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/. 

We just got our first shipment of bamboo baby clothes in from Sprout Kids Clothing and I must say, 'Bamboo freaking ROCKS'!!  Luxuriously soft with a sheen I swore only came in synthetics - bamboo has a fabulous stretch and drape.  It is a natural sun protectant,  helping you in shielding your wee ones from the suns harmful rays (please protect your little ones skin if out in the sun with a rockin sunblock regardless) and it contains a antibacterial agent to boot.  

Bamboo wicks moisture away from the skin, so it helps keep your little hotties cool and it layers amazingly well.  So stock up on short sleeves and dresses for the summer, then extend your kids wardrobe by simply layering a long sleeve Tee underneath.

I fell in love with the 'Save the Trees, Grow Bamboo' sun dress and had to get one for Gab.  My little munchkin has some serious junk in her trunk and the dress couldn't look cuter as it swings back and forth off that ample behind of hers.  Not to mention the ruffle panties that come with it are just too much - I can totally understand why mama animals eat their babies - I just want to munch on her!  Bamboo shrinks significantly - so don't be surprised if your bamboo clothes look way to big when they come to you (assuming your manufacturer didn't opt for pre-shrunk).  In the case of Sprout Kids - they will shrink up to their stated size after a wash and dry (except for the pants - they just seem to run big so get a size smaller than you usually would).  By the way - bamboo dries a hell of a lot faster than cotton - so you only need to toss it for a bit if you use a dryer, or better yet, hang it to dry.