Baby & Kids

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 [...]

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

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.

This Baby Elephant toy is handmade by artisans in rural Kenya. The octopus is created with natural wool yarn treated with natural vegetable-based dyes. It’s filled with acrylic (kapok would haven been better). The price is $22 from Branch.
The also have a number of other non-toxic toys available.

gDiapers are innovative diapers invented by a husband and wife team from Australia. They are being billed as the first flushable diapers, and will soon be available in the U.S. The system consists of an outer shell (similar to a diaper wrap), an absorbent flushable insert, and a nylon snap-in liner. The whole ensemble comes [...]

This little fellow is hiding under a Spaceframe, which is made from 100% recycled plastic soda bottles. It’s soft to the touch while still strong enough to build a grand sculptural statement. Kids can configure these into whatever arrangement they can dream up. Available at Modernseed for $169.

Nobody makes eco-disposable diapers in the U.S. — Seventh Generation diapers come close, but according to a company representative, they are not fully biodegradable. The trouble is the outer liner of disposables is always some kind of plastic. The only commercially available, fully biodegradable, disposable diaper is the Swedish "Nature Boy & Girl" diaper which, [...]