I don’t buy any wrapping products. I re-use gift bags given to me or wrap gifts in newspapers or craft papers my kid decorates.

Actually, we don’t give gifts usually and avoid consumerism. We donate to a friend’s favorite charity in lieu of gifts.

I re-use envelopes that come in the mail or use junk mail papers for scrap gift wrapping or scrap paper for grocery store lists.

I take my own tupperware to restaurants when I know I am going to have leftovers.

Thanks for the tip about the Low vs. NO VOC paint. I will look for the No version, since I have asthma and my daughter has allergies.

We do 18 of the on items your list, yippee!! Something I do when shopping is check to see if food items are packaged in recyclable packaging. When possible I chose the one that is packaged in #1 or #2 plastic, or glass (our community only recycles #1 and #2). I also try not to buy too many foods packaged in those obnoxiously big, non-recyclable plastic fortresses. I miss the “old days” when cakes, pies, and other foods were boxed in cardboard or wrapped in paper. We lived without so much plastic very nicely.

I usually chose baby food fruit packaged in glass instead of (#5) plastic. If I do buy the small plastic packages of pureed fruit for the sake of variety or convenience, I wash out the containers and try to find creative uses for them. So far we have used them to store buttons, a rock collection, Barbie shoes, Littlest Pet Shop accessories, and other very small things that I would otherwise step on!

One more thing: If I buy a cup of coffee when I’m out and about, I choose stores that use paper cups instead of styrofoam ones. Or, even better, I take my own travel mug. They will gladly fill it up for you, and some chains even offer a small discount if you bring your own mug. I avoid styrofoam like the plague – it is very difficult to find a place to recycle it.

Paint the nursery (and every other room) with NO VOC paint. I had to paint my kitchen and bathroom over the summer and I thought low VOC paint was a good idea. But if you are at all sensitive to those toxic chemicals (or have children) I realized that low VOC is just that; the chemicals are still in it. I still got headaches for the first couple of months. It is more expensive and it does take longer to dry, but it is getting easier to find. So I say for the sake of your child’s lungs and brain, splurge on the no VOC paint.

I second the notion of reusable feminie products. The Diva cup is safe, convenient and cuts down on waste.

Use the Diva cup and/or cloth pads. I used to think it seemed gross, but I’m hooked. Almost as hooked as I am to cloth diapers!

We do all of the above except drive a hybrid car (yet). We’re waiting until we NEED a new car. I think sometimes people concentrate so hard on going green that they create more waste by going out and buying new “green” items when they still have perfectly good items going to waste at home.

Paint the nursery in low VOC paint!!