I've been a Sonicare toothbrush user for the past 6 years.  And unless you use one -you can't understand the addictive qualities of a battery operated toothbrush (think vibrator for your teeth... ).  Recently, the green part of me has been having internal dialogs about using my electricly recharged, battery operated bohemith of a toothbrush which is 7/8's un-recyclable plastic and just how 'green' a choice that is.  And as my toothbrush base got older and more feeble - I realized that instead of feeding my tooth brushing pleasures - I should probably look into another, more 'green' alternative.

My girlfriend Katie recently gave me a Preserve toothbrush she picked up from Trader Joe's.  Made by a company called Recycline, the handle of the Preserve toothbrush (as well as it's case which you can use for traveling) are made from 100% recycled plastic.  And check this out - they use the plastics no one else does - like #5 Stoneyfield farm yogurt cups.  They come in soft, medium and hard bristles which are made from virgin nylon and seem to brush as well as all of the other 'manual' toothbrushes I have ever used.  They also carry a line of razors (HECK YA), tableware, and kitchen gadgets - all from recycled plastic, dishwasher safe, and all recyclable. 

When you're done with your razors or toothbrush, you can send it back to Recycline in their postage paid envelope to be recycled into picnic benches, faux-lumber, and plastic decking.  Or you can toss it in your local recycle if they accept #5 plastics.  I've been using my Preserve Toothbrush for nearly two weeks, and although nothing can compare to the feeling I get when using a vibrating personal appliance  - it cleans my teeth just fine, I'm making one more positive change for our environment and I'm burning calories at the same time. 

 PS - be sure to remove the battery from inside your rechargeable toothbrush before tossing.  You can find local companies who will recycle your batteries at the website http://www.rbrc.org/call2recycle/. 

I'm hyperactive.  This means that not only am I amped just about every second of every day (and the 4 cups of coffee I drink actually calms me down), but it also means that I have a lot of white noise going on in my head at any given moment.  My brain just doesn't shut up - and unfortunatley for my kids, elevated noise levels drive me freaking INSANE.  In our household, the life expectancy of the batteries in my children's toys is about one day. "Sorry honey - but the batteries must be dead."   And in my world - there are absolutely no children's CDs allowed.  None.  The high pitched shreaking of children's voices singing 'You are my Sunshine' or 'Yanky Doodle Dandy' may be cute for some, but it is just too much for my agitated brain to handle.

About a month ago I met Rob Wolfe from That Baby, LLC at the NW Kids Show.  He handed me a CD with a pitch that this CD, although for children, was made with parents in mind.  He said most parents actually enjoyd listening to this CD.  Uh-Huh.  Right.

I am absolutely delighted to say he wasn't kidding.  Tenderly referred to as 'The Happy CD' by my oldest, the music on this album is not only comprised of songs by the likes of Natalie Merchant and The Pretenders, but it is sang by the amazingly talented Stephanie Schneiderman who I would listen to regardless if I had kids.  When the baby is fussing, my oldest is having a dramtic meltdown and mommy is about to pull over the car and run out into oncoming traffic - this CD has magically made the sun come out and taken what was a wreck of a ride and turned it into a 'joy' ride.  I'm not kidding - it's that good.  Oh - did I mention they are manufactured out of recycled plastic and made in the US?

Don't believe me?  Pop onto their website and check out a sample. http://www.thatbabydvd.com/.  You'll be happy you did.