The Eco-Friendly Registry

Before you and your fiance fight over who gets to carry the scan gun at Macy's, take a few moments to consider some greener options for your new home. Yes, cute and fun things are important but take function, longevity and purpose into account before zapping everything in the store. Here's our top ten list of eco-friendly items that are a must for any home:

1. Cloth napkins-one set is good, two sets are even better (one for everyday and another for special occasions). You can help save scores of trees every year by reusing your own set and make every dinner a little more refined at the same time. Multi-colored fabric napkin set available from Crate and Barrel.


2. Bamboo cutting boards. Durable, sustainable and beautiful all at the same time. With proper care, bamboo cutting boards can last for decades and are pretty enough to use as serving trays. Green lite cutting boards available from Sur la Table.


3. Espresso Machine. Especially if you and your betrothed are all about your morning cup of joe. Not only will you save big bucks each day with your DIY drinks (average savings of $3 a day per 16 oz vanilla latte) but you'll avoid driving to the coffee stand and wasting paper cups and sleeves each day. Cafe Modena from Breville available at Macy's.


4. Cast iron cookware. With proper care, cast iron can easily last a life time. It has the ability to go from stove to oven and over time creates a natural non-stick coating. Enameled cast iron is another great option if you'd like items that can also function as serveware. I'm a fan of le creuset. Available at Macy's.


5. Fabric shower curtains and liners. Vinyl curtains are made out of highly toxic chemicals and break apart over time. Fabric curtains with a nylon fabric liner give you an elegant addition to your bathroom that are safer, non-toxic and easy to clean. 100% Cotton Pansy shower curtain from Target.


6. Organic bedding. 100% organic cotton meets trendy design for a comfortable and eco-friendly way to end your day. Willow duvet cover by Branch.


7. Beeswax candles. Candles are a staple for romantic evenings and dinner parties. Stock your new home with beeswax candles for a soft honey scent and "green" glow. Beeswax colonial taper candles by Bee Hive Candles.


8. Kitchenaid Stand Mixer. Opting for good quality appliances ensures that broken ones don't end up in landfills when you purchase replacements. The kitchen aide stand mixer is an appliance that has stood the test of time for generations and makes an excellent addition to any avid cook's kitchen. Available at Macys.


9. Recycled glass vases. Decor and heirloom pieces on your registry can still look great while avoiding damage to the earth. These fabulous recycled glass vases are a great way to add panache to your nest without looking repurposed. Glass vases available at VivaTerra.


10. Crock pot. Yup, just like grandma's, crock pots are incredibly energy efficient and cook up a mean pot of stew. Fantastic for having dinner ready when you get home from work or keeping foods hot at the buffet, they make an essential addition to any kitchen. Rival programmable crock pot available at Target.