There's nothing more fun than watching a small child unwrap presents on Christmas morning; here are a few that will make them smile, won't break the bank, and are environmentally-friendly too.

 

Ecostars Crayons

These 20 star-shaped crayons are made from recycled materials collected through The National Crayon Recycle Program. Non-toxic and (re) made in the USA, the star shape helps more of the crayon get used and gives kids of all ages a multitude of surfaces to draw with.  $7.95 from Sustainable NYC.

Wooden Racing Cars

Fun for ages 3 and up, these cute and graphic cars race forwards and backwards and are "ethically made in Thailand from 100% organic recycled rubberwood with lead-free water based paint and non-formaldehyde glue." $10 for two cars, Available at Peek-a-Green.

Prince Lionheart Wheely Bug

This adorable bug is rideable for kids up to 50 pounds, and features multidirectional casters so munchkins can really get around on it. The plywood base is made from 100% sustainable plantation timber and is PVC-free and totally non-toxic. Designed in child-care centers, it's built to last, meaning that it will likely become a hand-me-down so you can recycle it when you're child is done playing with it. $59-$69 at Franklin Goose.

Organic Crib/Stroller Toy

This strawberry is cute to look at, and is safe in baby's mouth too. It's made from untreated organic cotton thread that's "woven into fabric and brightened with nature’s own plants and minerals.  The fabric is then hand dyed repeatedly in soy-water to set the color." Hung from a crib, high chair, stroller or car seat, it's got a fun rattle inside for fun. At MiYim.

Natural Modelling Dough

If your child loves Play-Doh, this is a great all-natural alternative. Made from flour, water, soybean oil and naturally-derived colors, each dough comes in a recyclable container and can be expected to last about a year. $8.99, Available at Clementine Art.

 

 

---

---

Halloween should be fun, but every year it gets scarier--for parents and the planet. From the discovery of lead in fake teeth and candy, to chemicals in costumes, to the garbage left in the holiday's wake, it's a wonder more of us haven't given up the festivities and spent October 31 watching It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown. The good news is, there are loads of child- and earth-friendly alternatives to the usual Halloween fare. The most important point when planning to green up any holiday or celebration, especially those involving children, is to get their "buy-in." And of course, your approach makes all the difference. Telling kids, "We're going green this Halloween--that means, no candy," isn't helpful. What can be is a discussion about the challenges that Halloween brings. Obviously, what you say (or don't), depends on the age of your children. But helping them to see the wider ramifications of their actions can help make transitioning to healthier choices more appealing or at least understandable. Many kids are learning about eco-issues in school. They often want to do something about them, but need guidance on where to begin. Talking to them about the excess and waste associated with Halloween (and all holidays and celebrations) and discussing how they can make a difference, may spark their altruism and inspire them to act in positive ways. A great way to start a discussion is to list each aspect of Halloween (costumes, treats, decor and activities), and brainstorm child- and earth-friendly choices to what you've done in the past. Then, encourage your kids to choose one or two of the ideas to implement this year. After Halloween, talk about what worked, what didn't and what you'll do next year. Costumes-In the "olden days," (the eighties?), many kids made their costumes, often with help from parents. Making the costume was actually an enjoyable, bonding activity. Today, millions of people spend millions of dollars on costumes that are made from non-sustainable materials (like petroleum), that are worn once, then discarded. But there are earth-friendlier alternatives. If you usually buy costumes, consider: Making them. Kids are incredibly gifted and creative when we encourage them. There are almost no costumes that cannot be handmade. If your children are stuck on turning a popular TV or movie character into a costume, brainstorm how you can make it happen with items you already own or can get at no cost by borrowing or making. Be sure to check online for ideas. Purchasing costumes made from more eco-friendly materials or at least not from plastics. Choose cotton, organic cotton, silk or hemp, for instance. Unfortunately, these alternatives are not yet widely available, but if you're interested in them, visit the Green Halloween® marketplace or ask local stores to consider carrying them next year. And check at the end of this post for some other great online sources. Trading them. Arrange a costume swap for National Costume Swap Day (second Saturday in October) with neighbors, check online at swap sites like Green Halloween, or see if you can interest a local child-focused organization in sponsoring a swap. When Halloween is over, don't throw costumes away. Save them, dismantle and hold on to the "parts,"trade or take them to a thrift store such as Goodwill. Treats and treasures Halloween may be all about the treats, but happily, there are great alternatives that kids, when given theoption, will happily embrace. You can't do much about the sweets your children receive on their forayaround the neighborhood (although you can have the "Halloween Fairy" replace the confections with awonderful gift when the children are brushing their teeth...shhhh...), but when it comes to what yourfamily hands out, planning ahead so that you are not making a last-minute dash to the grocery store, willhelp you avoid limiting choices to what's on the shelves at the moment.If you have a local natural foods store, check out their offerings. Take your kids along and choose a fewitems to sample if you don't normally shop there. Honey sticks are a favorite and are very inexpensive(never give honey to children under age 2). Many natural food companies, like Larabr, make small "bars"in flavors kids love like peanut butter and chocolate. Assuming you have the time to order online, checkout www.GreenHalloween.org for dozens of alternatives.One issue that often comes up when discussing organic or green choices is cost. While it is true that manyhealthier items cost more, there is a simple solution. Instead of handing out fistfuls (or allowing kids totake as much as they want, which has become the norm), try this: Fill a bowl with a variety of greatchoices, whether sweets or "treasures" like sparkly stones, feathers (yes, kids love these), hairdecorations, temporary tattoos, stickers etc. Cover the bowl with a cloth. When children come to the door,get down to their level and whisper, "At our house, we have some very, very special treats and treasures.You may now choose your favorite." Then with a flourish, whip off the cloth and let them sift.Compliment them on their choice afterwards.If you're not yet ready to totally embrace greener treats and treasures you can still help cut down onexpense and waste by choosing one of these options:Put out two bowls, one with conventional candy, the other with "treasures." Let kids choose oneitem from either bowl.Hand children whatever you are giving them. Do not allow them to take as much as they want.Let older children know that unwrapped candy can be composted.Whatever you do this Halloween, taking time to plan and implement will make the holiday a lot lessspooky! Lynn Colwell and Corey Colwell-Lipson are mother and daughter founders of Green Halloween® and co-authors of Celebrate Green! Creating Eco-Savvy Holidays, Celebrations and Traditions for the Whole Family, available at www.CelebrateGreen.net

Read More »

It's not easy to find eco-friendly products that are also fashionable and affordable. Enter Simple Shoes. This spring, they introduced Flippees, the first flip-flops on the market with biodegradable soles. Flippees come in a variety of colors for both men and women at only $30 a pop. Earlier this summer I ordered their Eco-Certified Nubuck Flippees in pink and black. My sandals arrived in a biodegradable bag with a biodegradable hanger, and the foot form inserts were made of post consumer recycled paper.

Read More »