Recycling and reusing is by no means a new idea. Just ask anyone who’s ever had to survive on minimum wage if they really need a plastic plate or they can just wash the old ceramic one… So while all the gree-eco-friendly-environmentalist movement might be a good idea for the planet, feeling like God’s gift to us for recycling 3 bottles isn’t. Believe it or not, there’s much more to being eco.

This new line of (literally) green bags takes us to the core of the matter: is it really so important? The Better Than You Shopping Bag and its counterparts ironically manage to do two things: mock an attitude and actually be contribute to the eco cause.

Although there’s just 4 models of bags, there’s a feeling for everyone, from self-righteousness (above) to apathy/not giving a damn (“I usually leave this bag in my car”, “I use this bag because my wife cares about the environment”) and hypocrisy (“Buy locally/Made in China”)

How much under $29.99?
A lot: $6.95 on McPhee.com.

Last minute Valentine shopping? You should’ve started earlier, but the deed is done and you’ve got to figure it out in the next 2 days.

The Valentine’s Tree is not the usual gift. All you will give your significant other will be a piece of paper. But if they care about the environment, that paper might be better than any teddy bear or expensive meal: it’s a certificate for the tree planted in their name. That’s right, through your $25 contribution an organization involved in a reforestation project will plant a tree in the place you choose (US, Israel or the Amazon), and you can even track it online.

So if you think this would work for your girlfriend or boyfriend, hurry: it’s just a paper, but you have to order now to receive before the big day.

How much under $29.99?
A little: $25 on TreesInstead.com.

The year just started, so what does everyone need? That’s right, calendars. Even if you use the Windows version all the time, it still makes a nice desk decoration.

In the case of the Plantable Seed Calendar, it can also make for a nice garden. Weird statment? Not really: each of the pages comes with embedded seeds, so once put into the ground and watered it will sprout wildflowers (Bird’s Eye, Clarkia, Coreopsis, Poppy, Catchfly and Snap Dragon).

The tin it comes in is perfectly reusable too, thus making it a very eco calendar and the perfect beginning-of-year present for those aware of the environment.

How much under $29.99?
A little: $24.95 on OliveBarn.com.

Via GearDiary

Wasting water is bad, it’s been drilled into us in the past few years. Shower – good, bath – bad. Ok, but do you know how much water you use when you shower? Those “ideal” 3-5 minutes are an estimate, but with the different showerheads and flow rates you never know exactly how much water pours into your drains.

Or… well, you could. The Showerdrop does just that: measures water consumption and warns you when you go over 35 liters. It can’t force you to jump out of the bathroom, of course, but it might make you feel a little guilty. Or a little proud, if you notice you used less than the recommended quantity.

If you do the maths, less than $20 could save you a lot of money in the long run – especially if the whole family uses it.

How much under $29.99?
Some: ~$19 on Ecotopia.co.uk.

Via Coolest Gadgets

Recycled products are a good idea in general… but we shouldn’t buy something just because it’s “greener”. Why buy a thing you won’t use or wear because it’s too impractical/ugly?

Fortunately, today’s recycled product is not only environment-friendly, but also an interesting piece of jewelry. The Recycled Skateboard Circle Necklace is made from an old skateboard, so it features a part of the model it used to have. But while the pictured pendant looks good indeed, there’s no two alike, so it’s ultimately a game of luck; you can’t choose the color or model to match your clothes.

But sometimes a surprise is welcome… or would be, if this wouldn’t cost $28. Seriously, why? It’s just a piece of wood; handmade, but still just that, and you have no control over how yours would look like. So, while it might be a cool idea, I wonder how many people will be interested…

How much under $29.99?
A little: $28 on UncommonGoods.com.

Via ModernEcoHomes

Recycling and reusing is something anyone can do… but some need a little persuading. Since many people can’t be bothered to actually make an effort, ReMake It! offers a fun way of reusing without any trouble.

The Wine Cork Trivet kit is just what the name says, but the kit is actually just one object, an 8-spoke stainless steel trivet base. Now all the lazy would-be green person needs to do is drink some wine and save the corks. Step 3 is screwing them into the base and tada! a new spot to put the hot plates.

As far as recycling goes, this is probably insignificant. But we all have to start somewhere, and if a kid learns to be green by doing something fun it will probably create a lasting impression. And maybe even mum and dad will enjoy it enough to do more next time.

How much under $29.99?
Some: $12.99 on KarmaKiss.com.

Via BoingBoing

Being green is trendy, there’s not doubt about it. But, for once, trendy serves a purpose. If your life isn’t complete if you don’t join the latest fad, for all means, let it be an eco one.

Not a Paper Towel isn’t anything else but a new trend and it follows the Not A Paper Cup. When two pieces of cloth cost $20, you know what it means (and no, the text and the recycle image doesn’t make them any more special). But, even though you can get the same thing for a fraction of the price, these make a statement. They’re manufactured ecologically and, if they’ll stop at least a few people for using a bunch of paper towels when cloth would be better suited… they’ve reached their goal.

How much under $29.99?
Some: $20 on UncommonGoods.com.

Buying gifts for your “green” friends is difficult. You can screw up with “regular” presents because, let’s admit it, most aren’t environmentally friendly at all.

A full guide of green gifts is a huge project (and there’s probably one there already), but I can offer a starting point: presents go with greeting cards, so why not buy a special kind. Grow-A-Note Greeting Cards are unique: inside they have easy-to-grow wildflower seeds. Each card is blank, but has instructions on how to grow the flowers, and since paper is biodegradable it won’t make an impact on the environment. You can even plant the whole card and the paper will just decompose as the flowers go.

How much under $29.99?
Some: $6.49 on Amazon.com.

Via TreeHugger