Sentient Times Dec 07/Jan 08

With hundreds of thousands of toys made in China that have been recalled by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission for lead paint dangers, what is a concerned parent or grandparent to do? A special section of the Co-op America web site, www.SafeGreenToys.org, helps by providing information on toys which are completely non-toxic and manufactured with the highest labor standards. Many are sourced from the US or from fair trade cooperatives worldwide that provide artisans with a living wage and help to build thriving communities in developing countries. Featured toys are made by 10 members of Co-op America’s Green Business Network, the largest network of socially and environmentally responsible businesses. All of the toy-producing firms and their products have been screened for their environmental, workplace, community relations, and product safety practices to help consumers find the safest and most responsible products for their families, including great toys for infants and toddlers.

Solar-Powered House ~ Made in the USA for GAIAM. Children can learn about renewable energy by building a model house complete with PV solar panels, wind turbine, greenhouse.

Fair Trade Sports Balls ~ Fair Trade sports balls (footballs, soccer balls, volleyballs, and basketballs) have been certified by the Fairtrade Labeling Organization since 2002, the first time a non-agricultural commodity received Fair Trade certification. Since then, four producers in Pakistan and one in Thailand have achieved certification, ensuring that no child labor is involved in their production and that workers receive a living wage in a healthy work environment. In addition, FairTradeSports.com donates all of its after-tax profits to children’s charities.

Wooden Trains, Tracks and Accessories ~ You don’t have to depend on Thomas the Tank Engine (with the risk of lead poisoning) to purchase wooden trains. Green Business Network member Maple Landmark has been making wooden toys for children from a workshop in Vermont for nearly 25 years. Because you’re dealing directly with a manufacturer, products can be personalized with a child’s name. Line of products includes train whistles, building blocks, wooden games, and jigsaw puzzles.

Wooden Walking Toys on Strings ~ For toddlers, made in New Mexico and crafted from 100% sustainably harvested wood and finished with non-toxic food-grade mineral oil. Woods scraps are donated to schools for art projects, only recycled paper is used in North Star’s operations, and its building runs on 100-percent renewable energy.

Lavender-Filled Stuffed Animals ~ Filled with lavender blossoms, these made-in-the-USA stuffed animals (bears, frogs, and rabbits) from Kate’s Caring Gifts give off a gentle floral fragrance when squeezed. The lavender is grown on a small family farm in California. This line of products includes puzzles, games, books, and a make-your-own-chewing-gum kit.

Lamb (or Bunny) Towel Doll ~ Not all of Peapod’s line of toys is made in USA, but shoppers can sort for country of origin on Peapod’s Web site and select accordingly. For example, Peopod offers these organic cotton towel dolls (good for teething children) that were made by hand in Germany. Peapod’s Web site also features a blog that follows safe toy issues. This line of products includes doll houses, mobiles, toddler trikes, jump ropes, and much more.

Blue Rainforest Monkeys ~ These blue monkeys were made by hand and come to the United States through the Global Exchange online store, a member of the Fair Trade Federation which pledges to provide fair and healthy working environments and ensure environmental sustainability at the beginning of the supply chain. In this case, that means partnering with Sri Lankan producers who use 100-percent hand-woven, natural fabric dyed using environmentally safe pigments. This ecotoy line is part of a cooperative endeavor with a community in Sri Lanka that provides both an artistic outlet and gainful employment for artisans. Line of products includes stuffed animals, teddy bears, finger puppets, and board games.

“Family Pastimes” Board Games ~ These games are made in the USA and Canada of largely recycled components, from the board itself to the cardboard box in which it is packed. Wooden markers are finished with water-based colors, all glues are water-based, all inks are soy, and all colorings are lead-free. KidBean.com offers these, along with wooden made-in-the-USA toys, and organic cotton toys. Line of products includes dozens of different board games for all ages.

Bamboo Xylophone ~ Fair Trade importer Ten Thousand Villages offers musical instruments that appeal to the creative impulses in the children in your life. Purchasing their bamboo xylophone helps preserve the Javanese musical tradition, and benefits the local community where the instrument was created. Product line includes pan flutes, cymbals, drums, rattles, and chimes.

Doll Clothes ~ Terra Experience follows the Fair Trade Federation model by keeping close ties with producer partners in Guatemala and partnering with Mayan weavers to offer high-quality traditional outfits. They are committed to paying a living wage, supporting environmental protection projects within the producer community, and have ongoing relationships with producer partners. Their web site includes a full breakdown of payments and benefits to the producer group so shoppers can follow where their dollars are going. Line of products includes hand-woven doll outfits; doll accessories like hats, bags, aprons, and jewelry; and children’s books about the Mayan culture.

Co-op America is a non-profit membership organization founded in 1982 with the mission to harness economic power—the strength of consumers, investors, businesses, and the marketplace—and to create a socially just and environmentally sustainable society. Visit www.SafeGreenToys.org to find out more.

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