Having two children of my own and wanting to encourage everything green I’m always on the prowl for the latest green products. I also like products that a little off the beaten path. Here are a few that I found.
Kelly Neylan is a registered yoga teacher, reiki master, eco-entrepreneur/advocate, and author of the upcoming book Little Bodies Big Souls: How Stories from Yoga and Children will Change your Life. Submissions are being accepted at Little Bodies Big Souls.
- My children always love a flashlight. One can ask why something so simple is so entertaining but it just is. Life+Gear GlowSticks (LED light) deliver that and more: they are also flow sticks (perfect for Halloween) and energy signaling devices (great for earthquakes too). They only cost $4.99 and can be found at Dick’s Sporting Goods, Staples, Spencers, Target and HomeDepot.
- I don’t know about your children, but mine always want a really cool clock in their room. Now I found one that is unique and eco-friendly: the Bedol water powered alarm clock. That's right, it runs on tap water and without batteries ($28). Bedol encourages clock owners to donate the money that they save on batteries/electricity to an eco-cause. The clocks also have a really unique water drop design that is sure to please.
- The Ikea SUNNAN solar desk lamp with an LED bulb - I got one of these lights for the children, but I’m thinking of stealing it for myself because I never realized how handy it is to have a light that is cordless. Just charge the solar panel on the base of the light for 9 -12 hours in the sun and get four hours of full light! Maybe when I buy one for myself, I'll also donate one to a family in a developing country so the children can do their schoolwork after dark. Available at Ikea for $19.99.
- Little Bird Tales is a online service for kids that provides a green alternative to creating books, art, sharing photos and creating stories. You simply type their message, upload family photos or artwork, record kids’ voices narrating the message then watch it playback as a slideshow that can be emailed out. This is also a great way to send really unique e-holiday cards without hurting any trees. They also have a special offer: a 30-day package that will allow your family to create as many holiday “bird tales” to share with an unlimited number of recipients for $4.95.
- OrganicKidz has a stainless steel baby bottle that is convertible to a sippy cup and will also be available shortly as a water bottle too. I love that this product can be used for years rather than months. It also helps keep beverages cool. They have several attractive styles too.
- Are you looking for a really unique way to encourage your children to drink water and exercise? Then check out Swiggies the wrist water bottle. It’s a great way to drink and go. They are BPA-free too. ($12.95 per set)
- How about a Mr. Green rubber duck? It's available by itself or in a gift set with green natural soap, gift notes on recycled paper included. This is a great twist on the old fashion yellow variety. ($11.99/$19.99)
- Shains are recycled accessories that empower kids/tweens to make their own statements and change them whenever they want. Shains are available as backpack clips, ponytail holders, bracelets, cuffs and bookmarks. They come in really nice bright colors too. My daughter especially loves the bracelet. (starts at $4.50)
- Chicobags’s are made from recycled products. They have a wide variety of styles and even a cute limited edition line that would make great gifts. They have an adult as well as child friendly line. What I like about these bags is that they are really light weight (some bags are too heavy to carry along everyday but these are not), very compact and come with a self-included pouch.
- Ecogear bags are all organic cotton, super eco-friendly, and they come with bamboo toggles. The colors are fantastic and bright. My children love to have their very own eco-friendly bag to take places. The backpack styled bag was my children’s favorite.
- Gourmet scented colored pencils are all the rage this year, and their cases are made from 100% recycled newspapers! Yesterday's news colored pencils are made from recycled Chinese newspapers and is fun gift to give.
Kelly Neylan is a registered yoga teacher, reiki master, eco-entrepreneur/advocate, and author of the upcoming book Little Bodies Big Souls: How Stories from Yoga and Children will Change your Life. Submissions are being accepted at Little Bodies Big Souls.
