Looking for a noodle that’s natural, has NO calories, NO fat, NO net carbs, NO soy, NO gluten and NO preservatives? Say hello to NoOodle…This pre-cooked noodle is made of high-fiber yam flour and water. One pack costs about a buck. (more…)

More and more designers and craftsman are creating great products from recycled materials. Case in point: designer Joe Manus of Shiner International creates these one-of-a-kind lights from recycled materials. The designer works with recycled sheets of Lexan polycarbonate that a manufacturer that has rejected due to product imperfections. He scans the durable plastic sheets into a machine that amplifies its flaws. He then cuts around the imperfections to create the irregular holes of the Globe Light. The light will shine a funky pattern. You can find it @ stylefactory.com

With spring shopping about to commence we thought it an opportune time to revisit this helpful article on what not to buy at your local big box.

“Big-box stores,” those uber convenient one-stop-shopping meccas like Walmart and Target, are an independent retailer’s nightmare. With one fell swoop, they can easily swipe once-dedicated locavores with the lure of unbeatable prices. And while most eco-minded shoppers wouldn’t dare step inside for a weekly grocery run, there are some instances when even the best of us are enticed by their sizable selections, doorbuster pricing and row upon row of no-wait checkouts. If you’ve fallen prey, take note. Even in the most dire of situations, there are some products you just shouldn’t buy at big-box outlets… or any other store, in that case.

Books and DVDs
The fresh paper smell of a new book is undoubtedly appealing. But why dole out the cash for a new product when you can recycle and keep your pocket change at the same time? Websites like Swap.com and BookMooch.com (above pic) make trading media easy and cut down considerably on the energy required to manufacture new products. For DVDs, check RedBox machines on your way out the door to rent the latest releases, or better yet, order them from home using Netflix or your digital cable service.

Gift Cards
The turn-style displays at the supermarket certainly are convenient, seeing as you’re already there and all, but there’s a better way to do it. We promise. Try giving a “good card” (above), that allows giftees to choose a charity to donate to, or buy a Give Card that allows you to tack on extra cash for charitable giving. (more…)