November 19, 2009

It's not even Thanksgiving yet, but the holiday shopping season seems to have begun, and many people are already starting to scope out the latest and greatest bargains on holiday gifts.  But if you are looking for a deal, beware of deals that are too good to be true in terms of quality and safety.  Bargain-hunters need to be careful to avoid items that are so cheap that they may compromise the health and safety of family and friends.  "Made in China" are three words that should make every consumer concerned -- especially parents shopping for their children. China has been in the news repeatedly over the last few years, for multiple heinous manufacturing practices including the poison infant formula recall and for coating Mattel toys in lead paint. The Made in China label is so ubiquitous these days because a staggering 80% of the world's toys are made in Chinese factories. That means that it is actually a challenge to find safe, well-made toys that are NOT manufactured in Chinese sweatshops.

The good news is that there are plenty of responsibly crafted, eco-friendly toys and gifts to be found that are made right here in the United States.  These types of goods are usually more expensive than toys made in China, but they are safer and have the added bonus of putting money back into our own economy, and rewarding small business owners who run their companies ethically and with regard for their customers and the environment.  And when you consider the big picture costs of a poor economy and healthcare -- not to mention the health and safety of your loved ones -- isn't the investment worth it in the long run?  

I founded green parenting website Inhabitots when I was pregnant with my son, because I felt it was vital to really start researching the materials and production involved in all items that would closely touch our lives as a family. Inhabitots was created as a resource for parents, families, and anyone else interested in cute sustainable design for children.

Pulled straight from the pages of Inhabitots, here are some green toy suggestions for this holiday season, all of which are made in the USA and will help pave the path to a safe and happy holiday season for your family and loved ones:

KIDDO Cabana, Prefab Playhouse

Miss Brittany's Organic Preschool Fun Dough

Wooden Camera

Maple Wood 10 Pin Bowling Set

Recycled Cardboard Toys by designer Ben Blanc

Roebuck Bunny Scooter

There's truly no greater gift we can give the next generation than the mindfulness and awareness that go along with being a responsible consumer and advocate of fair labor and eco-friendly practices. Buying green toys that are made in the USA will infuse the sentiment of home for the holidays with a noble new meaning.