Teaching green values with green toys
By Diane Ako
As a former San Franciscan, I am compelled to save the Earth. For instance, I have been carrying canvas sacks to the grocery store for years, long before it was hip or even understood. Friends and strangers would think I was a nut for bringing in my own bags. I stuck by my guns.
How can I impart green values on my child? Besides teaching her to sort the recyclables, I found a toy that makes recycling fun. Green Toys (www.greentoys.com), based out of California, introduced a line of toys this year made from recycled plastic milk jugs. And it's made in the USA, too! Green Toys products for 2009 include a Recycling Truck, Dump Truck, Tool Kit, EcoSaucer Flying Disc and Jump Rope. I ordered the recycling truck, which I think is a great classic toy with a modern twist.
Olivia loves it. She likes cars (!) and she's at the age where she likes to organize things into containers. Perfect. I like that the manufacturing process saves energy and reduces greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, all Green Toys packaging is made from recyclable corrugated materials.
Robert von Goeben, co-founder and president of Green Toys Inc, says, "Our customers say they love Green Toys’ products and want more. We've responded by adding classic new products, while staying true to our core mission of providing the safest US-made, eco-friendly toys." Last year, Green Toys brand toys received many top accolades, including being named one of Parenting Magazine’s 2008 Toys of the Year and Dr. Toy’s Green Toy Company of the Year Award.
A recycling party!
Olivia still likes to put things in her mouth, so I was happy to find out these toys contain no BPA, phthalates or lead paint, and comply with the new strict standards of the Consumer Products Safety Improvement Act of 2008.
Toys that promote the health and happiness of both my child and the Earth. What a concept!
What do you do to instill green values in your child?
Small Talk
July 8th, 2009 at 9:52 am
The best way to instill green values is to set a good example.
July 9th, 2009 at 1:44 pm
what happens after she is finish with the toy..is that still go green or go garbage...eventually things will go to garbage....
July 9th, 2009 at 1:44 pm
when they make the toy do they pollute too...so it is still a cycle...
July 9th, 2009 at 1:47 pm
CAN YOU WEAVE THEN WEAVE HER A BASKET STICK HER TOYS IN IT...voila...! SOMETIMES we think we recycle....yes so if you weave you got to plant the tree first..very complicated recycling..
July 10th, 2009 at 5:36 am
Recycle to another kid or Goodwill! I never discard perfectly good things. In fact I have hand me downs for Olivia from my cousins. Some of that stuff is now 4th generation!!
July 11th, 2009 at 1:18 pm
Re: manufacturing process. THey use a local supply chain for fewer carbon emissions, and 100% recyclable cardboard packaging with no twist ties or plastic. That's a start. I always cringe at the excessive plastic molds around those Costco gift cards and smaller items.