Parents all across the country (including Julia Roberts) were thrilled when gDiapers launched their line of cloth diaper outers with biodegradable inserts that could be flushed, composted or thrown away after use. The new diapers were an eco-friendly solution to the age old problem of plastic diapers, but didn’t require the efforts of traditional cloth diapers.

Like everything, however, there were some downsides—primarily the price. At about $15 for 32 medium/large refills many diapering moms and dads had a hard a time justifying the jump in cost and stuck with either conventional diapers, cloth diapers or chlorine-free Seventh Generation Diapers. But the gDiaper line is likely to get some more fans with the recent launch of their cloth inserts.

The gDiaper cloth inserts are made from polyester microfleece, cotton and hemp and can be used in the gPant outers the same way the biodegradable inserts are currently used. Click here to read more

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Guys can be a little bit trickier to shop for when it comes to Valentine’s Day. After all, most aren’t interested in the February 14th staples you see in stores, like red roses and big stuffed heart-holding bears. But there are still items you can get the man in your life that are either practical, exciting, or both–and all the ones we feature here are eco-friendly as well. If you don’t see any suitable solutions in the five green Valentine’s gifts for guys below, check out our Valentine’s Day Gift Guide for some more options, and don’t forget, you can never go wrong with just wrapping yourself in a bow (that’s green too!).

1. Merry Hempsters Cinnamon Lip Balm, $1.60

Not all guys will purchase a lip balm on their own, but any man will appreciate having one to use, especially one that’s made from sustainable and moisturizing hemp seed oil. Calendula and rosemary extracts and vitamin E complete the formula for seriously soft lips (without parabens and petroleum) and he’ll be puckering up with smooth kissable lips instantly—a gift for both of you.

2. Recycled Motorcycle Parts Cupid Sculpture, $59.95

If ever there were guy-focused Valentine’s Day decor, this is it. Made by hand from various retired (and now recycled) motorcycle parts, this captures cupid in a way that won’t look at all out of place on even the most testosteron-inspired desk. Every time he looks at it, though, he’ll be reminded of the sentiment behind the studly bow bearer. Click here to read more

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If living the greenest life possible is the most important thing to you, you may want to consider how you’re going to get green with your death as well. It’s not a particularly pleasant topic or the kind of thing most of us spend an afternoon pondering, but conventional burials aren’t exactly great for the planet. For one thing, the coffins that many people opt for tend to include toxic glues, formaldehyde and other chemicals, which seep into the earth as time passes. Harvesting wood for these coffins and shipping them are two more sources of eco-woes. We’re not suggesting you have to rule out coffins altogether, however, just that there are more eco-friendly versions.

Believe it or not, biodegradable and natural coffins are an ever expanding part of the burial industry, and there are nonprofits and businesses set up entirely for the purpose of more natural end-of-life affairs. Oregon-based Natural Burial Company features a wide range of natural coffins and urns, as well as information on natural burial cemeteries and even sustainable flowers to order for funeral services. So you should know that when it comes to the end of the road, there are plenty of options. Click here to read more

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Last year’s Sundance Film Festival saw the debut of some of the most talked about eco-documentaries to ever be made, including The Cove, which stayed a hot topic in media sources around the world for months. This year’s festival hasn’t made quite the same splash (at least not yet), but there are some environmentally-driven documentaries well worth checking out when they make it out of festival rounds and into theaters or onto DVD, and we’ve got our favorites below. It’s also worth noting that the Sundance Film Festival itself got progressively greener this year, encouraging festival visitors to avoid private transportation (unless it was walking), use the provided reusable water bottles and Brita filtered water, and offering repurposed, recycled and reusable merchandise.

Born Sweet

This documentary from Academy Award-winning director Cynthia Wade highlights the story of a pre-teen boy in rural Cambodia who, like many of the region’s citizens, is dealing with illness from arsenic poisoning he contracted through the water in his village. At the same time he’s dreaming of one day becoming a famous karaoke star—provided he lives. Born Sweet is a truly touching film and puts a face to the nameless affected by the decisions we make that hurt our environment and it shows us just how much is really at stake with every choice. Click here to read more

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It’s not too early to be thinking about what you’re gifting your significant other for Valentine’s Day, especially if you don’t want to end up picking up a card at the grocery store at the last minute or trying to assemble a bouquet from flowers you find in the front lawn (although that is very green). Take the time now to ponder a few possibilities for the lady in your life and you can order a perfect and eco-friendly gift that’ll be ready to wow come February 14th. After you browse through five of our favorites here, head over to our Valentine’s Day Gift Guide for even more ideas on environmentally-focused gifts of love (and stay tuned, gals, for Green Valentine’s Day Gifts for Him coming up later this week).

1. VerdeRocks Shell Heart Earrings, $38.00

These earrings will get instant use as appropriate Valentine’s Day attire, but they’re subtle enough to be worn year round too. Each earring set is made from shells that were sustainably farmed for food in the Philippines so that you can avoid gifting the more common gold and silver, which are often mined at great expense to the planet (and its inhabitants).

2. Good Clean Love Rose Perfume, $15.59

A timeless scent can be a tempting gift, but many perfumes are made with petroleum and chemicals—neither of which your favorite woman wants to be spraying all over her body. Instead opt for all-natural essential oils, which are better for the skin and even have aromatherapy benefits. This rose roll-on perfume offers up the scent of a sweet bouquet of roses every time it’s worn and is blended only with organic jojoba oil (which moisturizes the skin). Click here to read more

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