Maybe this scene is familiar? The kids beg for the latest whizmo
gizmos (made of questionable content and unrecyclable plastic or
electronic components that are possibly mass produced in an
Asian sweatshop). You give in. And when the festive frenzy of
unwrapping is finished, their favorite toy is . . . the big
empty box. This year’s gifting will be different, you vow. But
how? Choose instead to give playthings that are good for your
children, good for the earth, and easier on your conscience.
Many toys don’t list "ingredients," so sorting out the good from
the bad may seem daunting. It doesn’t have to be. Stick to
reputable manufacturers and retailers, and seek out labels that
tout the following eco-friendly materials, including: Organic
Cotton, Wool, Natural Fibers: Sadly, synthetic stuffed animals
and dolls may be tainted with mothproofing, foam pellets,
artificial dyes, and chemical stain resisters. Even cotton, when
traditionally grown, uses notoriously pesticide-heavy methods.
Toys made from certified or