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BANG FOR THE BITE
If 10,000 Biters help get just one little Biter on the eco-track, just think of all the positive impact they'll create throughout their lives.
COCKTAIL FACT
In 1951, AC Gilbert Co. released the U-238 Atomic Energy Lab toy set; it included three "very low-level" radioactive sources, four Uranium-bearing ore samples, and a radiation gauge.
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home › tip library › Kids' Toys
What do you get for the next generation of eco-heroes?
The Bite
Something that's eco, but doesn't scream "environmental science lesson." Whether the kid on your list is a mini-you, a niece or nephew, or a neighbor's newest rugrat, our gift picks for bitty Biters make choosing a green gift pure child's play.The Benefits
- Safety for all ages. Although the Consumer Product Safety Commission has requested that U.S. manufacturers remove certain hormone-disrupting chems from toys, they're not yet restricted like they are in Europe.
- An organic playdate. Non-organic pesticides harm soil; organic farming methods keep soil fertile for future generations of little Biters.
- Happier elves. Worker safety is one of the major principles behind the production of fair-trade gifts.
Personally Speaking
Jenifer's nephew Silvan declared at age four that he "didn't wanna eat aminals." Convinced that he'll become a veterinarian when he grows up, she's adopting a penguin in his name as a gift this year.Wanna Try?
- Changing the Present - adopt a penguin in your fave little Biter's name ($50).
- Owl Kids' Backpack - fair-trade and hand-knit (and colored with veggie-based dyes) by women in a rural Kenyan collective ($58).
- Solar Lego-Style Helicopter - toy chopper with a rotor that turns thanks to a solar panel mounted on its top ($29).
- Bamboo Zoo - get a book and a coloring book (both made using 50% recycled paper), plus a computer program with interactive activities ($25).
- Whiner & Diner - no kids on your list? Get a high-class bed-and-feeder for the four-legged tyke in your life ($150-$175).
- West Paw Dog Toys - holiday-themed pet toys; fabric and filling are made from recycled plastic bottles ($13-$14).
Dec 03,2007
Sponsor
All editorial suggestions in this tip are the result of testing and a preference for the tip topic. No advertiser has paid to have its company referenced in the tip. For more information, please read our Editorial Policy.
Who Needs a Truck When You Have a Wooden Spoon?
My perfect nephew, Quinn, came to stay with me over the Thanksgiving break (his parents came, too, but they didn't give me nearly as many baby breath sloppy kisses, so they don't rank quite as high in my esteem). It was the first time Quinn and his mom had seen my house, and since said house is decidedly un-child-friendly, I was a bit nervous. Would he pull over my glass end tables and cut up his perfect alabaster skin? Would my hardwood floors conk his head and knees? Would my sharp-clawed cat get to his Sinatra-blue eyes?
And then even if he did manage to travel the pitfalls of my 100 year old house - what would he DO there? I don't have any toys. No cars to vroom-vroom, no stuffed animals or balls or even books that might keep a 16 month-old occupied for 5 minutes or so. Should I go buy books and games and trucks that beep?
Oh puhlease. Quinn did just what kids the world over do. He played. He ran and he played. He played with the cat (no scratching), he ran up and down the hall, loving the slidey-ness of the wood floors (not too much conking). He kept me company while I baked pumpkin bread and Thanksgiving side dishes, his little butt scooting on the kitchen floor, while he beat a cake pan with a wooden spoon.
And suddenly, I saw the world through his eyes - the newness of a place he'd never been, the noise of a makeshift drumset, the loud purr of a kitty. And you know what? That world is pretty damn good.
These little folks? They don't need all the "stuff" we think they do. Hell, at this age, they are never going to remember the things you get them - these items that end up in basement corners and landfills in a matter of years. Until Quinn will remember opening the present, he's gonna get three kinds of gifts from me: money for college, books to read before sleep, and donations to save the world so that he will always have places to run around.
-Heather... off to adopt a penguin...
And then even if he did manage to travel the pitfalls of my 100 year old house - what would he DO there? I don't have any toys. No cars to vroom-vroom, no stuffed animals or balls or even books that might keep a 16 month-old occupied for 5 minutes or so. Should I go buy books and games and trucks that beep?
Oh puhlease. Quinn did just what kids the world over do. He played. He ran and he played. He played with the cat (no scratching), he ran up and down the hall, loving the slidey-ness of the wood floors (not too much conking). He kept me company while I baked pumpkin bread and Thanksgiving side dishes, his little butt scooting on the kitchen floor, while he beat a cake pan with a wooden spoon.
And suddenly, I saw the world through his eyes - the newness of a place he'd never been, the noise of a makeshift drumset, the loud purr of a kitty. And you know what? That world is pretty damn good.
These little folks? They don't need all the "stuff" we think they do. Hell, at this age, they are never going to remember the things you get them - these items that end up in basement corners and landfills in a matter of years. Until Quinn will remember opening the present, he's gonna get three kinds of gifts from me: money for college, books to read before sleep, and donations to save the world so that he will always have places to run around.
-Heather... off to adopt a penguin...
Biter Comments...
This is more of a question than a comment ....I know it's important to change the light bulbs in my house, but my roommate went and bought a large quantity of standard bulbs (before I moved in and showed her the light :o). Is it better to buy all new CFL bulbs and throw the standard bulbs out (seems like a waste) or just wait until the standard ones burn out? I appreciate any comments on the subject. thanks!
Loved your tips for green kids' gifts.
Please remember there is a GREAT "green" series of kids' books, the Gaia Girls series by Lee Welles. Real eco-issues, accurate science and gripping storylines. The perfect gift for young readers 7- 13. And read them yourself, you'll love them! This ole retired teacher s the #1 fan!
Lori-
Absolutely throw out the old bulbs and install the CFL's. Seems like it's a waste, but it's really going to save more energy in the long run. Remember, you need to recycle used CFL's because they contain mercury.
Heather, Loved your story and your tip. Quinn is lucky to have you for an aunt!
Is there a way to find out how to recycle the CFL bulbs?
Lori,
We're planning an updated CFL tip for early next year, but in the meantime, here's a pretty good primer on recycling CFLs: http://lighterfootstep.com/5-ways-to-recycle-a-cfl.html
PHOTO ALBUMS
Posted by: Fawn | December 03, 2007 at 01:47 AM