How Green is Your Toychest?
There's been a lot of buzz in the news lately, about BPA and other chemicals to which we and our children are being exposed. They're in our clothing, food, furniture, household items, and even in toys! Not all of them are harmful, but sorting through what's OK and what to avoid can be a daunting proposition. In this month's column, I'll look at childrens' toys, and try to clear a little of that confusion.
How do you know if a toy, bottle, etc contains BPA Phthalates (aka BPA) make plastics softer, so any soft, squishy plastic toy or receptacle (think rubber duckies) could be suspicious. If you already have some of these, you can call the manufacturer and ask them if Phthalates are in the product, but it's probably easier to toss them out. That includes soft plastic purses, doll clothing made from plastic 'cloth', and the like. When shopping, look on the bottom to see if a 'V' or the number '3' is stamped into the soft rubber. If it is, don't buy it.
Let's start with something that we moms have used since heaven-knows-when, to soothe and quiet our babies - the pacifier and the baby bottle. Many plastic bottles are made with BPA, which we now know has been linked to enlarged breasts in boys, earlier puberty in girls and some forms of cancer. Even nursing moms use bottles on occasions, for water, juices, or to let dad or other care-givers feed baby when she can't. "Born Free Natural Baby Products" has a full line of BPA-free bottles, nipples, trainer cups and pacifiers, made from plastic, glass and stainless steel. Teething rings made from BPA-type plastic can actually leech the toxin out to baby as she noshes away on the soothing cool softness. "Nuby Company" has safe teethers, very affordably priced, and you can find them at 'Baby Depot' and Giant stores. Nuby (Luv N Care) has manufactured these safer teethers for years, so you can give them to your little one with confidence.
What about older kids? Those brightly - colored drink cups and toys are so attractive! But are they safe? The Center for Health, Environment and Justice has a great website with loads of information that you can download, including a 'report card' on childrens' toys. It's not just BPA we need to watch for, there's lead in some toys too - even though that is supposed to be banned in the USA. In addition, the Public Broadcasting Station in your area may have aired a report on non-toxic toys on its 'NOW' show. The list of chemicals to avoid reads like a chemistry exam - lead, cadmium, arsenic, bromine, antimony, chromium, tin, zylene, toluene, and of course BPA. U.S. PIRG (Public Interest Research Group) compiled a report, called "Trouble In Toyland". You can go to that website and download the entire report. It's a lot of information, but all in one place, which makes it lots easier to find the brands you need to avoid.
The news is not all grim, however. Because of the media attention, lots of wonderful small companies are finding their toys in demand, because they are lead-free, toxin-free and BPA-free. And best of all, they are fun, colorful, and stimulate the child's imagination, rather than doing all the playing for him. One of my personal faves is "Greenjeans," which offers the coolest all-wooden toys - trains, trucks, rocking horses, and more. I love them because they last forever, are completely safe, can be gummed and tossed, and will probably become family heirlooms. And then there's "Like-a-Bike" - an amazing company that makes fabulous kiddie-bikes from wood or aluminum. They have a sleek, modern look, and are incredibly sturdy. No doubt, these will last more than one generation as well. Consider them a gift to your future grandkids!
Finally, there are some easy ways to size up the eco-friendliness of a toy. First, what is it made of? Look for leather, wood, aluminum (easy to recycle), organic cotton or other natural fabrics. Try to avoid toys made from plastic, whenever possible. Next, where was it made? We've all heard about the problems with toys made in China, but many third-world (and a few first and second world countries as well) do not use proper manufacturing techniques, or cut corners, or use chemicals to brighten colors. I'd be careful of toys from anyplace like Southeast Asia, India, Mexico, etc., unless it was clearly marked 'organic' or 'non-toxic'. Third, how sturdy is it? Toys that are brittle and break easily are usually made with cheap, and therefore possibly toxic, materials. Those that are made of good quality are hardier, and last longer. And fourth, can the toy be recycled? I'm not talking about hand-me-downs - that goes without saying - I mean think about the ultimate end for the toy, the landfill. Will it still be there in a thousand years? Or, is it made of material that can be recycled - wood, aluminum, paper, cotton, etc.
It's not hard to 'go green' when it comes to playtime, and the rewards are great. Of course, there will be those times when your little angel will throw a demon-tantrum, when the doll or action figure they have seen on TV is out of bounds. It's up to you to decide just how strict you want to be. As long as your babe is still truly a babe - putting everything in sight into their mouths - I'd opt for going overboard for safety. As they get older, you may be able to relax the rules a bit. And, as more and more parents pass up toxic baubles for the real deal in toys, manufacturers will take the hint. Already most of the larger toy makers have taken steps to reduce the chemicals in their products. It's just a matter of time before they're all doing it, and competing to see who can be the most holistic, most FUN toymaker in the marketplace. And that will be a very good thing!
Nancy Miller, RN, BA Psych, CHyT
Nancy Miller got her RN degree in 1975 and went on to earn a BA in Humanistic Psychology from Goucher College in 2002. She's also a certified hypnotherapist and an ordained minister. Nancy is the mother of one child, her 24 year old son Eric, of whom she is extremely proud.
Looking for more Nurse Nancy?
Read her column "Common Sense for the Common Cold".
