Whether you’re setting off for Bangladesh or headed for a weekend camping trip by the lake, you’re probably planning to rehydrate with bottled water because of questionable drinking water or convenience, but just as you’ve cut the plastic bottle-habit out of your daily life (we hope), there are better alternative than buying a bottle every time thirst strikes.

The hand-held SteriPEN Adventurer is small enough to fit inside even the most overstuffed luggage and enables you to purify the water wherever you’re headed with UV light instead of chemicals, so you can skip the bottled water without picking up any funky digestive problems.

Ideal for use on water from clear running streams and questionable municipal facilities, the SteriPEN will rid your water of lurking bacteria and other bad news (although it won’t remove debris or improve taste, so avoid sediment-containing water). All you have to do is hold the SteriPEN in the water you want to purify, press the button and wait while the pen agitates and purifies the water with its UV light. Click here to read more

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If you’re planning on an 80s throwback for Halloween (or everyday fashion, for that matter) but want to add a deeper edge to your ensemble, we have just the shirt for you—in fact, we have probably the only shirt that fits that description. This Buddha Say Relax tee from Gaiam is a witty play on the uber-popular Frankie Say Relax t-shirts that were everywhere after the band Frankie Goes to Hollywood hit it big, but this new version makes a lot more sense, with Buddha, instead of Frankie, dishing out the advice.

Even those born in the 90s will be able to appreciate the reminder to mellow out from whatever they’re doing, and Frankie fans and non-Frankie fans alike should be able to get behind the fact that this Buddha Say Relax tee is made from 100% organic cotton that’s dyed with low-impact eco-friendly dyes (something you couldn’t find in the original Frankie Say Relax tees). Click here to read more

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The last vacation weekend of summer is finally here, and if you don’t have plans to get out and enjoy it, it’s time to make some. It’s also time to ensure that you’re doing everything you can to make your Labor Day weekend as green as possible, and there are ways to get eco-friendly with your holiday activities, whether you’re flying across the country to get away or barbecuing in the backyard at home.

There are classic green game plans to follow for Labor Day, like contemplating the train or carpooling if you’re going to be traveling longer distances (our Guide to Green Vacations has plenty of tips on traveling without trashing the planet) and using standard green party ideas if you’ll be hosting friends (like reusing, recycling and composting everything you can and serving local food and drink). Take things even further, however, with our five tips for a green Labor Day weekend.

1. Play Now, Plant Later

Regardless of what you do, your Labor Day weekend will likely result in extra carbon emissions. You could purchase carbon offsets to counter the problem, but instead why not take matters into your own hands by picking up a shovel and digging away at your carbon footprint. Click here to read more

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Do you hear that sound? It’s the sound of summer running out, and if you don’t take advantage now it’ll be all fall leaves and rain drops before you know it. Get yourself to the beach, quick, while you still can…and bring some nibbles, noshes and libations while you’re at it so that you can spend the whole day (or at least stay until sunset).

The only problem with gourmet feasting surf side is finding a way to juggle everything and stay relaxed. Or that was the only problem until now. Enter the Bamboo Wine Table from Uncommon Goods. It’s made from 100% sustainable bamboo and crafted to hold a couple wine glasses and a small snack (perhaps a great cheese from a local, organic dairy farm?) without requiring any effort on your part. Simply push the stake on the bottom of the wine table into the sand and slip your wineglasses into the holders to become the envy of all other beach goers. Of course, if you can’t make it all the way to the beach you can just as easily throw down a blanket on the front lawn and dig the wine table in there (we suggest a little star gazing and sipping for a great eco-friendly evening). Click here to read more

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Backpacks are a must for trekking or riding across campus to college classes, and as more teens are turning eco-conscious, sustainable school supplies are in demand. Go green when you go back to school with one of our favorite eco-friendly backpacks.

Quiksilver Organic Republic Backpack: A not-so-crunchy organic treat from skater and surfer favorite Quiksilver. This bag is made from 100% organic cotton, which means no pesticides were used to create this bag. You’ll find lots of pockets for organizing your school stuff and straps to carry your skateboard into class.

Keen Goose Hollow Backpack: A sleek and modern pack made from recycled polyester, you can feel good knowing fewer new materials had to be made to build this bag. Little details make it work like a cell phone pocket in the shoulder strap and durable ripstop fabric to ensure you won’t get holes no matter how your treat it.

Osprey Packs Circuit Backpack: A part of Osprey’s sustainable Resource line, this bag boasts over 70% recycled materials. For gadget freaks, this bag is the best. You’ll find tons of compartments to hold all your stuff, like a semi-firm laptop sleeve and a music pouch for your iPod.

Click here to read more

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