Every once in a while I run across products that I think are a good buy or just a good idea in general. Here a few fun finds that I came across in the last few months that I thought I should share.

Finally someone has come up with a more green, yet still convenient, replacement for paper plates. Earth Shell has started making paper plates and bowls are made from limestone, corn and potatoes, and are completely biodegradable in water. They’re also microwavable and won’t get soggy while heating liquids and greasy foods. A package of 25 is only $2.49 . You can look here to see what stores near you carry them so you don’t have to pay on shipping. I suppose it is still greener to bring a washable plate or bowl, but this is a better alternative to plastic or Styrofoam plates.

I think this is a really cute idea but definitely a splurge or a gift item. Cargo makes a lipstick called “Plant Love” that has wildflower seeds embedded in the paper packaging it comes in. So for $20 you get a very pretty shade of lipstick (Lindsey pictured above) and a pretty plant.

Hostess with the Mostess posted about these great chalkboard napkin rings from the MoMA store. You can use chalk to mark the name of your guest on the ring, using the ring to not only hold the napkin but also as a place card. Unfortunately they are$65 for a set of four. However, I think it would be very easy to buy plain wooden napkin rings somewhere and paint them with blackboard paint, which they sell at Home Depot. Same great idea, new improved price!

Blunt Money has a great article (which I found via Fabulously Broke) on how to clean your email box. While Gmail has a great spam blocker, it is annoying to watch the growing count of unread email in your Spam box. If you are like me and her, you delete the spam everyday because it bugs you . It really is a useless task since Gmail automatically deletes it for you after 30 days. Blunt Money came up with a filter you can use to make your Gmail see spam as “read” messages. Therefore, no need to watch the growing spam! Brilliant!

Lately there has been a lot of talk over how potentially bad for our health drinking out of disposable plastic water bottles can be. I didn’t know I was loading my body with potential carcinogens so I started using a glass Voss bottle which I refill.  A week ago I realized the downside of carrying around a glass bottle when I dropped it and it shattered all over the place.  So here are two other options I figured I would share.  Camelbak makes a BPA free bottle that is safer than disposable water bottles and lacks that “plasticy” aftertaste with repeated use.  They are the safe choice for under $20.  The Sigg bottle seems to also be a popular choice.  Made by a Swiss company these bottles have taste and scent neutral liners that don’t leave a lingering smell or taste of the last beverage you drank. They are also manufactured in an ecologically-friendly environment and are 100% recyclable after their very long lives.  They are the long lasting choice for just over $20.

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