Green Options

Green Toys Inc. makes ….. (drum roll) …….. green toys. Okay, you had to see that coming (for the second time). But what that means is that their toys, such as the above pictured recycling truck (12″ x 6.25″ x 7″) — and a dump truck, sand box set, jump rope and more — are primarily made of recycled milk jugs.

According to Green Toys Inc.’s Web site, it starts

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What if that empty milk jug you just tossed into the recycling bin could be made into a fun toy for your kids to play with? Now it can, thanks to an amazing toy company called Green Toys Inc. This amazing toy company out of California creates cute and colorful children’s toys from recycled plastic milk jugs. creating toys that really are green in so many ways.

We believe the world would be a much better place if everyone said “please” and “thank you”, cell phones didn’t ring during movies, and all toys were fun, safe, and made from environmentally friendly materials. Since it’s probably no use holding our breath for those first two, we’re concentrating on the toys.

Green Toys Inc strives to be eco-friendly from start to finish. First their toys are made from recycled milk jugs and other environmentally friendly materials. Second, everything is local to their business in California. They are made 100% in the USA, reducing the fuel and energy use that transporting the toys or materials would use. And as they mention on their site the toys are made in California, a state known for strict toy safety and environmental laws. Even their packaging is recycled and environmentally friendly!

Toys nowadays seem to be so self-explanatory and automatic that the toys need toys to keep company. (Not sure if that made sense) Filled with blinking lights which I am strongly opposed to and a buttons that need power (i.e. costly batteries) to just function; I long for the good old days when a toy can simply be a toy. That means no buttons to push, no lights to blind your children with, and better yet, it can be a craft project that could be the next opportunity to simply be with your child. The crafty Socktopus is here to be the answer for those parents who long for the much simpler days (and toys). 

Friends of Socktopus are taking the concept of sock animals to a new level. Made out of old sweaters like the one your grandmother used to have; The DIY Socktopus kits turns them into a stuffed animal for your children to play with. However, it is recommended for children three and over since it does have buttons. A choking hazard for the wee ones. Friends of Socktopus are Eco-friendly because it recycles old sweaters and best of all, it’s made in the USA which guarantees that it’s Fair Trade. My only caveat is that its filled with polyester; I feel they could have used another fill that’s a bit more natural like hemp or even Eco-friendly bamboo; but I still love the concept regardless.

I also really love the concept of building something together. It can be a memorable for you to sew a Socktopus or one of his friends with your child. When time is a commodity and everything rushes by in a blur; taking the time to craft something together could be something you two can enjoy. I wish Layla was old enough so we can do this together. For the DIY kit, it is recommended for older children of ages 8 and up.

And in celebration of Mother’s Milk Series, Eco Child’s Play is having a second giveaway. Two DIY Socktopus Kits. To read more about the Mother’s Milk Series Giveaway, just click on the link.

Dangerous toy recalls have predominated the news lately. From magnets that can cause severe intestinal damage or death if swallowed to lead-based paints, mass marketed children’s toys made in China are not fit for our youngest population or the workers who make them. The most recent massive recalls have come from major toy companies, such as Mattel (maker of Barbie, Batman, Dora, etc.) and

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