MetaEfficient Reviews » Baby & Kids

Trailerbikes: A 2008 Review and Buying Guide

Justin — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 16:06:30 +0000

A trailerbike is a one-wheeled bike extension that attaches to the back of your bike. They are an efficient way to bring your child on a longer bike ride. Your smaller companion can assist you with pedaling, while you control the steering and speed. This allows your child to become familiar with the process of riding a bike, and they can relax if they feel tired. The original trailerbikes were introduced into the market by the Adams company in 1986. They were marketed under the name “trail-a-bike”, and this is now their trademarked term. Most trailerbikes also include adjustable handlebars and seats that accommodate a growing child. See a our roundup of trailerbikes on Optimal Ride.

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Optimal: Natural Rubber Pacifiers

Justin — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 15:26:45 +0000

Pacifiers that do not contain toxic materials are efficient. Infants are much more susceptible to chemical contamination that adults. A company from Denmark, Natursutten, makes 100% rubber pacifiers using natural latex from the tree Hevea brasiliensi. These pacifiers have no artificial colors, chemical softeners, parabens, PVC, or phthalates. They are softer than pacifiers made of silicone or plastic.

Natursutten pacifiers are also very hygienic because they are molded in one piece, so there are no joins where bacteria can accumulate. They are available from Zoe-B Organic for $5.99 each.

For those concerned about rubber allergies, for these pacifiers, the protein that on rare occasions can provoke a latex allergy is eliminated during production. They are made to conform to the Pacifier Safety requirements by European standard EN 1400.

Via: Green Fertility

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Optimal: European Toys

Justin — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 00:59:40 +0000

Non-Toxic Wooden Toys

Toys that are well-designed and made with renewable materials are optimal. European toys often fit this description. This durable block set, for example, is made in Germany by Haba using solid, natural, untreated beech wood that is harvested from sustainable forests. Toys like this are known for their longevity — they can be enjoyed by multiple generations of children.

Good sources of European toys are: Amazon, Moolka, Oompa, Maukilo and Monkeybean Toys.

One other consideration is the amount of energy used to transport these toys from across the world. It would be more optimal to purchase toys that produced locally. However, there are few manufacturers in the U.S. who produce sustainable toys (I may cover some of these companies in a future post).

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Non-Toxic Stainless Steel Sippy Cups

Justin — Fri, 25 Aug 2006 19:41:09 +0000

Klean Kanteen has just introduced this non-toxic Sippy Cup for toddlers. It is made with stainless steel, and it does not have epoxy coating in the inside. It’s coupled with a non-leaching #5 polypropylene adaptor and #5 polypropylene sippy spout. This cup does not contain the Bishphenol-A chemical, a potent hormone disruptor found to leach from hard, plastic (particularly #7 polycarbonate plastic). The adaptor works with the Avent sippy spouts, and it can also fit a sports cap or stainless steel flat cap.

Available from Amazon.

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Crayons Made With Soybean Oil

Justin — Wed, 16 Aug 2006 22:24:16 +0000

Today, virtually all crayons are made with petroleum wax. An optimal alternative, however, is to make crayons with pure soybean oil. One company, Prang, manufactures the soy crayons seen here. They are much less toxic, and they also write smoother and brighter without waxy flaking.

Available from Blick Art Materials or eBay

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A Non-Toxic Stainless Steel Lunchbox

Justin — Fri, 11 Aug 2006 19:56:28 +0000

Here’s an interesting alternative to those regular old vinyl lunchboxes which have a tendency to leach phlatates and lead into your food. It’s a stainless steel lunchbox that will probably garner attention from your co-workers, fellow students or curious passers-by. Based on the idea of the Japanese Bento Box, the lightweight “To Go Ware” has two stainless bowls that sit on top of each other with a stainless plate separating them. The plate keeps the compartments sealed from each other, and hold the individual components of your meal. The To-Go Ware can be warmed on a stovetop or cooled in a fridge. It’s available from Amazon for around $24. See also this steel “lunchjar” from Amazon.

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Reusable Aluminum Lunch Boxes by Sigg

Justin — Thu, 20 Apr 2006 21:55:10 +0000

Sigg is a Swiss company with a reputation for producing quality, non-toxic containers. They makes these lightweight, durable boxes out of anodized aluminium. They have snap lock to keep the lid securely in place, and a rubber seal provides a leakproof closure.

They are available from Amazon.

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A Tofu Bear: Efficient

Justin — Wed, 22 Feb 2006 18:15:28 +0000

It’s a bear made out of tofu, and it feels like cashmere. Most bears are made with synthetic, petroleum-based materials. This one is spun with Soysilk, a by-product of tofu production. The bear has a home page and it’s available from Biltmore World Trade for $39.

Story via Treehugger.

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Efficient Clothes For Babies: Non-Toxic Newborn Gift Sets

Justin — Thu, 16 Feb 2006 22:19:53 +0000

Want a non-toxic gift set for a baby? Organic Wear USA sells organic gifts sets for babies. The product line tailored for newborns — the age when children are most susceptible to toxic additives.

For $40, you can get the 4 Piece Newborn Gift Set, which includes a baby hat, short-sleeved bodysuit, receiving blanket and one set of infant socks, all made with 100 percent organic cotton, packaged in a recycled cardboard box, tied with raffia and accompanied by a gift card printed with soy- and water-based inks.

Homepage: Organic Wear USA

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Egglings: Crack Open a Plant

Justin — Wed, 21 Dec 2005 06:59:18 +0000

These ceramic “Egglings” look and feel like real eggs. But if you crack one open, and add water, you’ll soon have plant growing. Each Eggling comes with a terra cotta tray and seed pack. The plants will grow for months in their shell and can be replanted in soil.

Available for $8.95 from Elsewares. Found via Inhabitat.

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