Ohio parents John and Danita Thomas have used Earth Day to remind parents that many popular play items can be made with items in their kitchen cupboards.

The "The Ultimate Book of Kid Concoctions" authors have created environmentally friendly alternatives to toys like Moon Sand, Silly Putty, Shrinky Dinks, Super Elastic Bubble Plastic, Sidewalk Chalk and Chia Pets, which they say can be made at much less expense than the brand name items.

While you have to get the books for the recipes, free activities are featured at www.kidconcoctions.com.