Green mom's good intentions zapped by toys
She had it all planned out: Her child would have a small collection of Earth-friendly, noncommercial toys. Then Elmo and Chinese plastic entered her life.
THAT'S NOT DORA: Plan all you want, but if your child doesn't subscribe to your eco-agenda, those simple toys might not work out. (Photo: hownowdesign/Flickr) Comments
There is a company called Green Ostrich. They sell wood and plastic toys and any other sustainable or recycled material you can think of. They have tugboats, little kitchen sets, planter pots for kids, you name it. The great thing is they are BPA-free, lead free, and completely safe for children. Check out www.greenostrich.com/greentoys. You will pleased and surprised!
Your story basically parallels the same situation my wife and I have been dealing with. I see all the 'stuff' that looks like it would be fun only to see that it is made of plastic, which will eventually become broken or get discarded (unless it is still in good condition and can be donated). In any case, it will eventually end up in a landfill somewhere. So we have been closely monitoring what our children get. Even stuffed animals are problematic, e.g. the recent Target recall. But so can.... More
Should be more dedicated to your ideals.
Hi Patti,
it is very tough. I've been disappointed by this and have disappointed through my bad reactions as a dad for getting such toys. I had to learn how to relax about this topic.
I own a little company that makes building blocks (and soon other wooden toys) in Canada and so it hurts me even more to see how much my little 22 month old daughter plays with some really crappy plastic toys. I'm generally not against plastic, just against bad and unhealthy plastics. What I decide.... More
Used toys and just a little thought is far better than some green moms can muster. We all dream of the clean house with one toy box delighting our child....I have never actually known anyone that had a child,clean house and one toy box. Even the greenest of moms probably have a disgusting plastic Chinese imported toy that their child had to have, it's a grey/green area of our lives where we may choose sanity over environmentally correct.
Good try! It happens to all of us :)
