A healthy child makes for a happy family, so be sure the toys in your home are made from safe, environmentally friendly materials. Find out where and how they were made. Look at the labels and ask questions. Toys made from recycling materials, organic cotton and sustainable wood (FSC certified) are good bets. Look for toys finished with natural dyes and non-toxic paints. Avoid toys made with PVC plastic, vinyl and phthalates (#3 plastics) and BPA (#7 plastics). Check for the ASTM label, indicating that the American Society for Testing and Materials has found that the toy meets national safety standards and does not contain toxic chemicals. Also, skip toys that come with a lot of packaging or require batteries to be replaced regularly. Learn more: www.preventharm.org.
The SunriseGuide
The best of what's healthy, local and green in Maine
