Eco-friendly children's toys make every day Earth Day

As a parent, I try to incorporate many eco-friendly toys in our house. Luckily, these days it has become easier to find numerous eco-friendly toys for kids of all ages.

When looking for eco-friendly toys, here are a few tips to keep in mind.

• Materials: Bamboo, rubberwood and organic cotton or wool, These materials are sustainable, especially bamboo, and are often free of pesticides.
• Recycled toys: Look for toys that can be made of recycled products, like milk containers or wood, to help reduce and reuse older materials.
• Colors and dyes: Look for toys that are made from non-toxic herbs or plants to create bold colors.

Here are a few toys that are eco-friendly and kid approved.

•  Paintable Cottage and Firehouse Rescue Station. A wonderful set of eco-friendly arts and craft toy. The toy comes with a set of eight washable, non-toxic water colors. The item is made of durable corrugated board. This toy set is produced in the U.S.A by Imagination Box Company and has won the Top Toy of the Year Award from Creative Child Magazine in 2008; iParenting Media Hot Toy Award 2008; Dr Toys Best Products Award. Each set costs about $12.
• 8-Note Bamboo Xylophone. For the music lover in your house, this xylophone is handmade using organic materials and fair trade products. The item retails for around $48.
• Dandelion: A variety of baby products that are all made from organic, natural, recycled materials. Named a Dr. Toy Green Award winner.
• Science Kits by Thames and Kosmos. These interactive, educational kits teach children about wind power, renewable energy, global warming, animals, and plants. Children learn these topics by conducting hands on experiments. The kits are suitable for various school age children. The price for the kits ranges from $16 to $40.

These are just a few eco-friendly toys available in the market. Learning Express of Naperville has numerous options for kids of all ages. Learning Express of Naperville is located at 2836 W. 95th Street, Naperville. Their phone number is (630) 922-3334.

Published April 22, 2010