I was checking out one of my favorite foodie sites this morning and saw that the folks at Chow had posted about the Soda Stream home soda makers. These fun machines allow you to carbonate your own water or make your own soda. I’m always lugging home bottles of seltzer from the grocery store and feeling particularly bad about buying plastic bottles that will sit in a landfill forever. But will a soda maker really reduce my carbon footprint? Has anyone used one? Is it worth the investment, or just a silly kitchen gadget? –Erica P.

I love the hot colors of the Confetti Collection of trays, bowls, and more from Zak! Designs, and like it even more because every piece is made from recycled melamine. A great way to get the durability of melamine, feel a little better about the purchase, and enjoy the colors of my grandma’s 1950s linoleum floors! You can find it online at LaPrima Shops from $4-$29.99, or find it at your local kitchen store — I spotted it at Metropolitan Market and it looks great in person. –Mary T.