The NRDC, among others notes that toxins found in toys related to plastics can interfere with normal sexual development, and may even lead to early onset of puberty.

Collect up any soft plastic toys, toys with older paint (could be lead based), and drop them off at the recycling center. Make sure that friends and family know that your goal is safe holiday toys. Tell them to limit the amount of toys they buy your kids, and also look for toys made with sustainable materials. Instead of plastics, look for wooden toys, toys made from recycled plastics, wool, organic cotton, and other eco-friendly materials.

Additionally encourage friends and family to offer other gifts – i.e. not toys but an outing, or experience, like a play, vs. a toys that may get tossed aside.

Also see…

• Nine Affordable Green Toys for the Holidays
• Well-priced organic toys for baby
• 2008 “10 Worst Toys” List

[image via stock.xchng]

Post from: Tree Hugging Family

1. Eco-Friendly Tea Set from Green Toys – $24.99
2. Oval Xylophone from Plan Toys – $22.99
3. Crayon Rocks – $5-27
4. CitBlocs – starting at just $15
5. Contemporary Dollhouse from Plan Toys – $99.99 (seriously, one of the best deals for an eco-friendly dollhouse, most are well into the triple digits.
6. Sprig adventure toys – $9-28
7. Organic Veggies and Crate from Under The Nile – $25.99
8. Whole World Fun Eco Activities – $5.99 (Cedar loves this)
   
9. HappyMais Building Blocks – boy’s set and girl’s set available – $29

Post from: Tree Hugging Family

Most likely, not all the toys your kids get this year are going to be perfectly green. First of all, for holidays, you should do the following:

• Encourage family and friends to purchase green toys for you child. Of course, you need to do the same.
• Make sure that handmade, safe, green toys continue to be an option for your child.
• Buy less or give the gift of time over simply giving products to kids.

Not all the tips above work all the time though. Some family members can be a hard sell, and will continue to give your child toys that aren’t so green, and that may not be safe. To protect your kiddos do the following:

• Sign up to receive information about toy recalls.
• Always fill out and return the registration cards that come with toys – many have online registration options. If there is a recall, you’ll be notified.
• Read the label to make sure the toy is age appropriate and check for out of the box broken pieces.
• Thrift store are a good green choice, but one investigation reveals that 63% of thrift stores sell hazardous or recalled items. Be careful, and always check with cpsc or the manufacturer to make sure a thrift store toy hasn’t been recalled.

Stay up to date with current toy news at:

• Leadsafe
• W.A.T.C.H
• Toy Industry Association
• Consumers Union

For more tips read this excellent article; 250+ Lead-Free Toys Made in USA 4 Tips for Finding American Toys This Holiday.

[image via stock.xchng]

Post from: Tree Hugging Family

It’s that time of year again. A couple of days ago W.A.T.C.H released their annual round up of the worst of the worst toys. There are some pretty dangerous toys this year, so I’d check the list out; make sure none of these on are your kid’s wish list. Also, I’m gonna add that from a design perspective the 10 worst toys this year also seem to be the worst looking. You’d likely avoid them anyhow, but still, just in case, you can view the list here.

November current events at Tree Hugging Family – themes, reviews, news, and more…

[images via, stock.xchng & Buy Nothing Day]

Post from: Tree Hugging Family

It’s not an all-inclusive list though. A good bet is to buck plastics and battery operated toys. Although, I know that’s not the most helpful stand-alone suggestion.
One blog that can help you do this is Eco Child’s Play this blog covers, “Natural toys that inspire your child’s imagination! A review of developmentally appropriate, ecologically friendly toys for young children and green family news.“ Jennifer who writes Eco-Child’s Play, (what’s with all the green Jennifers?) is extremely knowledgeable about eco-toys and always has amazing posts, reviews, and suggestions on non-harmful play items your child will love. It’s one of my favorite kid-minded green blogs so check it out.

You can also take a look at some green toys I’ve featured here that are safe and yet completely fun:

• Seasons Natural Toys
• Recycled Friends
• Build A Plant Maze!
• Color Your World Green

Post from: Tree Hugging Family