While at the library the other day, I picked up a copy of Beth Terry’s book Plastic-Free.
The information in it is, well, truthfully, pretty grim about how plastic has invaded our lives and since its not biodegradable, never actually goes away.
Aside from her endless ideas about how to reduce our usage, of course, I was most interested in what she had to say about children’s products. Here are just a few highlights.
While she confirms what I already knew about the enormous amounts of toys that are plastic, I was even happier to find her list of companies that are producing toys from wood and natural fibers. I haven’t looked them all up but I wanted to pass her recommendations along for your consideration.
Stuffed Animals: Aminals, Barefoot, Eco Leeko, Dress Me Up Organic
Dolls: The Earth Friends, Global Green Pals
Wooden Toys: Maple Landmark, Heirloom Wooden Toys, Plan Toys, Tree Hopper Toys
Natural Wood Teethers: Little Alouette, Ringley Natural Teethers
Online Children’s Stores: Bella Luna Toys, Hazelnut Kids, Wild Dill, Mighty Nest
I was also grateful to her for bringing up children’s foodware. Looking back, I made a decision early on to not have plastic cups and dishes for my daughter. She has grown up using glass cups and ceramic dishes. Risky? Not at all. I held bowls to help stabilize when she was just learning to eat and drink and she learned and adapted as she grew. Spoons? Well those little stainless steel sugar spoons from my tea set are still her favorite. And we started using stainless steel straws, but then moved on to….glass straws! (they come with a lifetime guarantee).
Here is Beth Terry’s ideas for Children’s Foodware:
Baby Bottles and Sippy Cups: The Glass Baby Bottle.
Baby DIshes and Utensils: Life Without Plastic, Mighty Nest
Stainless Steel Popsicle Molds: Onyx Containers
My two cents wants to add the line made from bamboo, Bambu and the glass straws are thanks to Glass Dharma, made locally in Fort Bragg, CA. (http://www.glassdharma.com). Check out the Smoothie size and Beautiful Bend!
May you find alternatives to reduce plastic in your life as well.