I didn’t need another bag. Then I really started thinking things through and realized that if I was ever going to take my infant daughter outside of the home I would need a dedicated bag filled with her stuff, and that instead of just any old bag lying around, I would benefit by one designed with a baby in mind. I didn’t think about ergonomics, environmentalism or green purchase power, I just bought the first one that wasn’t too ugly. But when looking for a diaper bag for my pregnant friend I began searching for one with some ecological merit. And boy, did I hit the jackpot!

Earthpak makes bags for all ages and needs in Muenster, Texas, from recycled soda bottles. The proprietary material is made in an environmentally conscious way: soda bottles are ground into pellets, then processed into a yarn that is then woven into a very durable fabric. Even better, earth friendly dyes are used.The bags are super strong, very comfortable, and really nice looking, to boot.

I tend to be a skeptic about most things, especially when there's conflicting information. Such is the case with plastic water bottles. I'm not panicked, but I don't want my daughter to be part of the experiment pool. I'm also a sucker for great design, so my research led me to Sigg. Sigg products, made in Switzerland, have been around for almost 100 years, but the snazzy new sport bottles designed for babies, kids, teens, and adults just hit the States in 2005. With dozens of different styles and changing collections, as well as accoutrements to top, wash, and tote your bottle, Sigg is readying itself to become America's new fashion accessory. Most importantly, though, they're non-controversial.