TURNING GREEN: A FEW THINGS YOU REALLY DON'T NEED BUT MAY WANT

Whether you are a clean freak or just looking for some ways to start good, green habits in the New Year, here are some interesting products that will appeal to your inner germaphobe and need for order. These things are not all gorgeous by any means, but they certainly look better than they did even just five years ago.

Photo courtesy of Wasara
Paper plates never looked so good. Designed in Japan by Shinichiro Ogata/SIMPLICITY, Wasara looks like porcelain with its sculptural lines and feels nice to hold. These high - design pieces are made from sugar cane fiber, bamboo, and reed pulp -- all renewable and fully biodegradable materials. Available at Branch Home, they are simply stunning.

Photo courtesy of Green Depot
Make your own soda or seltzer at home and avoid lugging home cases of San Pellegrino every month. Soda Stream works in a few seconds and has customizable carbonation levels. Available through Green Depot. I am sold.

Photo courtesy of Moma
The Andrea Air Purifier,designed in 2007, acts as a "living filter": place a plant inside it, water it through the tray, and the plant’s leaves and roots will absorb pollutants and metabolize them, leaving, clean and oxygenated air. Eight LED bulbs help the plant thrive. Pretty neat, huh? From Moma Store.

Photo courtesy of DWR
A water purifier made of Binchotan, a white charcoal, made from Japanese oak from Design Within Reach will help simplify things and hopefully have you drinking more water. Stick it in a pitcher and call it a day. Well, actually 3 months, that's how long it will last. It is a welcome change from a plastic water bottle, plus, it looks cool.

Photo courtesy of Giaim
If this product works, then I am already obsessed with it. The CleanWave UV-C Sanitizing Wand from Giaim eliminates viruses and bacteria with a wave of the wand. It "eliminates up to 99.99% of viruses (including H1N1!)." And cordless, rechargeable! Just think, I could use it on the subway pole, doors at the D and D Building, elevator buttons. Ok, that is crazy talk, but I know you are thinking the exact same thing. I may come to love it even more than my Eureka Quick Up Cordless Vacuum.

Have any neat gadgets or products you swear by for a better/more eco/natural start to the new year?