The Rabbit Hole

Nowadays with the threats of Global Warming, destruction of the rain forests, and other environmental issues, there’s an international desire to live "greener" lives. Changing to an eco-friendly lifestyle can seem like a daunting task, as if it’ll take expensive changes like installing solar panels on your home or buying a hybrid car. With the products available on many websites across the internet, there are endless opportunities to do your small part to help the environment. Not only can these items help ease your conscious but they can save you money in the long run as well, which is the kind of green we all want to have more of.

1. Rechargable Batteries - greenbatteries.com
Their tagline is "Responsible renewable energy" which is exactly was they offer. Whether you use batteries in a simple gadget like a remote control or a real energy drainer like a digital camera, there are other options besides buying new batteries all the time. This website not only sells rechargeable batteries, like Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) and Lithium Ion (Li-Ion) batteries, but it educates its visitors on the different types and uses, featuring FAQ on each and recommended reading on "Responsible Energy Principles." With the abundance of information you can easily purchase the batteries, chargers, cases, and accessories that fit your lifestyle.
   
2. Reusable Bags - reusablebags.com
The name says it all: this site specializes in reusable bags. From nylon grocery bags to cotton mesh produce bags, they have everything you’ll need to eliminate plastic and paper bags from your trip to the local grocery store. They also offer various other totes, from market baskets to lunch boxes. They also have a whole section of bags made from recycled materials, like juice boxes, outdoor ad banners, rice bags, or just plain recycled cotton. The site also features ideas on how to get involved and the latest news stories related the plastic bags and their effect on the environment.

3. Washable Swiffer Refills - mamasloveathome.com
Run entirely by a stay at home mom in Iowa, this website offers reusable products that cannot be found in stores. The Swiffer brand has made its own line of cleaning products featuring sweepers, mops, and dusters. The drawback of these wonderful tools is how much the refills cost and the waste it produces when you toss each cloth after one use. This site sells reusable clothes made from fleece and cloth diapers that can simply be thrown in the washing machine and then used again.
Recently her site has also begun offering cloth diapers, massage therapy linens, and other various items.
   
4. Wrap-N-Mat - wrap-n-mat.com
Offering only one product, this site specializes in the reusable "Wrap-N-Mat." Also created by a parent to fulfill a need and replaced disposable plastic baggies and saran wrap. This octagonal shaped mat folds up and fastens with Velcro to store sandwiches or snacks. When it’s unfolded it doubles as a placemat, creating a clean eating area anywhere.
 

5. Everything Else - Green home
This site is ready to help you make your whole home green! The amount of environmentally friendly products they offer is amazing. They have clothing (jackets made from eco-fleece, hemp footwear), appliances (green computers, table lamps made from recycled chopsticks), items for bath and bedroom (organic soaps, natural fiber mattresses), furniture (hemp sofas, tables made from recycled bicycle rims), office (tree free paper made from sugar cane, biodegradable pens), and much more. If you want to really start to transform your lifestyle to a greener one, this is a great place to start.