T’is the Season for Safe Toys by Roberta Modena

It’s TOY season! With the recent announcement by Fisher-Price recalling 10.1 million potentially dangerous toys and high chairs, the largest recall this year, parents need reliable information and assurance on which toys are truly safe. Is it too much to ask profitable toy giants to provide labels on what materials are being used in the making of our toys as we have with food, nutritional supplements and our cosmetic labels? Until that happens rest assured parents— we do have better options.

Recycled Fire Engine Truck $24.00

One toy company setting the standard for healthier toys is Green Toys. Located in California, Green Toys makes delightful, fun, recycled children’s toys from discarded milk jugs. Yep, the ones that get discarded each week with your curbside recyclables. They have an amazing process for re-creating the milk jugs into a durable, safe, and clean plastic that is lead-free, BPA-free, PVC-free and phthalate-free so there’s no concern for your child’s exposure to potentially harmful toxins. They’ve just expanded their line and offer top children’s favorites like a Recycling Dump Track, Emergency Fire Truck, Dish Set, Chef Set, Indoor Gardening Set and even Jump Ropes– all award winners from Parents Magazine and Oppenheimer for their dynamic designs and meaningful impact on children and the environment. What I like most about “Green Toys” is they come in simple, easy-to-open packaging, without all the metal and plastic ties that often require scissors and sometimes pliers to set the toys free. Imagine on Christmas morning giving your child a ”Tea Set” with mutiple parts that they can immediately open themselves without the usual struggle and intervention of mom or dad. That’s all part of their passion and commitment to reduce their own carbon footprint and use minimal recycled packaging.

Another favorite of mine is Maple Landmark. Focused on using local lumber that is sustainably

ABC Blocks $38.00

harvested in Vermont, they have an amazing selection of classic toys, infant rattles, building blocks, train sets and their award-winning rocking horse–all made from durable, natural maple.

Their “Schoolhouse Natural” line gives parents a healthier option since all of the toys come without applied chemicals, finishes or inks and the only decoration is applied by laser. And like Green Toys, Maple Landmark toys have consistently won top awards, including the Dr. Toy Best Green Products and Creative Child Magazine Product of The Year for their fine craftsman, safety, and child enjoyment.

Clean Air Kate $24.95

And last but not least, my new favorite green toy comes from Global Green Pals™. These educational dolls are not only adorable but they have great meaningful names like Carbon Offset Chet, Clean-Air Kate, and Pink Coral Laurel. Made from Oeko-Tex 100 certified organic cotton, these 12″ dolls are great companions for children to learn about the environment and to spark curiosity at an early age through the simple act of play. Each Global Green Pals™ comes with a detailed story, embroidered face, removable clothing, and accessories such as mini hats, bags and backpacks, to make play fun.

I like that every time you purchase a Global Green Pal™, a portion of your purchase supports earth-saving efforts around the globe since they give ”One Percent for the Planet.” Read more on the recent Toy Recalls

T’is the Season for Safe Toys by Roberta Modena

Written by rmodena

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