Parent Time

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Hailey loves...
ECHOage's environmentally-friendly birthday parties

Why I love it: While my little one is only two-and-a-half, we've been on the birthday party circuit for well over a year. Which is why I was so interested to learn about ECHOage birthday parties, a new paperless party-planning service that plans the entire event online and collects charitable donations. Payments are pooled (from guests) for the purchase of one special present (that mom and dad choose for the guest of honour), and the rest of the money is donated to a charity of the child's choice.  ECHOage arranges everything, so no need to drive, shop, wrap or even pick up the phone to make a donation.

Where to find it: www.echoage.com

Hailey Biback, General Manager

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Julie loves..
gDiapers, $37 for starter kit

Why I love it: As I write this, I am three days from my due date and I’ve got diapers on the brain. I can’t wait to test drive my new gDiapers. Not cloth, not disposable, gDiapers are a unique combo billed as “the breathable diaper you can flush.” Visit their website to get the whole story and watch a demonstration video.

Where to find it: www.gdiapers.com or Whole Foods Market

Julie Carter, Web Producer

 

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Lisa loves...
President’s Choice Green Toilet Bowl Cleaner, $3

Why I love it: When my husband and I moved into our house and divided up chores, I gave him this option: "Would you rather do the laundry or clean bathrooms?" Guess what he picked? Not the toilets. We have two bathrooms, and they’re not fun to clean. Both rooms are windowless, and every time I do a thorough scrubbing (standing in the tub on tip-toes washing tiles and down on all-fours scouring every inch of porcelain), the fumes drive me nuts. I find President’s Choice Green Toilet Bowl Cleaner is easier on my nose and, because it’s chlorine-free, it’s easier on the environment.

Where to find it: www.presidentschoice.ca

Lisa van de Geyn, Senior Editorial Producer

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Natalie loves...
ACME Organic Cotton Mesh Produce Bags, US$3+

Why I love it: It wasn’t difficult to turn in my plastic shopping bags for reusable cotton versions. In the last couple of years, grocers have made it a no-brainer by offering affordable, sturdy alternatives that make shopping (and getting your goods home) so much easier. But as pleased I was about my contribution to saving the planet, I knew that I was still committing a major environmental crime by continuing to use plastic produce bags. That was until I found these cotton mesh bags from reusablebags.com. Not only do they reduce waste when shopping, but they’re also great all-purpose bags for lunches, storage and even shoes.

Where to find it: www.reusablebags.com

Natalie Locke Milne, Editorial Producer

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Originally published in Todaysparent.com, April 2008