The laptop computer is already more efficient than a desktop, so it makes a great choice from the get go.

For those of you fortunate enough to have grown up with Talkboys, you know the power of this cassette player and recorder. Its only downfall was that it took four AA batteries, and we were constantly begging my mom for more.

I’m not about to go and buy up the latest and most energy-efficient electronics when the products I currently own serve me just fine.

My TV is great for watching movies and high-definition TV shows, but how much electricity is it taking just to run the thing? The answer is, probably a lot — but not as much as some TVs.

So, you go to shop for new gadgets, devices and appliances and you see Energy Star labels everywhere, but you don’t know what they mean. You may know you’re making a good choice for the environment and for your electric bill, but what’s the big deal?

Bamboo is the current darling of sustainable materials and people are interested in buying bamboo products and clothes. But, is bamboo clothing that’s being marketed as eco-conscious to shoppers truly green?

When the itch for shopping strikes, try buying new-to-you products made from recycled materials.

There’s a new trend in recycled handbags that I’m really excited about: crocheted plastic shopping bags.

What follows is a rundown of some of the trends in recycled handbags — some of which you may be familiar with and some of which may surprise you.

For years Nike has manufactured shoes from virgin materials, resulting in heaps of discarded scraps that go to waste in a landfill or incinerator. That is until one designer transformed them into a wearable basketball shoe.