If you want to shop green, you'll have to change your buying habits when it comes to gifts for your kids. First off, buy local when you can -- it saves on pollution as there's less shipping involved than when toys are produced halfway across the world.
3h Craftworks has been operating for more than 40 years in Vancouver. People with disabilities make a wide variety of toys from felt boards to sock monkeys. The quality is very high. If you have to opt for imports look for toys which support your concern for the environment.
Green Toys out of San Francisco makes its toys from recycled milk jugs. They are lead free, phthalate free and are available at Chapters stores and online.
Karito Kids are a hit with girls over age six. The dolls help children learn about different cultures around the world. Kids also get to donate a portion from each doll sold to charity. We called around and found them at the Granville island toy company
Sometimes it's not the toy that's bad for the environment -- it's all that packaging. Metro Vancouver's motto for the holidays is "give the gift . . . not the garbage."
Officials suggest avoiding gifts for any age which have excessive packaging -- that would give manufacturers the message wouldn't it?
They also recommend giving green gifts like a refillable thermos or water bottle--or a colourful canvas tote bag. And opt for solar powered instead of battery powered products. Or better yet, ones that require no power at all.
Re-use comic books or posters for wrapping paper. And be sure to break down and recycle any boxes. No sense sending them to the landfill.
With a report from CTV British Columbia's Chris Olsen
