stoke creativity again and again. Kids can choose from one of four patterns (jungle, castle, sports, and sea life scenes) to color with washable, non-toxic markers, and—and this is the best part—when they’re done with the day’s design, simply wash the bag and the fun starts all over again. The tote is made from 100% recycled fabric—even the straps are made from natural fibers—and it holds everything from beach gear to toys to books to sporting gear. Now, if only they’d come out with an adult version. $19.95, atoygarden.com

Posted by Jessica Tzerman on Jun 25, 2008 at 12:43 PM
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For the glue-stick junkie in us all, here’s a non-toxic, non-solvent, acid-free option that looks like it belongs on a 1950’s TV show set, and tastes like marzipan. Glue sniffers, don’t bother—this one’s made from ingredients you’ve got in your pantry at home right now, like potato starch and almond oil. Italian school and office supplies company Coccoina has been in business since 1927, and we’re grateful that they’ve stuck to old-fashioned, chemical-free formulations that kids love and parents can trust. At onehundredwishes.com, get a massive 40g stick for $5, a 20g stick for $2.95, a teensy 10g stick for $2.25, or a vintage tin (complete with brush) for $7.25. Just don’t blame us if you revert to your grade school ways and start sneaking craft time into your VIP schedule.

Posted by Tobin Hack on Jun 23, 2008 at 12:24 PM
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BYOBag is so yesterday—2008 is all BYOSleeve. Coffee cup sleeve, that is. Yes, even the Plenty staffers forget their reusable mugs sometimes, and have to resort to a to-go cup from time to time. When we do, we whip out a coffee cup sleeve for the job—to protect hands from either steaming hot coffee or iced coffee condensation. This sleeve, available for at the Green Home store, is particularly cute. Designed and hand-sewn by artist Michelle Czulada, the sleeves are made from discarded clothing items. Don’t worry: she washes the old clothes before repurposing them to make the sleeves. Get a pack of three for $18, or a pack of four for $25, and sip in style.

Posted by Tobin Hack on Jun 16, 2008 at 5:15 PM
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As great as yoga, push-ups, and running are, it's good to know that exercise gear can be eco too. Just take, for instance, the world's first "green" basketball, Wilson Sporting Goods' new Rebound, retailing for about $12 at retailers nationwide and made of 40% recycled rubber. Literally green, this ball was created by Wilson engineers to help the environment. Every 70 Rebound balls produced equal one less tire wasting away in a landfill. Also, the display box is made of nearly 80% pre or post consumer board. With the ball's slogan "Think globally, help locally," Wilson's definitely making a slam-dunk statement with this product, and so can you.

Posted by Nicole Zerillo on Jun 11, 2008 at 3:51 PM
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Now that plastic bags are on the outs, every man, woman, and child is marketing a tote. Nothing against legit efforts to reduce waste, but some of the reusable bags out there are, well, uninspired (read: ugly). If you agree, check out Onus Gear, a new e-company that conducts a canvas bag design contest each month. Members can submit their original art, vote for their favorite design, and then purchase a bag emblazoned with the winning entry. It’s eco-democracy at its best. (And let’s face it, how often do you get to exercise a little creative muscle?) Submissions for this month’s contest—theme is trees—will be accepted from June 1-14. Sneak a peek at past winners for ideas—you just might get inspired.

Posted by Jessica Tzerman on Jun 5, 2008 at 12:10 PM
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There it is—that snarl sneaking up from underneath your shirt. Politely asking…okay, perhaps forcefully demanding a snack at inevitably the most inappropriate moment of the day. As if it’s forgotten the lunch you just lapped down only a mere few seconds beforehand! Or the required silence of meetings with the head honcho at work. Ugh. But fear not my hungry fellows! Your tummy can most certainly be tamed with Clif Bar’s new Mini Energy Bars. These small smackerals are totally tasty and fit oh-so-easily into a desk drawer, purse, or pocket—seriously the perfect size to curb your in-between-meals cravings. Plus they come in three amazingly delish flavors (chocolate chip, chocolate brownie, and crunchy peanut butter), and are created using only all-natural and organic ingredients.  So now your only problem will be keeping your sweet little stomach from wanting to eat an entire box all in one sitting…uh, not that we’ve ever done that. 

Posted by Alison Sherbach on Jun 2, 2008 at 12:34 PM
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