The Green Connoisseur Blog

The Green Connoisseur is your source for high-end goods and services that are green and sustainable. Please click on the link below to visit our homepage.

Sunday, November 22, 2009

Plan Toys: Eco-Friendly, Safe Toys for Kids

If you're a parent, then you know having kids and buying toys go hand in hand. However, it can be extremely difficult these days to find toys that are safe for your child to play with - let alone great for the environment. Allow me to introduce you to Plan Toys, a company making toys that meet those requirements and more. Safe for Your Kids to Play With Whether your child is at that age where he or she wants to gnaw on everything in sight or not - you don't want to put anything in his or her hands that is going to hurt them. Plan Toys are made from rubber wood that has never been treated with chemicals. The glue is non-formaldehyde and the paint is water based, so you can feel safe about your child playing with Plan Toys. Started in 1981, Plan Toys has been working steadily since that time to make their products safer for children to play with! Better for the Environment Rubber trees are the world's primary source of natural rubber. After a certain amount of time, the latex yield decreases significantly and the trees are usually cut down and burned. Plan Toys makes their products from Rubber trees that no longer make latex, so rather than being burned and wasted, there is a purpose for that beautiful wood. There is no deforestation when the trees are harvested, as new ones are planted. Using this sustainable wood isn't the only green thing Plan Toys does, though. They work with local communities to ensure fair wages, and they provide many spots within the company for disabled workers to earn a wage. Inspiring Creativity Plan Toys are exciting, but not because they blink twelve different colors and make funny noises - because they don't. Rather, they are a blank canvas with which your child can use his or her imagination to paint countless gorgeous scenes. Whether your child is playing with the Plan Toys dollhouse, city, or an animal - they're creating the fun with their own imagination. Plan Toys are just along for the ride. This really inspires your child to be creative and have a lot of fun! Next time you go shopping for the wonderful child in your life, get them something that inspires creativity, never threatens their health and that is great for the earth! Consider Plan Toys.

Labels: , , ,

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

4 Easy Steps to a Greener Toy Chest

While you’re doing your part for the environment, wouldn’t it be great to help your children do the same? They are never too young to start learning about every individual’s responsibility to protect our Earth. The good news is that they don’t have to be deprived of the coolest or best toys when you decide to turn that toy box green! 1. Skip the Batteries Batteries are not only a problem for the Earth, but are definitely an unsafe thing if your child happens to pop one out and into his or her mouth. One of the best things you can do for both your child and the Earth is to skip the batteries. Find toys that are fun without all the bells and whistles – consider something for the outdoors that your children will truly enjoy. You can use this as a great excuse to get outside with your child and enjoy the fresh air, plus our planet will benefit. 2. Recycled Toys One of my daughter’s favorite toys between the age of 1 and 4 was a stuffed cat that was given to her by an older cousin. Recycled toys help reduce waste – and your child can likely get a lot of fun from a toy that someone else is ready to throw away. Consider purchasing used toys from auction sites or from second-hand stores in your area. Not only will you save money, but you are doing one more thing for the Earth. 3. Reduce the Number of Toys You Purchase Although this seems like a small contribution to the environment, when more people do it – it certainly adds up! If you purchase 10 toys for a child’s birthday now, shave off a few and only purchase 7 or 8. If you want to make up the difference, take your child to a museum, park or other fun place that they will enjoy as a gift. 4. Purchase Eco-Friendly Toys If you just can’t bear to cut back on the number of toys you purchase for your children, opt for eco-friendly toys instead. For instance, Childtrek offers eco-friendly and natural toys for babies and toddlers. From wooden bowling sets to paper dolls, there are some really cool and fun toys available for children between the ages of baby to over 5 years. By choosing eco-friendly toys, you’re creating a safe ‘play’ environment for your child and working toward a safer and healthy environment overall.

Labels: , , ,