It is said that an estimated 500 billion to one trillion plastic shopping bags a year are used worldwide with some other sources putting estimates much higher (250 trillion+). Regardless, that’s a whole lot of bags that end up in landfill. The average plastic bag takes over a thousand years to degrade. So if you are trying to reduce your carbon footprint and be a little responsible about your trash, what is the best solution in this case?

There is no easy answer but there are a few options out there that can ease things a little bit. My wife and I have purchased a few re-usable cloth shopping bags to cut down the number of plastic bags we use when shopping throughout the week. Having a few of these cloth bags can have a profound affect on your personal consumption of plastic shopping bags. We use it not only at the grocery store, but at Target, at the GAP, hell, my wife uses it at Sephora. Think about it. Why would you need a plastic shopping bag for something you can put in you pocket, or purse or, heaven forbid - just carry in your hand (*gasp*) to the car.

Now when we get home, we have been used to re-using the plastic bags to either clean up after our dog on her daily walks or to line the smaller trash bins throughout the house. Now we use a few pages of the newspaper on the dog’s walks and use brown paper bags to line the small trash bins.

That still leaves a problem that I have always struggled with; what about all those large trash bags you purchase? There are biodegradable ones. Check the links below. The prices for these have been slowly dropping. Perhaps materials are coming down in price; perhaps demand is growing.

SITED LINKS:
Reusable Cloth Grocery Totes
Reusable Organic Shopping Bag
BioSmart | Biodegradable Trash Bags
ReusableBags.Com

RELATED LINKS:
How Stuff Works | How Recycling Works
How Stuff Works | How Landfills Work

   

With the third child on the way, my wife and I have decided we now need to start stacking the kids, and this mod trundle bed is just the solution. With a twin bed on casters tucked underneath, this simple geometric design is just the solution for a growing family like ours.

Smart design is green design. Argington uses 99% wood products in it’s furniture, that means no particle board, flake board or other similar wood-like products. The wood comes from managed renewable forrests established specifically to provide long-term responsible solutions towards the growing demand of timber related products - FSC certified. The finishes are non-toxic and can withstand the test of time. Aside from the solid wood components, the birch plywood used in all Argington products are made with low emission glues which nearly eliminate long term emissions and off-gasing.

Here’s a few places to buy the Argington line;

• DesignPublic.Com
• ModernNursery.Com
• Retailer Near You

(Via Argington.Com)

   

Here’s a totally new fresh concept to encourage gross motor skills, strengthen legs muscles while having hours of fun. Bright, soft, friendly, unisex design; this Wheely Bug Toddler Ride from toymaker, Prince Lionheart, will work for both little girls and boys alike. Easy to clean. Padded with a layer of soft sponge, inner body core of non-compressible foam, which is entirely non-toxic and contains no PVC.

Although it is only designed for smooth surfaces it has multi-directional casters, no more getting stuck against obstacles. Stainless steel spring mounted “feelers”, which wobble much to the delight of children, have an internal cord to prevent pull out. Plywood base made from renewable plantation timber.

• Winner Practical Preschool Awards 2005 Bronze
• 2005 Baby and Toddler Gear GOLD AWARD
• HIGHLY COMMENDED Mother and Baby Award BEST TOY (1-3yrs)
• OLD AWARD TOP GEAR, FQ Magazine

(Via Jeannie’s Kids Club)

   

If you are looking for a baby teether that is free of plastics, this may be the solution. Why would you want to steer clear of plastic teethers? Well any soft pliable plastic product (that is not labeled non-toxic) probably has phthalates and other potentially harmful endocrine disruptors. The state of California has passed laws that prohibit the use of phthalates in kids products, so has most of Europe.

This little teether is easy to grasp for little fingers and soothing to rub on tender gums. At about 3 months, starts to explore the object-mouth relationship. Each teether is fashioned from maple wood and finished with beeswax.

(Via Little Seed)

   

Sure there are toys out there that pack more whiz-bang for the buck but there is something to be said about the classics. I trust even the jaded video game-obsessed kids will find these bad boys are pretty fun after a heavy summer rain or in the local creek. And do the a favor Dad, spend a minute fashioning a leash for these toy sailboats or their next port of call might be the local reservoir.

The folks at Nova Natural Toys & Crafts have some very affordable toy sailboats and schooners made from simple pine wood and cotton cloth sails.

(Via Nova Toys)

   

If you are planning to hit the road this summer, jump on a plane or just lounge around the inflatable pool with the kids, this timeless memory card game may be a good way to pass the time. The cards come in their own tin which makes it easy to throw in your carry-on.

The Haba Mini-Memo Game is a compact version of the classic memory game, in which 2 - 6 players find matched pairs of cards. Recommended for ages 4-12, though some 3-year-olds may enjoy it as well.

(Via Moolka.Com)

   

A fantastic and construction toy to inspire creativity. totem comes with over 120 cardboard pieces emblazoned with signs, symbols, textures and imagery, all notched out to make building a breeze.

Comes with instructions for creating a boat, airplane, spaceship or schoolhouse, but totem is best used for imaginative and fanciful construction.

Made of recycled cardboard.

(Via RompStore.Com)

   

These fun quippy Personalized pacifiers™ are the perfect choice for your darling little one. They are made of non-toxic, hygienically formed, natural bite-resistant materials designed to form naturally in the mouth, satisfying babies’ need for supplemental sucking and providing parents with peace of mind, if only for a moment.

(Via PersonalizedPacifiers.Com)