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Kids seem to fall into one of two categories when it comes to nighttime buddies: stuffed animals or dolls. I was most certainly the former. And from my view at the time, I was one of the luckiest of the lot. Seemed like whenever there was a carnival in town, I would win a super-sized stuffed animal. Never mind that it was stuffed with sawdust from who-knows-where and carried a somewhat off-putting smell of old hot dogs and all sorts of other carni food. It was big, and it was mine.
Now that I'm a parent, however, I'm afraid the bloom is off the rose--I know a lot more now when it comes to my own kids health and safety and toys. It's been pretty impossible to ignore the many frightening recalls on kids' playthings during the past year, but stuffed toys and dolls have been largely outside of most parents concerns. Nonetheless, there are some subtle things we should consider when buying our kids their new best friends:
Most stuffed toys available for purchase in the U.S. are manufactured in Southeast Asia. They therefore a) have a deep carbon footprint and b) may be made under less-than-wholesome conditions for factory workers.
Most stuffed toys are primarily made of polyester. That means they are made from materials that a) is not a renewable resource, b) does not break down in a landfill, and c) is hard-to-virtually-impossible to launder, which runs a higher risk of dust mites and asthma-related issues. (And just try prying that teddy away after he's ensconced himself for a couple of years...)
Though it may be years before the traveling carnival that lands near you carries eco-friendly toys, better alternatives to consider for other purchases include certified organic cotton teethers and toys, which can be laundered as simply as a favorite blanket or clothing—these include no pesticides, and a more just, sustainable life for farm workers.(Please watch the film White Gold: The True Cost of Cotton, from Environmental Justice Foundation, but--WARNING!--get some tissues if you want to look at the secret life of conventional cotton. I promise you'll never forget it!)
Here are my favorite sites for finding great organic and eco-friendly toys:
Nuno Organic Adorable teddy bears for little ones.
Organic Toy Box Sweet plush things for your little sweeties.
MiYim Though these stuffed animals are made in China, MiYim use all organic fabrics and are so soft you may find yourself sleeping with one.
Oompa If you're feeling especially pure--and flush--you can even get an organic cotton toy box for about $150 here.
Simply Fido If your "baby" has four legs and fur, you'll love this organic doggie shop.
DIY Eco-Friendly Toys
The Soft Toy Awards Perfect for crafty types who want some serious inspiration!
Make Your Own Sock Monkey Bone up on how to make a homemade classic treasure.
Lynda Fassa is the founder of Green Babies, one of the oldest organic-cotton clothing companies in the United States. She is also the author of Green Babies & Sage Moms: The Ultimate Guide to Raising Your Organic Baby (2008, Penguin) and is currently writing Green Kids, Sage Families, to be published by Penguin in late 2008.
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