I read a great article in this months Mothering Magazine called THE LONG GOODBYE TO TOXIC TOYS. I recommend every mom run out and get a copy (WHOLE FOODS sells copies), if you cannot however, I thought I'd highlight some stuff to help you shop for GOOD STUFF.
In my rush to get stuff for my kids every year, I find more thought is going into the need to have them open stuff and not so much thought going into what I'm
actually giving them. So here is an excerpt from that issue to help you.
1.
CAN SOMETHING WE ALREADY HAVE BE USED AS A TOY? An empty box or set of stainless-steel bowls can provide hours of happy play.
side note from Gena: Just yesterday I asked my 5 1/2 year old what we should get our youngest (2 1/2 year old) for Christmas.
She said wisely: "You don't have to give her anything Mama, she will be happy just being with us and playing with boxes and paper."
Our youngest has Downs Syndrome and is indeed almost always happy.
She also added quickly with a sigh, "but I'm not always happy with nothing like
Uma, so be sure and get me something."
2.
IS THE TOY REUSABLE? Can it be added to, creating new interest? For example, doll houses and building sets get repeated use, and adding one small accessory at a time can bring much joy.
3.
WILL IT LAST SEVERAL GENERATIONS? Again, the doll house or building set are welcome hand-me-downs.
Side Note from Gena: I wish we would have invested in a wooden doll house for my first child, we would have already gotten 5 years use from it and I am pregnant with third, it would have been a wise investment. Ugh!
4.
READ LABELS CAREFULLY, looking for assurances that paints and finishes are non toxic.
Side Note from Gena: According to the National Toxicology Center, "[T]he possibility that
bisphenol-A may alter human development cannot be dismissed."
5.
IS THIS AN ANTIQUE OR IMPORTED TOY that might be finished with toxic lead paint?
6.
WHEN IN DOUBT, SMELL IT! Toxic softeners in plastics can give them that "new" smell. Strong fragrances and perfumes can provoke allergies or asthma.
7.
DID IT HARM THE ENVIRONMENT OR PEOPLE TO PRODUCE THIS TOY? For example is it made from PVC plastic?
Side Note from Gena: That is why even though I could save TONS of money I NEVER shop at
WALMART.
8.
HOW IS THE TOY PACKAGED? A huge box and lots of plastic wrap for a very small toy is unnecessary waste.
9.
CAN WE GET THIS TOY, OR SOMETHING LIKE IT MADE LOCALLY, avoiding the pollution and fuel waste of shipping?
10.
CHOOSE PRODUCTS MADE IN THE US<>
11. CHOOSE FOREST STEWARDSHIP COUNCIL CERTIFIED WOOD (FSC) to ensure sustainable forestry; and Art & Creative Materials Institute Inc. Approved Products for non toxic craft supplies.
12. AVOID PRESSED OR LAYERED WOOD, which often uses toxic glues; products with lights and sounds that might require small batteries that contain mercury; cheap metal jewelry that might contain lead; play cosmetics; and #3 PVC plastic.
Side Note from Gena: Shocked and amazed how much of this stuff I found amongst my kids toys. Most of them ironically leaning against the huge air purifier in their room.
13. CALL THE MANUFACTURER if you have any questions about the product.
14. CALL THE CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION if you have any questions about recalls or for tips on buying lead free toys: 1-800-638-CPSC (2772)
15. GOLDEN RULE: SELECT TOYS THAT ARE MADE FROM NATURAL MATERIALS: wood (unfinished or non-toxic finish), fabric (organic cotton, hemp, wool), or bamboo.
See these sites for more info
www.healthychild.org
or read the book
HEALTHY CHILD HEALTHY WORLD
by Christopher Gavigan
(Dutton Adult, 2008)
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