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

Eco Parties

It is time to start planning my little boys 1^st Birthday! Although it will only be a small gathering of friends and family I want it to be environmentally friendly while still being kind to my budget. After some research I have come up with this eco-friendly party guide.

There are a lot of places that supply eco-friendly party invitations, decorations, tableware’s etc., however if you have some time and the inclination you can really customise the party to suit your tastes by doing a little of the work yourself.

Invitations

Why not make your own invitations by using old greeting cards – simply cut the front picture off the rest of the cards and write you invitation on the back, not only will each invitation be unique it is a great way to recycle.

Venue

For my little boys birthday we are simply having a backyard party, to not only reduce the cost to us, but to reduce the amount of travel that the guest have to do. Many local parks are now equipped with shelter and BBQs as well as a playground, so they are also a great alternative for a party venue.

Decorations

If you want streamers and balloons at the party, you can be a bit limited on how eco-friendly you can go. Latex balloons are available in most shops now and while they are 100% biodegradable, there can still be some risk to wild animals as they break down (choking etc.).

If you want to make your own decorations there are several options as alternatives to traditional streamers.

• Paper Bunting – You could make your own bunting out of old magazines and twine (simply fold a magazine page in half, cut out a triangle with the fold as the base, open the page (it should look a bit like a diamond), place twine inside the fold and glue down. Repeat as many times as required).
• Material Bunting – if you are good at sewing, you could make a section of material bunting. Or many local handicraft markets now sell material bunting.
• Paper Chain – while it is ‘old school’ it can still look really effective and if the kids are old enough to help is gives them an afternoon of fun.

Food

Trying to be eco-friendly when it comes to food can sometimes be a little confusing. I simply follow some very basic rules.

• Use your own shopping bags
• Try to purchase products with minimal or no packaging
• Plan a menu that will maximise the use of each product (reducing waste)
• Buy organic if possible

Tableware

There are some online stores that are now selling compostable tableware (plates, cups, spoons etc), but personally I have simply decided to use the plates and cups that I use on a daily basis. Yes this will lead to me having to wash some dishes, but I would prefer this to buy and then throwing out disposable plates.

Games

If your child is old enough for games then there are some old favourites that really are eco-friendly.

• Pass the parcel is a great way of reusing newspaper before it goes in the recycling bin.
• Pin the tail on the donkey – why not draw your own on some recycled paper, or pin the tail / or something else (nose, mouth etc.) on a picture from a magazine.
• Musical statues and musical chairs are both great games that don’t require anything but music

Lolly bags

Even lolly bags can be eco-friendly by using recycled paper bags, making your own or why not give out reusable lunch wraps with a couple of lollies in. Stamping brown paper bags means that you can put your own personal touch to them, or why not get the kids to draw and colour in pictures on the bags.

Wrapping paper

While there is a huge variety of wrapping paper on the market today, why not get creative and eco-friendly by making your own.

• Using old newspaper or magazines as wrapping paper can create a unique eco-friendly look.
• 100% recycled brown paper (either plain or stamp it yourself)
• Reuse gift wrapping that you have received from other gifts
• Instead of wrapping presents why not make a birthday bag (similar to a Christmas stocking) and simply place presents inside unwrapped.

Party Suppliers

There are many party suppliers online and quite a few specialise in eco-friendly parties. Below is a list of some great eco-friendly suppliers.

• Eco Party Box (http://www.ecopartybox.com.au ) is a great online store that can supply everything you could possibly need for an eco-friendly party; they really are a one stop shop.

• Write to me (http://writetomestationery.wordpress.com ) have a beautiful range of invitations, lolly bags, wrapping paper and placemats.

• Eco Office Supplies (http://www.ecoofficesupplies.com.au/pages/products.html ) have a great range of compostable tableware and cleaning products.

• Think Eco (www.thinkeco.com.au ) are suppliers of catering products, serving ware and containers.

• The Eco Effect (www.ecoeffect.com.au ) has a range of wrapping paper, reusable lunch wraps and some very nice eco gifts.

Back to School – the eco way

It is almost that time of year again, when the Christmas rush is over and parents start looking forward to the beginning of the school year. To help you get a head start we have put together our top picks for back to school products, that are not only eco-friendly and safe for your child but super stylish.

Lunch Boxes…

Look no further than So Young Mother insulated lunch boxes. These super stylish lunch boxes are BPA and Lead free and come with a shoulder strap that enables it to be worn as a side satchel or backpack. There are a range of retro inspired designs to choose from including- Pink Giraffe, Blue Aeroplane, Red Scooter, Brown Horse, Orange Flower and Green Rocket.

 

Water Bottles…

There are great BPA free water bottles available at most supermarkets and department stores, but if you want your child to stand out from the crowd you can beat Stainless Steel Water bottles from Naturally Sustainable. They have a great range of designs and are available in sizes 380ml, 600ml and 1Ltr. They also have sports caps available, if you are the sporty type.

 

Reusable Lunch Wraps…

Imagine how much cling wrap you use every year wrapping sandwiches, now imagine how many zip lock bags you use each year – worried yet? Reusable lunch wraps are a great alternative that will not only save you money, but help save the planet at the same time. These are a must have for all school bags!!! Great for sandwiches, snacks and more, these lunch wraps are BPA free and fully machine washable. They are available in a variety of sizes and designs.

 Recycled Newspaper Coloured Pencils…

Mini coloured pencils made from recycled newspaper are great for school or for busy mums to carry in their bags for when the kids need entertaining. Presented in a cute recycled paper container, there are 12 pencils per set. 

 Reusable Coffee Cups…

Don’t forget to make sure that you look after yourself on those early mornings when you are rushing to get the kids to school. Reusable coffee cups are great for people on the run as you can take your morning coffee with you, or if you prefer to buy one ask your local coffee shop to fill yours rather than giving you a paper cup. Hookturn make great reusable coffee cups made of food grade silicon which are dishwasher and microwave safe, sturdy and stylish.

To get any of these great back to school products you can check out the manufacturers websites to find a stockist near you, or you can purchase all of these products and more online from the eco effect – http://www.ecoeffect.com.au

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