I was recently given a sample of Wysi Wipes to try, and I must say, I’m hooked! These unique wipes by Canawipe Distributors, Ltd. look like small, white tablets. However, when water hits them, they unfold into strong, durable wipes that can be used for a variety of tasks. These would be great to carry in a diaper bag or purse, and they can’t dry out (they aren’t wet until you add water to them). Their Martha Stewart Living special package contains two 100 piece bags and four 12 piece bags, and sells for $29.95 at Canawipe.com.

Need an incentive to get started on holiday cleaning? Check out this great pine-scented cleaning kit from Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day. I love Mrs. Meyer’s because the products are all-natural and they smell great. I recently bought some of these pine products, and although this isn’t my all-time favorite Mrs. Meyer’s scent, it is absolutely perfect for getting in the holiday spirit. The scent is clean and not overpowering, although I was hoping it would linger a bit more than it does after cleaning. The set includes window spray, dish soap, all purpose cleaner, and countertop spray. You can purchase the set for $14.99 at mrsmeyers.com. You can also buy the products individually in stores like Target, where I also picked up the pine-scented hand soap.

The bright colors of these bottle brushes from Munchkin caught my eye, but what kept my attention focused on them was their unique design. I love the sturdy handle, and the ease of having the soap stored right inside. If you have to wash bottles, this looks like the way to go. The fun colors will brighten up your work for sure. You can purchase one for $6.95 at babyearth.com.

I’ve been intrigued by the appearance of mainstream laundry detergents in gel-pack form. These seem simple, mess-free, and easy to use. I try only to buy earth-friendly laundry products, though, so I have yet to test these products. I was therefore excited to discover Baby Dropps Laundry Dropps. These are an eco-friendly gel pack, designed espcially for infant laundry. Eco-friendly and dye and enzyme free, these are a great option for babies as well as the planet. You can purchase a pack of 20 for $6.95 at theultimategreenstore.com. A minimum purchase of 2 packs is required.

Before having my son, I was a religious user of dryer sheets with every load. After his birth, however, I was afraid they would irritate his sensitive skin, so I gave them up, but I hated having to put up with static cling. Recently, I was given some Biodegradable Dryer Sheets by Sun & Earth, so I experimented and tried them with a load of adult clothes. I was pleasantly surprised. Their scent (they also come in Unscented) is not overpowering, and they have a unique feel to them, almost like wax paper. Hypoallergenic, biodegradable (they completely biodegrade in 21 days), and non-toxic, these sheets are safe to use on clothing for anyone in the family, even if they have sensitive skin. They eliminate static cling, too, as well as store-bought dryer sheets filled with chemicals. (My husband is happy to no longer find stray socks sticking to his work pants when he gets dressed in the morning).

I plan to purchase nothing but Sun & Earth Biodegradable Dryer Sheets from now on. I’ll be happy to be doing something healthy for the earth as well. If you want to give them a try, go to SunAndEarth.com, where you can purchase a box of 80 sheets for $5.99 or a case containing 6 boxes of 80 sheets each for $35.94.

Four seems to be the age when children start wanting to help parents with chores. Although the idea of your little one helping to put away dishes might be scary, little hands can help with smaller chores, such as sweeping up or even dusting. This Classic Pretend Play Toy Home Cleaning Set by Fun Time Toys plays to the eagerness in toddlers to help. The set includes a dustpan, handbrush, squeeze mop, and sweeping brush. All four are presented in a gift box. Kids might use this to “pretend” clean, mimicking Mommy or Daddy, but they just might want to help for real after pretending.

Recommended for ages three and up, you can purchase this unique toy set for $24.99 at Amazon.com. It might make it just a bit easier to say yes next time your son our daughter asks to help you out.