Eco Toys

 

My little boy is a little over 12 months old and everything he can find goes into his mouth. This has made me even more careful with the toys that l buy for him and let him play with.

 

Wooden Toys

There are some great wooden toys available (many from sustainable sources), but I have found that even though they may be rated for young ones, sometimes the glue isn’t as good as it should be (only last week my little boy pulled one of his apart in small pieces). So I guess it is something that you really need to think about when purchasing wooden toys. I also always make sure that the paint is non-toxic and as eco-friendly as possible.

 

Organic Cotton Toys

Organic cotton toys are beautiful as gifts for babies because they are safe, environmentally responsible and little ones love them. For a great range of organic cotton toys visit http://www.theworldofgood.com.au/dandelion/organic-cotton-toys-teethers-rattles.html to find a stockist near you.

 

Recycled paper / cardboard toys

Cardboard and recycled paper toys are on the rise in Australia (although the ranges are still a bit limited and can be hard to find). One brand that is really exciting is http://www.flatoutfrankie.com/ which is made in New Zealand, but can be purchased in Australia, check out their website for stockist details.

 

Why not make your own cardboard toys (just like when we were kids). All you need is an empty cardboard box and a little imagination (cubbyhouse, aeroplane, castle), the ideas are endless.

 

Get outside and play

Why not just shut off the TV and get outside and play.

• Build a cubbyhouse under the outside table using an old sheet or better still build one in the bush using fallen sticks.
• Take the dog for a walk
• Play at the local playground
• Plant a vege patch or herb garden with the kids

 

When it comes to toys the options in the shops are endless, but the options at home are only limited by your imagination. Old boxes, containers and sheets can be used in any number or ways and are all eco-friendly.

 

Other great online stores include:

http://www.ecotoys.com.au

http://www.learninghouse.com.au

http://www.honeybeetoys.com.au

Valentine’s Day

Yes, Valentine’s Day is almost here and it is time to start planning. While the shops are filled with the usual red balloons, streamers and hearts, why not try the green approach this year. There is a range of eco-friendly Valentine’s Day ideas right here.

 

Jewellery

If you want new eco-friendly jewellery you can go past the beautiful range by Polli. For a full list of stockists visit www.polli.com.au .

Alternatively why not visit a local second hand shop to find a beautiful pre-loved piece for that someone special.

 

Flowers

It can be difficult to find flowers that are grown organically in Australia. The best option is to pick your own from your garden, or if you know someone who has a beautiful range you can always ask to pick some from their garden. If you do want to purchase flowers from a florist, why not ask them if they have any that have been grown without using chemicals.

 

Chocolates

While many supermarkets and specialty stores now stock organic chocolate, you can’t go past raw, organic chocolate. I found the ultimate raw chocolate at the Margaret River Farmers Market in the South West of WA. This rich and delicious chocolate is made by Wild-Raw and can be ordered online from www.wildraw.com.au

 

Growing Gift

Why not purchase a living gift. If your loved one is the gardening type, why not buy them a rose bush or a beautiful plant in full flower, not only will it look great on the day, it will last for years to come. Even if they are not into gardening you can still purchase a living gift. Why not help to protect a rainforest by purchasing a gift from www.rainforestrescue.org.au

 

Unique Gifts

I love shopping at local markets and little handicraft stores because you never know what beautiful and unique gifts you might find. Travelling to find these shops can be a little time consuming, so why not look online for the same things. Two of my favourite websites for handmade gifts are www.bluecaravan.com.au and www.etsy.com , both of these sites allow you to search by category (including handmade and eco-friendly).

 

General Gifts

If you want to get that someone special something useful, rather than traditional, you options are endless for eco-friendly presents. You may choose stainless steel water bottles, organic skincare, bamboo tableware, a gorgeous bag or something handmade from your local markets. There are many online stores which specialise in organic and eco-friendly products (www.ecoeffect.com.au) and most health food shops and speciality gift shops also stock small ranges of products.

Top 10 Eco-Friendly Christmas Gifts 2011

It can be hard to find the right gift for that someone special and even harder to go eco-friendly. We have made it easy with our top 10 eco-friendly gifts for 2011.

• We just can’t go past the great range of organic cotton cushions, purses and baskets from Ourlieu.

• For people on the go and who love to travel we love 321 water bottles. These bottles feature an inbuilt plunger style filter to ensure great tasting water without all the nasties (and they look great too!).

• For kids and babies (although we do know a few adults who use them) we suggest eco-friendly lunch boxes and cooler bags by So Young Mother. Available in a range of colours, with each featuring a funky design, they are lead free and BPA free.

• Still looking for the baby? Perhaps some cute clothes by Babysoy USA. This range of baby clothes is made from soybean fibre and organic cotton making them cool in summer and warm in winter.

• Olive & Joy make a beautiful range of linen tea towels that are a great gift.

• For stainless steel water bottles and lunch boxes, Naturally Sustainable has beautiful designs and a great range of sizes to suit the whole family.

• BYO Coffee Cups are a great way to reduce waste. These cups are made from food grade silicon and are dishwasher and microwave safe. Available in a wide range of colours and sizes.

• Reusable bags just got stylish with a great range from Apple Green Duck. From shopping bags though to bags that are great for the beach (little holes let all the sand fall out, while keeping your valuables secure inside).

• Finding organic skincare for babies and children is easy with this great range by Babies Only. With products with names like ‘Kiss it better balm’ and ‘don’t bug me’ insect repellent, they are the perfect gift.

• Keeping with the skincare we love the Myrtle & Moss range of hand blended natural body lotions.  

 

All of these great products are also available through the eco effect.

Welcome to the eco effect

Welcome to the eco effect!!!

At the eco effect, we understand that while it would be great to be able to live a totally organic and eco friendly life, it is unrealistic for most people. Thats why we believe that by making small changes we can create great change and continue the eco effect….

Join us for weekly blogs about great eco friendly and organic products, sustainable living solutions, recycling/upcycling and green design.

To start your eco friendly and organic lifestyle check out our retail site http://www.ecoeffect.com.au