What: Whale Tongs

Where: MoMA – $25 in bamboo
Design House Stockholm $50 in jamjuree wood

Why We Love It: Former lighthouse keeper and officer in the British Merchant Navy, David Mayhew was inspired by the flukes of a whale’s tail for the design of these graceful, handcrafted tongs. Made from renewable bamboo or jamjuree wood, the simple design features a clever magnetic hinge that pulls apart that allows you to use the two parts separately or in unison. Plus, it makes it easier for cleaning purposes and when it comes time to stow them away, the two parts nestle nicely together for streamlined storage. Smart.

What: Colorblocked Balloon Cutting Board

Where: Anthropologie – $128-$248

Why We Love It: So yes, paying $248 for a cutting board is a bit excessive, nonetheless, we are ‘pining’ for these colorblocked cutting boards (sensing a DIY project is in order). These high quality boards have that heirloom quality–like they were found in an old farmhouse beneath a fresh baked loaf of bread. Meticulously handcrafted in Philadelphia from locally sourced Sycamore trees, they are colored with a food-safe milk paint that gives it that yummy hand dipped feel. The final finish is a food-safe mineral to protect the integrity of the wood.

If you are will to splurge on one of these eye pleasing boards, they are certainly worth displaying whether on the wall or as a serving board. Built-in leather handles and cut-outs make hanging easy–helps with drying too!

What: Free Bird Bad Habits Lunch Tote

Where: MightyNest – $21.95

Why We Love It: “Bad Habits are Disposable Good Habits are Reusable” is a good motto to live by, and this reusable lunch tote from Rebel Green makes it easier to embrace good habits like skipping the brown bag at lunch time. Made in the USA from 100% organic cotton and printed with low impact inks, this cheeky tote is great for lunches on the go for kids or grown-ups. Pair it with a reusable cloth napkin for added ‘green.’

What: City Wall Throw

Where: Design Within Reach – $298 $178.80

Why We Love It: Suki Cheema, a former print designer for Diane von Furstenberg, is celebrated for his globally inspired textiles and blending traditional weaving techniques with rich colors and inspired patterns. Taking cues from the brick-and-mortar fort walls built by the Maharajas, the City Wall Throw features a patchwork of patterns in black and white that would be right at home in a modern, casual, or traditional living space.

Cheema works with local artisans in India to execute his designs (the Indonesian collection of throws is our favorite – still trying to track down the Taquile Black/White Throw – love). The City Wall throw is handwoven of 100% cotton with all-natural dyes.

What: KeepCups Reusable Mugs

Where: Amazon – $10+

Why We Love It: New Year’s Resolution No. 4: Embrace reusables. Santa was good to us this year and dropped this fabulous little to-go cup in our stocking making this resolution a breeze. The easy-slide spout and sealable top keeps spill to a minimum and the color combinations are just fab! If given all the options and if can’t find combination that delights, design your own custom cup at Keepcups.com.

Your neighborhood barista will appreciate that the cups come in standard coffee shop sizing and fit with their machines, so whether an espresso, latter, or americano is your drink de jour, there is a cup to fit. For those who are creatures of habit, simply mark your preferences on the embossed silicone band and hand it to your barista.

Made from lightweight, BPA-free plastic and silicone they are dishwasher safe, microwaveable, and splash proof.

What: Mortar + Pestle

Where: Macy’s – $24.99

Why We Love It: In this fast food world we live in, it’s good to take a step back and celebrate the ritual, the flavors, and the health benefits of a home cooked meal. As food critic, Mark Bittman, will attest, it doesn’t necessarily take much longer to prepare a thoughtful meal and you may find the ritual of cooking to be quite satisfying, more so, perhaps, than the meal itself.

Maximize flavor by grinding whole spices, fresh herbs, garlic, and more with this functional, durable, and colorful mortar and pestle. A traditional tool with a modern pop, it’s hand-crafted from 100% organically grown bamboo and comes with all the benefits of this fast-growing plant–it’s naturally antimicrobial and it’s one of the strongest yet lightest materials around. Core Bamboo uses food-safe water based adhesives, natural oils, and lacquers made from natural cashew trees.

What: Izola Numeral Toothbrushes

Where: Amazon.com – $9.61

Why We Love It: Who says you can’t buy a toothbrush just for its looks? These lovely toothbrushes are made from renewable bamboo and go perfectly with any bathroom decor. Coordinating toothbrushes is just too precious and no longer solely designated to the pages of a magazine.

Each toothbrush has a numbers engraved on it which serves as a useful reminder about when its time to replace your toothbrush (it’s Q4, so on to brush No. 4!) or to designate one to housemates or guest so you’ll know whose is whose. You’ll dentist would certainly approve.

Also loving Izola’s new Practice Conservation Laundry Bag due out soon–it’s got with the instructions for eco-laundry care conveniently printed on the side.

What: Salt and Pepper Cellars

Where: bambeco.com – $19

Why We Love It: Ahh, to be the hostess who exudes a cool, relaxed casual dining experience, but who still remembers to get fresh salt and pepper to fill his/her adorable salt and pepper cellars. Perhaps if we had these simple and sweet ceramic cellars, we wouldn’t be remiss and have to sheepishly set out our box of kosher salt surrounded by scattered pepper packets… Handwritten lettering and red stitching up the back seal in the cuteness factor.

Each stoneware pot is handmade in China using natural clay (so no two are alike) and finished with milk based paints using low impact dyes with FDA approval, meaning they are food safe and lead free. Bambeco adds that they only work with factories that meet their stringent eco and fair trade requirements.

How to be safe? 1. avoid microwaving plastic (via Practically Green); 2. cool food or liquids before putting them in a plastic container (via University of Cincinnati study); 3. avoid putting plastic items in the dishwasher; the detergent and heat break down the plastic, which may cause BPA, if it’s present, to leach out (via Good Housekeeping); 4. But the safest option is to avoid plastic altogether.

Here are some great alternatives to plastic food storage containers:

	ANCHOR HOCKING’S TRUESEAL GLASS FOOD STORAGE Made in the US, these clear glass containers are oven, microwave, freezer, and dishwasher safe which is super convenient because you can cook up, say, a lasagna, stick it in the freezer, then take it out and pop it in the microwave when you get a hankering for lasagna. Problem is the air-tight lids are made of plastic – BPA-free, but still plastic, so you’ll have to hand wash ‘em… $24.97, 10 piece set @ Amazon
	VINTAGE GLASS FOOD STORAGE Love the idea of going to an all glass design, like what was used before cheap plastic took over! This classic set comes straight from a 1930′s mold and the design is timeless. They are modular, stackable and pretty enough to go straight from the oven to the table. Both the lid and the base are made from dishwasher safe glass. $9.99-$14.99 @ The Container Store
	PYREX BAKE, SERVE & STORE SET An extremely affordable option and the ultimate multi-tasking set! They are made of glass and are designed for baking and for food storage. Each piece comes with 2 lids, a BPA-free plastic lid for food storage and a glass lid with silicon rim for baking and microwave use. And they are nesting, so they won’t take up too much storage space in the fridge. $29.86 for a set of 12 @ Amazon
	LIFE WITHOUT PLASTIC AIRTIGHT CONTAINERS For me, being able to see what’s inside the container is critical, so the glass with stainless steel top is the one for me, but if that’s not top on your list, the all stainless steel versions are pretty cool. And they are nice and light and have a leak-proof silicone seal (make sure to remove the silicone seal for dish washing or baking!), so you can take them on the go. You can also easily mark the tops with a non-permanent marker so you can keep track of what’s yours and what’s inside. $15 & up @Life Without Plastic
	BOWL OVERS If you can survive without a super tight seal, these food covers are quite nice. Reminds me of the ones my grandmother used to have, but these ones are made of 100% cotton with fun little sayings like “Waste Not Want Not” and “Save Some for Me.” The major benefit is that you’re reusing what you’ve got (bowls) and don’t have to sacrifice additional storage space. But they are from the UK, so shipping’s a drag. Find similar items on etsy, or try your hand at you own DIY covers. £11.50 for a set of 6 @ Remodelista

Wow, with so many great alternatives out there — why do we use so much plastic? Here are some other options: LunchBots ($5-$15) small stainless steel containers designed for lunch boxes, but good for fridge too and Kids Konserve Stainless-Steel Nesting Trio with Leak-Proof Lids.

I’d also recommend taking a look on eBay for vintage glass or Pyrex containers. You can find some really lovely ones. And, of course, there is always the ‘free’ option; I like to use what I’ve got around the house. Used glass salsa jars, jelly jars and sauce jars are great to reuse for sauces, soups, rice, stir fries etc. And my current glass container of choice? Grandma’s old canning jars.

What: Spongeware Ceramics

Where: Canvas – $17-$20

Why We Love It: This brand new collection of handcrafted ceramic-ware sings of the Mediterranean with soft blues, orange accents set against a creamy white glaze. The mix and match patterns add a touch of whimsy while the handcrafted terracotta form brings a warmth to each piece. Makes for a colorful and inspired dining experience.

Each piece is handmade, each design sponged on by hand, so no two are the same. The collection includes a cereal bowl, a salad plate, a dinner plate and a mug. Purchase as a set or as individual pieces.