droolicious : eco-friendly

gDiapers' New "Girly Girl" Ruffle Pant

Lisa Estall — Fri, 29 May 2009 18:13:00 GMT

gDiapers has added a new design to their collection of eco-friendly diapers. Introducing the new “girly girl” ruffle pant that retails for $18.99.

gDiapers have a washable outer pant with an ultra-absorbent plastic-free refill. All you do is throw away the refill by flushing, throwing away or composting. They also break down in about 3 months as opposed to plastic disposable diapers that don’t biodegrade.

I used them for a short time with my son and plan to try out this pair for my daughter.

Wilson Thinks Globally, Hoops Locally with Rebound Recycled B-Ball

Aaron Burgess — Tue, 26 May 2009 13:30:00 GMT

This officially sized Wilson Rebound Basketball differs from your typical pro-sized ball in one key way: With 40% of its rubber cover being made from recycled scrap rubber, the Rebound aims to be the greenest ball on the court. Wilson still packages the ball in a display box, but, made as it is from 80% pre- and post-consumer recycled cardboard, even that's a little greener.

$14.99 from Amazon.

Biodegradable Picnic Ware: Please Put Litter in Any Place

Aaron Burgess — Fri, 22 May 2009 15:00:00 GMT

Normally, we'd never suggest that you and the family toss your picnic ware into a lake or leave it behind on the campsite after you're done grubbing -- but that sort of thinking goes out the window (as opposed to into the landfill) when we're talking biodegradable picnic ware.

Made from 100% biodegradable cassava (the same plant that lends itself to your tapioca pudding), the set's plates, bowls and cups are literally the best kind of litter: Leave them in water for a week, and they disintegrate. Turn them into the compost pile, and in a few months you've got food for the garden, complete with soil-friendly starch. The wooden cutlery and gingham tablecloths included with the set don't break down quite so easily, but they're far more reusable than plastic and paper.

$29.95 from Firebox, and be sure to pick up a tent for the full camping experience while you're at it.

Save on Snacks

Lisa Mulcahy — Wed, 06 May 2009 20:30:00 GMT

As a mom, Ziploc bags are your friend. From crackers to cookies, fruit to finger food, they’re an easy way to create a to-go portion. But, at the end of the day, when I evaluate my own Ziploc use it is pretty wasteful. In an effort to green our home a bit I’ll be buying a couple Fresh Snack Packs, $4.50. Durable, washable and reusable, you’ll not only reduce your load on the landfill, but save some bucks in the long run.

Big Green Box for Your Old Dead Batteries

Aaron Burgess — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 14:00:00 GMT

If you don't have easy access to a community recycling center, it can be tempting just to trash the seemingly never-ending stream of spent batteries from the kids' toys. But with the Big Green Box, you can recycle not just batteries, but also potentially hundreds of dollars' worth of pooped-out electronics, without leaving your doorstep.

Order the Big Green Box and place it somewhere convenient (but out of kids' easy reach); then, as you burn through batteries, upgrade to new cell phones, realize you haven't used your PDA since 2004, and finally accept that your ancient laptop won't boot again, just toss the spent stuff into the pre-labeled, prepaid shipping box. Once it's full, call UPS and have 'em take the dead weight off your hands.

Residential and business boxes start at $63 each -- learn more and order at the Big Green Box.

Diaper Dude Goes Green, and Not Just for Earth Day

Aaron Burgess — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 15:30:00 GMT

We looked at one version of Diaper Dude's new Messenger II tote the other day, but this being Earth Day, it only seems fitting to note that there's also an eco-friendly version of the same bag hanging out on Diaper Dude's shelves.

Made from recycled PET material (i.e., plastic water bottles) that've been rewoven into polyester fabric, the 17" wide x 14" high "Green Dude" ($98) packs the same features as its less overtly green sibling, but in this case, a portion of the proceeds from each sale also go toward the non-profit organization Global Green USA.

The Green Dude is just part of a growing line of green-centric Diaper Dude goods -- check out the company's eco-friendly store for the rest.

Fall Preview: Family Baby Making Biz Gets Eco-Friendly

Lisa Mulcahy — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 23:30:00 GMT

It’s refreshing to see a small family business thrive in our mass market world. The Goldberger family has been making dolls for over 90 years and still manages to roll with the times by launching new babies every year that reflect what’s going on in the world. Last year it was the The Sensitive Baby for kids with alergies and The Lavender Dreams baby to calm fussy toddlers. This fall the Goldberger Company is releasing an eco-friendly line of dolls called Seedlings that will ring in at an affordable $10-$15 price range. The surface of the dolls and their clothing are made from all natural fibers and without the use of harsh chemicals. And all of the packaging will be made of recycled materials.

Eco-Friendly Washing Machine By Plan Toys

Lisa Estall — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 21:41:00 GMT

At first glance, I thought this was a lighter. Actually, it's a very fun looking washing machine made by Plan Toys. Made of replenishable rubber wood, it’s eco-friendly and big enough to fit in a playhouse.

Kids can really open the door and pull open the slot to place pretend detergent. Also the knob cranks which turns the tumbler inside.

Measurements are: H 15.6 x L 12.2 x W 23.6 in.

Price is a hefty $200. You can buy this at oompa.com

Green Baby: b.wise papers Birth Announcements

Aaron Burgess — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 19:30:00 GMT

Sure, they're printed on paper, but b.wise papers' birth announcements still aim to reduce your new arrival's carbon footprint before it's been fitted for baby shoes.

The eco-smart announcements are printed on 100% recycled (50% post-consumer) card stock using vegetable- and soy-based inks, and they're even made up at a wind-powered printing facility. Plus, as the b. delightful ($138 for 50 cards) sample above shows, they look pretty great.

Prices vary but lean toward the higher end overall -- check out the whole collection (including holiday and save-the-date cards, as well as labels) at b.wise papers. (Image: Laura Negri Photography)

Eco-Friendly Paint for the Nursery

Lisa Mulcahy — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 21:00:00 GMT

While you’re pregnant it’s the time you should be avoiding indoor air contaminants the most, but yet it’s also the time when us nesters go on a home improvement frenzy. The biggest offender: paint. Here’s a healthy option.

Restoration Hardware Baby & Child’s low-voc paint seems to be the most affordable around in its category. Ringing in at $39 a gallon it’s a bargain when compared to most of the other $50 plus paints. Although the one downside is that, like most everything Restoration Hardware Baby & Child, the color selection is limited to pink, blue, brown, sage and white.

Earth Day Giveaway: Win a Xeko Pals 'Hairy' Lemur Doll (ends 4/22)

Aaron Burgess — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 15:30:00 GMT

Considering its Earth-friendly angle -- think Pokémon with a green-centric purpose -- we're thrilled to be working with trading-card game Xeko on an Earth Day giveaway, the prize for which is this adorable "Hairy" Xeko Pals doll.

A hairy-eared dwarf lemur from Madagascar, Hairy is life-sized (around the size of a softball, to be exact) and made from a soy-based fabric and filled with soy stuffing. Like its fellow Xeko Pals, Hairy also comes with a mission code, which gives you unlimited play of the "Hairy the Nibbler" game at xeko.com.

To enter, simply email your name, address and daytime phone number to babblecontest@gmail.com. One lucky winner will be selected at random from the pool of entries on Earth Day, which is next Wed., April 22.

Even if you don't score a free Hairy of your own, you can still save with this exclusive coupon code for Babble readers: Enter "gogreen" at the Xeko Store to save 15% off your entire order between now and Oct. 31, 2009. (The code can be used more than once, so keep it handy.)

Check out our past coverage of Xeko to help you get in the mood for Earth Day '09 -- and good luck!

An Eco-Friendly Baby Gift Bag

Lisa Estall — Sat, 21 Mar 2009 18:24:00 GMT

Looking for an eco-friendly baby gift? Tread Light Gifts feature gift baskets that include organic, natural, recycled, and sustainable products. Click to find out what's in it!...

Their Eco Baby Kit includes an organic onesie, an organic beret and socks, animal rattle,a Green Baby Book and a Baby Food Mill.

These items are all included in a 100% organic cotton sport sack with a plantable gift tag.

The Eco Baby Kit is $89.95 and sold at treadlightgifts.com

Handmade and Eco-Friendly Bibs

Lisa Estall — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 22:34:00 GMT

This handmade Rikrak Blue and Red Circles Bib is very different and would make a really nice baby shower gift. It’s reversible and made of quilt with a solid colored back and a modern design on the front.

You can adjust a Rikrak bib to fit both a 3-month-old and a toddler. A plus is that they are also eco-friendly.

Click to see the Rikrak White Flowers Bib.

Rikrak bibs are priced at $21 each.

Buy them at Fawn and Forest

Green Baby: WoodPecker Walker

Cathy Hale — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 01:00:00 GMT

If you're looking for a walker without lots of buzzing, dinging, ringing and batteries, this might the one for you. What a fun & safe way for your baby to build gross motor skills and improve balance. The WoodPecker Walker from Plan Toys features two wooden birdies that peck when the walker moves. It's beautifully crafted and has no sharp edges. Your child will love the click-clack sound. Retails for $72 at BabyEarth.

Star Mom: Model Behavior in Redecorating

SunnyChanel — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 15:30:00 GMT

Dutch TV celebrity and model Rebecca Loos (who you may have heard about when it was rumored that she had an affair with David Beckham), is expecting her first child. Currently the 31-year-old beauty is four months pregnant. Hopefully she won’t have any odor issues in this stage of her pregnancy because it looks like someone is going to do some painting. And when you see a pregnant woman with paint, you immediately think one thing…she’s working on the nursery.

Here Loos carries a can of Farrow & Ball Paint – Manufacturers of Traditional Papers and Paint. And it appears she may have picked well for the baby since 90% of their paints are eco-friendly.

You can check out their shades, which are fab by the way, and get more details here. Prices range from $34.50 to $125.

Eco-friendly Hemp Baby Shoes

Lisa Estall — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 14:03:00 GMT

Start your baby on the right foot with a pair of eco-friendly shoes. These Baby Hemp Slip-Ons have an elastic collar, soft sole and made of Hemp!

No leather is incorporated in making the shoe so would make a particularly good gift for people with a Vegan lifestyle.

They come in Natural/Brown and cost $23.99.

I would buy them. They look comfortable enough!

Buy them at Jaminga.

Bookworm Series: Little Green Books

Cathy Hale — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 16:00:00 GMT

Introducing green books for green readers. This cloth book is made from 50% recycled materials. The cover is Polartec fleece made from recycled materials - no, not polar bears! What makes this book really unique is it's packaged in a chipboard box made from 100% recycled materials.

The Little Green Books educate children about being eco-friendly, yet the storyline and illustrations are so cute, you might forget the book is green. Little Panda and his friend Little Monkey are just as cute as they can be. Your kiddos will love to cuddle up with this book. Shop Barnes & Noble.

Every Lunch Box Should Have Some Happikins

Lisa Estall — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 22:49:00 GMT

I adore these cotton napkins from Happikins!

I was sent the creatures and critters set which includes five cotton napkins with really cool patterns. Turtles, snails and frogs decorate each beautifully patterned cloth. It also comes with a cool little zip up pouch for the napkin to stay fresh and fits neatly into your child's lunch box. The inside of the pouch has a...

wipe down surface so you can write little notes to your child in eraser pen! The USA made napkins are machine washable and dryer safe. The set is available from Happikins.com for $29.95. It would make a cute gift for some lucky kid and for a few bucks more, you can get monograms added to make them really personal.

5 Ridiculously Cute, Colorful, Green Must-Haves

Cathy Hale — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 22:00:00 GMT

Eco-friendly baby products are still hotter than tattooed celebrities right now, despite the price tags and the ho-hum economy. Why? Because going green with baby just makes sense. The world is a scary place based on what you can see. Who wants to think about the invisible dangers lurking around like toxins and chemicals? Besides, organic does not mean "blah" by any means. If going green with baby is on your New Year's resolution list in 2009, take a look at these fun must-haves.

Glass baby bottles stepped off of the dish rack and onto the runway in 2008, thanks to WeeGo. These adorable mini WeeGo bottles by babylife are draped in colorful modern silicone sleeves. If you’re looking for a cute and functional gift for the new mom in your world, grab her a rainbow of WeeGo goodness. She won’t be disappointed. $12

Introducing the cutest calorie-free cupcake you’ve ever seen. (Based on my expertise in the cupcake kingdom, I know moms will be buying these for themselves.) Four tasty knitted treats are perfect for baby’s little hands. They’re made through fair trade practices. Don’t forget the milk! $35

I love leggins for babies because I’m secretly still a huge fan of legwarmers. Anyway, these Baberoo leggies come in fun styles and one size fits all. The cotton is 100% certified organic. The best part is, you don’t have to wrestle with tights during diaper changes. $12

7 Days of Bodysuits? As Sarah Palin would say, "You betcha!" Nobody knows organic baby clothes like Kate Quinn. Boasting bright colors for every day of the week, this gift set is the perfect idea for new parents. $92

Bath time calls for lots of monkeying around with these adorable 100% organic cotton hooded towels featuring everyone’s favorite playful friend - the monkey! These towels are spa-grade with organic terry toweling on the inside and organic french cotton knit on the outside. I’m jealous! $39

Go Ahead, Give Your Toddler A Cactus

Cathy Hale — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 19:00:00 GMT

It's just like Jenga, but it's a cactus and made from plantation rubberwood. And it's loads of fun for youngsters. Build their imagination and sense of balance with this Plan Toys Balancing Cactus Game. It's just challanging enough to be fun, but not too hard to be discouraging. $19.99 at Moolka. Ages 3+

Au Natural Nursery

Lisa Mulcahy — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 21:00:00 GMT

Infant bedding and room décor manufacturer CoCaLo has launched the CoCaLo Naturals brand. As you can guess, this eco-friendly brand is inspired by nature and created from 100% organically grown cotton with environmentally friendly dyes.

CoCaLo Natural collections offer fashion and design using unique patterns and a wonderful mix of colors for the entire nursery. Shown here is the Tranquil Nursery Collection that will soon be available. Look here for a retailer near you.

Green Baby: Sprig Toys Spark Imagination

Cathy Hale — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 19:30:00 GMT

My son received a Sprig Baja Scout Dune Buggy from his eco-conscious aunt for Christmas, and it's quite a wonderful toy. The durbale Baja buggy is made from re-purposed plastic and wood. Instead of using batteries, a pump-action feature activates lights. The buggy comes with a smart little driver, Miki Flinders, the Adventure Guide. I'm really impressed with the craftsmanship and the company's innovative misson. Discover Sprig at Growing Tree Toys.

10 Baby Gifts UNDER $10

Cathy Hale — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 23:30:00 GMT

Just in time for holiday shopping, BabyEarth unveiled a new "Under $10" gift category. There are lots of cute items to choose from, including plenty of organic and eco-friendly products. After much deliberation, here's my list of Top 10 Baby Gifts Under $10. Enjoy!

$8.00 - Organic Bear Teether by Under the Nile Organics

$6.00 - Boon No-Spill Sippy Cup

$9.00 - Roller with Sounds by Plan Toys

$9.95 - Green to Grow Bottle - 5 Oz.

$5.95 - "I do all my own stunts" Message Onesie

$7.50 - Baby Einstein Discover & Play Teether Book

$9.95 - The Oh-So-Famous WubbaNub Infant Pacifier

$8.95 - Organic Wash Cloths (set of three) by Bumkins

$9.00 - Mudpuppy Photo Album

$8.95 - HuggaCub Security Blanket

Eco-Friendly Party Find

Lisa Mulcahy — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 16:02:00 GMT

Although there’s something nostalgic about cardboard party hats with stretchy straps that are just a bit too tight, it’s sad to see them end up in the trash along with pizza scraps and cake icing once the party’s over. Not with these green gems.

In addition to good looks, Green Party Goods’ hats, $5.95, are constructed of durable felt which will last for many birthdays to come. Founded to curb waste that ends up in landfills because of parties, Green Party Goods is a great resource for eco-entertaining.

Amazon's Complete List of Frustration-Free Toy Packaging Options

Aaron Burgess — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 21:30:00 GMT

Amazon's Frustration-Free Packaging Option, offered on a wide selection of toys this season, lets you opt to have your gifts shipped in a "recyclable, easy-to-open box that eliminates 4-color printing and minimizes the use of PVC windows, blister packs, fasteners, and 4-color inserts found in traditional packaging."

Sounds great, but where does all that excess packaging -- such as the colorful box, blister pack and fasteners normally found in the Matchbox Mega Rig Space Shuttle shown here -- go?

Matchbox Mega Rig Space Shuttle as boxed (left) and unboxed (right) with Frustration-Free Packaging.

According to Amazon's Frustration-Free Packaging FAQ, the company works directly with manufacturers to have toys shipped in the scaled-down, eco-friendly packages right off the assembly line. Sounds like a pretty cool feature, provided you're willing to give up the magic of presenting a gift in its obviously kid-appealing original box. Having shredded my hands on countless fasteners and plastic bubbles, I say bring on Frustration-Free Packaging for everything.

Complete List of Toys Shipped in Frustration-Free Packaging (Amazon.com)

Matchbox Mega Rig Space Shuttle in Frustration-Free Packaging ($34.99; normally $44.99)