12 Junk Drawer Gadget Projects from Planet Green

Over at Planet Green, they've listed 12 junk drawer gadget projects that you can enjoy with your kids. The projects range from easy to a little more complicated / technical and include:

• Vintage candle cups
• Mini journals
• Crazy color sticks
• Solar cooker
• iPod stand
• Solar charger

They may seem like merely fun weekend projects, but all of these ideas get us primed for zero waste lifestyles. Getting creative and handy with what we have in the home leads us to resourceful living habits. And the next step is not having a "junk" drawer at all, but rather a raw and recycled materials drawer!

Bamboo E-Racer by Hape

Check out Hape International's bamboo E-Racer. For only $19.95 you can get this eco-friendly race car in green, blue or red. Not only will it delight any child who likes vehicles, it'll also make mother nature happy! Made from renewable bamboo and water based paint, the E-Racer has a nice streamlined design and sport look.

Recommended for ages 2+.

Playground Scavenger Hunt Cards

This little deck of playground scavenger hunt cards consists of 32 cards, each illustrating an object that can be found in many typical playgrounds, parks, and backyards. They're great for encouraging outdoor exploration, and are a handy size to carry in a purse, glove box, or backpack.

The set can be used as a whole, or unclasped and divided between children for independent or competitive play.

The original illustrations were hand drawn using colored pencils, then scanned for layout. Each set is color laser printed then laminated, trimmed, punched, and strung onto a natural hemp strap which buttons around itself on a wool felt ball.

Get the scavenger hunt cards for $16.00 at Blynken & Nod's store on Etsy.com.

Crafting a Green World

Just found a great blog titled Crafting a Green World. It has entries on green crafts and projects that can be done by parents and children alike. Get the family together and browse around the blog or take a look at some of the more recent entries:

• Reusable Shopping Bags (made from t-shirts)
• The Crafty Cookout
• Eight Projects for Tins and Cans
• The Handmade Spa
• Create Gift Boxes out of Soap Boxes

Enter to Win an Ecozoo Backpack at Inhabitots

Tomorrow is your last chance to win an Ecozoo backpack at Inhabitots. The winner will receive his/her choice of one Ecozoo backpack — either the elephant, pig, panda, or puppy (valued at $29.99). All creatures are made of 100% organic cotton canvas and feature padded straps and internal pockets.

Check out Inhabitots for more info and to enter!

Eco-Friendly Toys by Green Toys Inc.

These adorable toys are part of a new toy line being launched by Green Toys, Inc. Green Toys uses recycled plastic milk containers to make it toys and also sell the toys in packaging made from recyclable corrugated materials. Also, none of their products include metal parts or pieces. Green Toys' current product line includes a Sand Play Set, Indoor Gardening Kit, Tea Set, and Cookware & Dining Set and their new products for spring 2009 include the following:

• Recycling Truck
• Dump Truck
• Tool Kit
• EcoSaucer Flying Disc
• Jump Rope