Looking for an alternative to plastic LEGOS? Look no further than Earth Blocks, the more organic building block. The blocks, which snap together like traditional LEGOS, are made from a variety of natural and recycled materials, including the bark of the cedar tree, compressed dust from sawn cedar logs, and coffee beans.

Due to their organic content the blocks are slightly softer than traditional LEGOS, though much… much greener.

Created by Colors Tokyo.

$30 a set @ the guggenheim online store

via: designboom

If you’re spending more quality time with your iPhone or iPod than you are with your kids, you may want to download this little app. Whirleo is an eco-themed app game that can help you connect with your kids while teaching them the importance of saving the planet and fighting pollution. This fun-with-a-message app is pretty affordable — the first seven levels of the new game are free and players can unlock 23 additional levels for just $0.99.

Details: Whirleo follows the journey of a group of colorful, spinning tops that whirl across the planet Rotopolis. As they move around the planet, each Whirleo cleans up pollutants released by the begrimed Guzzler (we know the type). Using their mobile (more…)

Brooklyn-based Rooware’s new collection of kids’ tableware is fun, healthy and well designed. The company’s eco-friendly, bio-based tableware features an engaging array of cartoon characters and was conceived in response to parental concerns over the toxins in traditional plastic and the demand for character-based tableware not made from melamine.

Each of Rooware’s colorful Rooplate sets (above) is made up of a plate and divider bowl — the perfect plating option for those fussy youngsters who freak out when their different food groups touch. The pieces can be used together or separately. Rooware also makes bio-plastic Roobowls with removable handles (photo below) and matching utensils.

Notes:
Made in USA
Microwavable up to 45 sec
Not recommended for dishwasher or prolonged soaking
Created with plant-based materials
Non-toxic
Industrially compostable
BPA-free, Phthalate-free, PVC-free, Melamine-free
Hand wash only/wash before first use
Packaging made from 100% recycled paper and vegetable inks

Related: more kid’s products on The Alternative Consumer

To kick off the first month of the New Year, I would like to challenge you all to take some time off from your electronics! Wait, don’t go yet! Allow me to explain. Whether you have kids that are addicted to the tube and their latest video game, or perhaps you, yourself, spend a majority of your time on a social media website, MP3 player, or even your Kindle, consider taking a small portion (an hour a week) of that time to play a game with friends and family. (more…)

Take advantage of post Christmas savings, beginning with some of our favorite etailers:

(photos, above: nimli)

• nimli.com – enter code POST25 for 25% off store-wide, offer ends Jan 3, 2012.
• gaiam.com – save up to 70% with year-end clearance + FREE shipping on every order of $75 or more through 12/31/11.
• hipcycle.com – end of year savings through 12/31/11 on cool, upcycled home essentials and decorative items; (no coupon code required).
• shopECOgoods.com – Use coupon code AC20 for 20% off store-wide, anytime. Plus, all Plan Toys are on sale now through 12/31/11. Always FREE shipping on all orders over $100.
• greenearthbamboo.com – savings now thru 12/31/11. Use Offer Code SAVE10 to receive $10 off on $100 orders + FREE shipping.
• coolibar.com – end of year savings on clothing with UPC50+ Sun Protection (prices as marked, no coupon code required). Through 1/8/12.
• palmacollection.com – use special code thanks25 (all lower case) & receive 25% off your entire order, good til 12/31/11. Just for fun – enter our current Great Green Giveaway for your chance to win your choice of any Palma Collection eco chic necklace, bracelet or earrings.
• kaightshop.com – coupon code BOXINGDAY for 30% off entire online store – today (12/26/11) only.

Related: last minute green gifts – The Alternative Consumer.

Pamper and protect your baby’s soft skin with this luxurious, heirloom quality Swaddle Blanket – also makes a very fine baby gift.

The leaf pattern and seed stitch trim are beautifully handknit.

Design features a snug hood, foldover bottom flap and wood buttons to keep your bundle snug and comfy whether in the crib, car seat or stroller.

• fiber comprised of 70% yak down, 30% bamboo
• one size
• choice of 3 colors: alpine white, strawberry pink or indigo blue
• handknitted in Shanghai China by the Catalyst Foundation
• made to order (allow 3 weeks for delivery)
• $220 @ supermarkethq.com

Related: more finds for eco kids on The Alternative Consumer

Here are a few more of our favorite green toys – this time, from The Land of Nod … this site offers a nice array of sensibly priced non-toxic and eco-friendly toys, arts&crafts and clothing for tots and toddlers; some of these are now on sale and all are easy to find (under eco-friendly) on their site … give the gift of green, and have fun!

Related: “eco-friendly toys holiday gift guide – part one” from The Alternative Consumer

This time of year is all about the kiddies. And having fun. With so many eco-friendly, safe, engaging gift items for the wee ones now available – scoring a cool, worthwhile present is easy as 1, 2, 3.

We’ve gathered a few of our favs from Planet Happy Toys – one of the best conscious consumer shopping sites dedicated to the discerning mini me crowd. Choose from their well curated selection of Fair Trade, phthalate-free toys, games, musical instruments, dollhouses, decor & furniture, and lots more … shop by age, interest, country of origin or brand – it makes shopping for playful tots and toddlers a pleasure.

Pictured above:

• Shuttle Playhouse $79.95
• For the leisure minded: Patio Play Set $24.95
• Large Puzzle Stacker $39.95
• Fair Trade Junior Rhythm Pack from Jamtown $49.95
• Airport from Plan Toys $99.95
• ABC Learning Game $12.95

Related: more green holiday gift ideas from The Alternative Consumer

When we think of the ‘word’ environment, an image of a tree may come to mind. But, humans make up an important component of our environment. And unfortunately, the issue of people suffering from hunger here in the United States sometimes goes overlooked. Feeding America is a nationwide domestic hunger-relief charity that addresses this environmental issue.

Feeding America seeks to engage America in the fight to end hunger by feeding the nation’s hungry through a network of member food banks across the country. This relief organization recognizes that the issue of hunger is not confined to small areas of our nation. Hunger is everywhere. In fact, the unemployed are not the only people who suffer from what this organization calls a “silent epidemic.” Working Poor families also suffer from hunger. The Working Poor are American families who are living below 100 percent poverty but have at least one family member working. According to the 2010 US Census Bureau, 21 million people live in working poor families. Thirty-six percent of the households serviced by Feeding America are classified as Working Poor. Children and seniors are other common victims, going without food or meals for potentially several days.

This organization fights hunger with the implementation of a variety of programs, including Kid’s Cafe. Kid’s Cafe makes available free meals and snacks to low-income children in various places where kids are during after school hours. These places may include churches, public schools, as well as the Boys and Girls Clubs. (more…)