G-R-E-E-N
Date: April 3, 2008 | Category: Kids, Toys
The Uncle Goose Alphabet Blocks are a chic take on this iconic children’s toy, and are sustainable to boot. The blocks are carved out of Basswood that is planted and harvested domestically (around the Great Lakes), and the company has taken strides to minimize waste in production and packaging. They also utilize non-toxic inks that adhere to the stringent guidelines put forth by European EN-71 regarding toy safety - Important when there’s little doubt these blocks will make their way into your child’s, or even your pet’s, mouth (don’t worry; replacements are available). Showcasing impeccable craftsmanship with embossed numbers, letters and animals, here’s a tried-and-true learning tool that builds upon imagination in classic and eco style.
Toying With Cool Wheels
Date: March 31, 2008 | Category: Kids, Toys
Not so long ago four toy designers joined forces after being disappointed by the negative environmental impact their toys were causing. Their new company, Sprig Toys, uses recycled and reclaimed materials and relies on children’s activities to power the toys. The adventure cars are crafted from SprigWood, a bio-composite material made of recycled wood and reclaimed plastic. No batteries are required to power these stylistically minimalist toys, instead, kids push and pump the vehicles to trigger movement, lights, and noises (imagine that). The headlamps of the eco-explorers light up when placed in the vehicles, and they can be swapped from car to car to hear different adventure audio tales. Not only do Sprig Toys have a smaller impact on the environment than typical plastic playthings, but they’ll turn couch fingerling potatoes into active youngsters. My daughter, who is mortified by phthalates, will be thrilled to drive into this wiser world.
Magic Mushrooms To Chew On
Date: March 10, 2008 | Category: Kids, Toys
Making their way from France, these Vulli soft teething toys have landed stateside and can be found at baby online retailer extraordinaire, Zoe B Organic. This trio, Chan Pie Gnon (Chan is shown solo at left), are made from 100% natural rubber with non-toxic paints. Not only are they adorable fungi that squeak; these guys are void of parabens, PVC, phthlalates and BPA (bisphenol-a) - all toxic substances that can be found in traditional, plastic teethers. For a non-poisonous mushroom to munch on, give your baby a Vulli.
Color Me Cute
Date: February 8, 2008 | Category: Books, Kids, Toys
For drawing in the lines with eco-friendly supplies, Stubby Pencil Studio has got you creatively covered. From the FSC-certified colored/graphite pencils in recycled packaging, to the soy crayons with natural pigments, to the quirky Smencils (non-toxic scented pencils made from recycled newspapers), coloring just got greener. If you act quickly, you can grab your kids a set of the crayons and put them to work on some of S.P.S.’s DIY 100% post consumer recycled valentines. Consider it your gift to the planet this holiday… and a total blast!
For All the Players In the House
Date: January 22, 2008 | Category: Kids, Toys
If a child you know dreams of living in a castle or building a rocket, you can help them discover their calling. In what amounts to an array of sturdy structures, Paperpod recycles corrugated cardboard into playhouses any kid will scream with glee over. They come as blank canvases, so get your Goya out using non-toxic paints or collage them with old magazines (get creative). For the one who dreams of being an astronaut, the rocket is pretty far out. If you know of some children who are really into forts (and what kid isn’t?), give them the gift of an eco fortress. And when they’ve squeezed every ounce of fun out of their little abode, you can recycle it, again. But it also flattens for storage, should you want to relaunch the family masterpiece at a later date.
A Fun Little Way to Draw Down Your Carbon Footprints
Date: January 9, 2008 | Category: Books, Kids, Toys
So you got your kids a set of those beeswax crayons we raved about yesterday… Well we want you to put them to good use. Sometimes a blank page just isn’t fulfilling enough. For a whole lot more fun than plain recycled paper - with the added bonus of nurturing the nature lover within - the Little Footprint series of activity books are the ecofabulous green coloring book of choice. With covers made of pulp derived from a sustainable forest and filled with 100% recycled pages, Little Footprints walks kids through different habitats without stomping on any. There are a variety of ecosystems to consider, so they make a great gift for any budding naturalist on your list.
Green is the Prettiest Crayon
Date: January 8, 2008 | Category: Kids, Toys
If crayons could be fashionable, these Stockmar babies would hit the mark. Stockmar’s collection of eco-sensitive beeswax block crayons come in a reusable box without the superfluous and messy wrappers that characterize most crayons - so there’s really zero waste. And most kids adore the unique shape and varied textures they create. My tykes excitedly design masterpieces (slightly biased mom) with them. They’re certified non-toxic by the Art and Craft Materials Institute, meaning that they are rendered safe from harmful pigments, pesticides and heavy metals. This is a great green way for anyone to get their inner artist out (just make sure to doodle on tree-free or 100% post-consumer waste recycled paper). Think inside the box and order from Oompa Toys.
Beany Buddies
Date: August 8, 2007 | Category: Kids, Toys
I think it was love at first sight when I recently laid eyes on darling SOYphia. SOYphia is part of a collection of Soysilk pals, an innovative take on the classic teddy bear. These adorable creations are not only soft and incredibly cuddle worthy, they are completely earth friendly - made from Soysilk brand fiber, a cutting edge super soft material spun from the waste produced during the manufacturing of Tofu. Soysilk has optimum moisture transmission and absorption and is more sanitary than cotton toys. The products do not contain any petroleum and are manufactured to be completely biodegradable and non-toxic (note: like their ungulate ancestors, they do shed a little). I would write more, but my daughter absconded with the little sheep I was trying to review. I guess I will have to order my own.
