If you're an eco-enthusiast and in the market for a new laptop, netbooks might be a great alternative.  They're smaller, so they use less resources.  Many models are extremely energy efficient.  And one model, in particular, makes me "green" with envy.

The Sony Vaio has a case that is made up of 23% recycled CD's which really increases the sustainability of the product itself.  It is very energy efficient with a backlit 10.1 inch LCD screen, a battery that lasts up to 7 hours, 250 GB hard drive, Microsoft 7, 1.66 Ghz Intel Atom Processor N450 and  1GB RAM.

Another neat feature that is extremely environmentally friendly is it's packaging.  It comes in a PET case instead of wasting resources making cardboard.  PET is a plastic made from recycled pop bottles.  I'm loving this eco-chic netbook although I might have to get it in green!

Amy Pfaffman is an artist and designer who makes gorgeous jewelry pieces from the most unlikely items.  She has a huge range of materials that she works with from resistors to coffee beans and everything you never ever imagined in between.

One line that I found particularly stunning was the assortment of jewelry that she makes from plastic used in architectural applications.  Between the two layers of used plastic, she sandwiches a selection of materials to make graphic and beautiful patterns.  Even the materials between the plastic is made up of 40% post-industrial reclaimed materials.  This is then cut into small pieces to be used in her jewelry.

This line of recycled plastic jewelry includes rings, bracelets, necklaces, bobby pins and earrings.  It's nearly impossible to tell just what exactly the pieces are made from just by looking at them.  All you see is their beauty shining through in the array of colors and shapes intricately laid out between the recycled plastic.  Absolutely stunning!  Any of these pieces would make a great gift for Valentine's Day or any other reason...or maybe even no reason at all.

Green Colored Glasses will most definitely be featuring this designer again and again.  I definitely recommend checking out Amy Pfaffman's site to see some more of her amazing creations.  There is also a list of places where her work can be purchased in person or online.

Have you ever wondered how brushing your kids teeth could become more eco-friendly?  Check out Preserve's line of junior toothbrushes.  The toothbrushes aren't made of all recycled materials but the handles sure are!  The colorful handles are easy for little ones to hold onto and they're made of 100% recycled plastic.  Even better, the toothbrush itself is recyclable when it's been all used up.  Preserve includes a postage paid label so that you can send it back to them to be recycled!

The toothbrushes are BPA free, made in the U.S.A., recyclable and made of recycled content.  But wait...that's not all!  Preserve partners with the National Wildlife Federation to highlight different animals with the toothbrushes.  Preserve is also a proud supporter of the Wildlife Federation.  Right now they're featuring Tigers (orange), St. Lucia Parrots (pink) and Galapagos Island Turtles (green).  The reusable packaging highlights different animal facts so that kids can learn about different animals while brushing their teeth and saving the planet.  Talk about multi-functioning!

I thought that these toothbrushes would be a lot more expensive than their comparables but they're only $2.79 for one or $11 for four.  Guess what Santa's bringing to my kid's stockings this year?  I love products like this that you can stand behind.

As mentioned in previous posts, my Christmas wish list this year will be entirely green.  Yes, even a fuschia mug counts as being green when it is made from 100% recycled polypropylene.  Instead of getting paper or the even worse alternative of styrofoam, I almost always bring my own mug.  I've been doing this for years and years now.  I guess that's why it's about time to pick up a new one!  This super environmentally responsible mug reduces waste, repurposes recycled plastic and is 100% recyclable itself when it is time to replace it.

It's BPA free so you don't need to worry about harmful chemicals leaching into your coffee.  The double lined walls of the mug help to keep the coffee warm longer.  This really shouldn't be an issue for me since I usually finish my coffee right away!  Another bonus is that it's microwave and dishwasher safe.  My stainless steel coffee mugs can't do that and it can be a real pain sometimes.  In case any of my relatives are wondering, the mug is made by Aladdin and available online at LL Beans.  You can even search online for an LL Bean coupon to use when buying Christmas items there.  That way your eco-shopping will be even more affordable!  I do quite a bit of online shopping at this time of year and find online coupons can really save money easily.