Growing a Green Family » green-toys http://www.growingagreenfamily.com Green living year round Thu, 09 Feb 2012 02:39:50 +0000 en hourly 1 Brinca Dada Modern Dollhouses and Dollhouse Furniture Set http://www.growingagreenfamily.com/brinca-dada-modern-dollhouses-dollhouse-furniture-sets/ http://www.growingagreenfamily.com/brinca-dada-modern-dollhouses-dollhouse-furniture-sets/#comments Thu, 17 Nov 2011 22:52:58 +0000 Jennifer Chait http://www.growingagreenfamily.com/?p=10001

*NOTE: Dylan House is made with eco-friendly MDF (in case you want to avoid all MDF)

Brinca Dada offers two extremely expensive dollhouse choices and one reasonable dollhouse choice. Ordinarily, I try to show affordable green products, however, because readers are being very specific this year about what they want in an eco-friendly dollhouse, it limits selection. That said, affordable options are more limited, so I figured I’d tell you about these bling little homes, because they’re still eco-friendly, pricey or not.

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Emerson House

$329.00 – Emerson House: This dollhouse features a huge play space with a living room, kitchen, library/office, master bedroom, bathroom and child’s bedroom. The open floor plan and floor-to-ceiling windows means the Emerson House enjoys year-round sunlight – although it’d also equipped with recessed LED lights. The modern house has lovely extras including mitered-glass corners, two fireplaces, sliding glass doors and solar panels and is made with non-toxic and lead free wood stains and paints.

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Bennett Dollhouse

$599.00 – Bennett House: is a pretty, modern oasis in the sea of overly glitzy toy houses. The home is heavily influenced by the De Stijl movement of the early 20th century, emphasizing lines, squares and rectangles in asymmetrical patterns while minimizing color. This dollhouse also offers a clever design and great use of space so children will be eager to play whether the home is open or closed. The townhouse features a two-story living room, elevator, roof top pool and glass rail balconies in both the master bedroom and children’s bedroom. Bennett House is made of CARB-certified woods and non-toxic, lead-free paints and stains.

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Dylan House

$149.00 – Dylan House: Inspired by the minimalist masterpieces of Paul Rudolph and Tadao Ando, this breezy dollhouse features a concrete-and-glass feel, but with the openness of a beachfront home. Floor-to-ceiling windows open to allow natural light into the house and play from many angles. Three levels: living room/dining room, kitchen, bedroom, bathroom and roof patio are included. Dylan House is made with eco-friendly MDF and non-toxic and lead-free paints.

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Maison Dollhouse Furniture Collection

$399.00 Maison Furniture Collection – way too expensive for most families, this is still an astounding collection of beautiful modern dollhouse furniture, including 7 rooms, plus 2 sets of accessories and 40 pieces. All furniture elements are made from high-quality woods and fabrics and are fashioned with non-toxic, lead-free stains and paints.

To see other eco-friendly dollhouse options, check out the 2011 holiday gift guide. 

]]> http://www.growingagreenfamily.com/brinca-dada-modern-dollhouses-dollhouse-furniture-sets/feed/ 0 Eco-Friendly Plywood-free Play Kitchen Sets at Etsy http://www.growingagreenfamily.com/ecofriendly-real-wood-play-kitchen-sets-etsy/ http://www.growingagreenfamily.com/ecofriendly-real-wood-play-kitchen-sets-etsy/#comments Mon, 14 Nov 2011 20:33:44 +0000 Jennifer Chait http://www.growingagreenfamily.com/?p=9958

Every year I update my Ultimate Eco-Friendly Play Kitchen Guide for the holidays. This year readers have noted that they aren’t interested in seeing any kitchens containing ply-wood, even if the outer wood is solid. That said, the offerings are more limited this year. This is for a few reasons:

  • Companies lie (or exaggerate) and say their kitchen is made of “real wood” but when I dig a little deeper, I find out that their definition of real wood is plywood. It’s not a total lie I suppose, but since readers don’t want that, I deleted every conventional-plywood containing kitchen from the list.
  • Secondly, many companies I’ve contacted haven’t gotten back to me. I’m guessing they don’t make real wood kitchens or they just have lousy customer service. Either way, if I’m not assured by the company that a kitchen is made of real wood or at least eco-ply, I deleted it from the list.
  • Overall, what I’ve found is that VERY few companies make actual, full on wood play kitchens.

Then I thought, hey, maybe I should look on Etsy. I’m fairly Etsy obsessed anyhow, and I was hoping they might have some crafters selling real wood kitchens. Here’s what I found.




Kulu Wooden Toys – My favorite kitchen was the surreal Kulu toy kitchen made with solid Oak with Cherry and Maple highlights and a beeswax finish. Not only is this imaginative kitchen beautifully, and uniquely designed, but it’s affordable and packed with awesome features, such as folding leaf and pull out drawer. I LOVE this kitchen so much – great curvy lines. Also see their cute compact play kitchen.

Heartwood Natural Toys – This adorable little chef’s dream kitchen is heirloom-quality, made from solid pine with paduak burners. The faucet shown is made from beautiful black walnut; also available in poplar. All kitchens are available with the option of a blue enamel or stainless sink. According to the seller, “All of my items are entirely non-toxic, including the glue and finish. I counter sink every screw and plug all screw holes with pine buttons or oak plugs. All corners are rounded over and sanded. All knobs and faucet turn & move for realistic play and are attached with bolts and lock nuts so they will not come loose. NO paint, NO MDF, NO plastic, NO plywood.”

Rewood Toys – I think their Mini Wooden Play Kitchen Set is 100% adorable. Plus, for once it’s a kitchen made for younger tots. Perfect for little babies and or small spaces. All knobs and faucet are moveable and function like a real stove and sink. Made with Canadian woods (mostly pine, cherry and maple). The bowl is made of stainless steel. Bonus – it comes fully assembled and ready to use.

Hammer & Nails – sadly, this shop isn’t taking any more holiday orders, but you could get this kitchen set in the new year. Handmade from solid, local Oregon pine with rounded, child-safe corners. All items are sanded and finished with a non toxic, all natural beeswax wood finish.

Sweetie Pies and Monkeys – this unique fabric kitchen isn’t wood, but it comes in pattern form, so you can make it out of sustainable organic cotton if you like, or reuse fabric. It’s a cute folding fabric kitchen that won’t take up all your space. The completed kitchen measures approximately 50 inches tall and 25 inches wide when all set up, but can be collapsed down and stored because it folds to approximately 25 x 14 x 2 1/2 inches. Perfect for sliding under the bed or placed in a box with all the play kitchen pots and pans and food.

Mama Made Them – the Little Kitchen is simply adorable and handmade with solid real wood and beeswax finish. It also comes with features galore for such a little thing. Such as rare oven, not usually found in a table top kitchen, four burners, made from solid red oak, a stainless steel, removable sink bowl and a handle for easy portability.

]]> http://www.growingagreenfamily.com/ecofriendly-real-wood-play-kitchen-sets-etsy/feed/ 0 24 Amazing Eco-friendly Felt Play Food Sets from Etsy http://www.growingagreenfamily.com/ecofriendly-felt-play-food-etsy/ http://www.growingagreenfamily.com/ecofriendly-felt-play-food-etsy/#comments Thu, 10 Nov 2011 16:00:32 +0000 Jennifer Chait http://www.growingagreenfamily.com/?p=9730

If an eco-friendly play kitchen is on your child’s wish list this holiday season, then you’ll need some play food to go with it. Felt play food is inexpensive, safe, soft and comes in an array of fresh colors, making it a great choice. If you want to learn more about eco-friendly felt vs. conventional, read this post.

This summer, Cedar and I started trying to make some homemade felt food for a friend’s holiday gift – more on this later. We did okay for beginners, but it’s a lot of work. The good folks at Etsy have us beat in the design category for sure, so if you’re looking for some unique and wonderful felt play food sets, I’d check Etsy first.

IMPORTANT – felt food takes time to make. If you’re ordering for the holidays or for a time-specific gift, contact the stores below and place your order well before you need it!

Below I’ve posted some of my favorite felt food shops on Etsy along with three notable felt food creations from each shop…




Bug Bites Play Food

ThePixiePalace

Royal Rugrats

Seven Feathers Tribe

CreationByM

It’s the Small Things

The Fakery Bakery

The Felted Pear

]]> http://www.growingagreenfamily.com/ecofriendly-felt-play-food-etsy/feed/ 0 Green Company Review: PlanToys http://www.growingagreenfamily.com/green-company-review-plan-toys/ http://www.growingagreenfamily.com/green-company-review-plan-toys/#comments Sun, 06 Nov 2011 22:00:20 +0000 Jennifer Chait http://www.growingagreenfamily.com/?p=9665

PlanToys is an excellent family-friendly, green and ethical toy company with almost zero cons.

BASICS:

I’m always talking about PlanToys, so I figured it was high-time I did a full company review. PlanToys was founded in 1981 and notes the following, “We create toys that inspire children’s imagination as well as promote their physical and intellectual development. We’re also proving that it is possible to maintain superior quality standards while steadfastly following a path of environmental and social responsibility.”

PRODUCTS:

As you may have guessed, PlanToys, makes, well, toys. Currently they offer toys in the following categories…




PlanToys has also recently launched Plan Education, an organization designed to complement educational programs via ideas, lesson plans, activities and play-centered learning tools.

COMPANY SUSTAINABILITY PERKS:

PlanToys has almost too many sustainable perks to count, but let’s try…

  • All PlanToys are made with clean, natural rubberwood from rubber trees which no longer produce latex. None of the wood is chemically treated. To keep the rubberwood pure, no fertilizer is added to the soil for three years before the trees are cut. To strengthen the wood, PlanToys uses a special chemical-free kiln drying process.
  • Water-based colors that are safe for children are used to color all toys.
  • The PlanToys teams uses a special certified E-Zero glue in place of traditional toxic wood glue. This non-formaldehyde glue, which is non-toxic and totally free from unhealthy formaldehyde emissions is used to assemble all toys.
  • An ongoing reforestation program is in place.
  • PlanToys products are free from dyes containing lead or any other heavy metals.
  • Recycled and recyclable materials are used when possible to minimize impact on the environment.
  • Soy and water-based inks are used on all printed materials.
  • PlanToys packaging has been specially designed to optimize packaging materials in order to minimize storage, increase shipping efficiency and help with waste reduction.
  • Solar energy and low emission bio-fuels are used to power the machinery that kiln-dries the wood and the finished toys.
  • Biomass is also used in the curing and plywood molding process. This form of energy helps reduce electricity usage and waste. The company plans to be using a Biomass Steam Turbine Generator soon.

 

OTHER COMPANY PERKS:

PlanToys meets SA 8000 (Social Accountability Management) industry standards set by Social Accountability Accreditation Services (SAAS). SAAS is an accreditation agency founded to accredit and monitor organizations as certifiers of compliance with social standards, including ethical working conditions.

This means that PlanToys follows rules that help improve working conditions, based on the principles of thirteen international human rights conventions, including eight core elements – health and safety, working hours, child labor, forced labor, discrimination, freedom of association and collective bargaining, wages and discipline.

Also, their website is well laid out and offers plenty of easy to access product info for parents.

FAMILY-FRIENDLY PRICES:

Some feel that Plan Toys are too expensive. I disagree. While some of their larger items do cost more, they also offer a good amount of smaller, less expensive, yet still awesome items. For example, the toys below:

As you can see, PlanToys offers many items under $20 and even has affordable green dollhouse choices.

Plus, honestly, you can buy cheaper toys, but they won’t be as safe or ethically made. Quality costs more, as it should.

COMPANY CONS:

No dedicated online shop, which I like to see. However, they make it easy to find retailers, and you can now find PlanToys just about everywhere.

OVERALL SCORE:


5 out of 5 little trees. I know, PlanToys seems so perfect that you wonder what skeletons are hiding in their closet. However, other than some customers who dislike specific toys (via toy reviews) I couldn’t dig up any dirt on this company. They seem to be utterly on the up and up, both on eco and ethical level. Plus, their products are beautiful, fun, developmentally appropriate and affordable. There’s not much more you could ask for in a toy company.

LEARN MORE:

See my green product rating system and green product rating criteria or read more green product reviews.

]]> http://www.growingagreenfamily.com/green-company-review-plan-toys/feed/ 0 DIY Green Toy – 12 DIY Play Kitchen Sets http://www.growingagreenfamily.com/diy-green-toy-12-affordable-diy-play-kitchen-sets/ http://www.growingagreenfamily.com/diy-green-toy-12-affordable-diy-play-kitchen-sets/#comments Sun, 06 Nov 2011 16:00:51 +0000 Jennifer Chait http://www.growingagreenfamily.com/?p=9603

DIY play kitchen sets are a great alternative to more expensive, already built play kitchens. Usually, homemade play kitchen sets are more affordable, especially if you re-purpose materials. Plus, you can make a homemade play kitchen as eco-friendly as you like, so long as you choose green materials.

Aim for materials such as real wood, not plywood or MDF, organic fabric for curtains and of course add eco-friendly play food and play dishes. If you’re at a loss for how to get started on your own DIY play kitchen, see these options below. Each takes some time, but if you get started now, you’ll have your cute kitchen ready in time for a Christmas unveiling.




DIY Play Kitchen from IKEA Hackers: This bright and cheerful vintage style play kitchen offers tons of play space plus an awesome window view. I wouldn’t modify with MDF, but otherwise this kitchen is amazing.

DIY Play Kitchen from Southern Exposure: Recycled nightstands and coats of fresh paint, along with some really cool knobs and accessories allow for a fully functional and super cheerful play kitchen.

DIY Play Kitchen from The Crafting Chicks: One of the more beautiful play kitchens I’ve seen, this blue beauty was, incredibly, the builders first project – wow right!?

DIY Play Kitchen from What Happens at Naptime…: This play kitchen safely features curtain instead of cabinets (zero slammed fingers), plus low shelving for younger, shorter kids.

DIY Play Kitchen from Happy Hawkins: See how to transform a $10 end table into a wonderful play kitchen.

DIY Play Kitchen from Apron Strings: This kitchen is tabletop and space saving, plus offers a very unique working burner light. Classic white dishes and knit play food add lots of charm.

DIY Play Kitchens from Ohdeedoh: Ohdeedoh features play kitchens often, but two cream of the crop creations include Virginia’s easy to make Ikea-based toy kitchen and Jack’s “Suzy Homemaker” Play Kitchen, that includes an awesome table component.

DIY Play Kitchen from Ana White: Just beautiful (the stars are an amazing touch). A pregnant mama made this one no less!

DIY Play Kitchen from A Project Hopper: A sweet, gender neutral kitchen handmade by one very cool dad. No in-depth instructions offered, but a good base design in the works.

DIY Play Kitchen from DIY Network: Very in-depth plans regarding building an entire play kitchen. I especially like the little touches on this kitchen, such as the text on the different appliances.

BONUS! DIY Play Grocery Store from Domestic Candy: Domestic Candy is one of the coolest blogs I’ve run into lately. The entire blog is amazing and crafty, but this play grocery store takes the cake – or sells it, as the case may be. This play set is a bit more costly, but it’s so gorgeous I had to share. You can lower costs if you can build a playstand yourself, which is possible,  No in-depth instructions offered, but with a little creativity, and maybe a playstand base, this is entirely doable.

]]> http://www.growingagreenfamily.com/diy-green-toy-12-affordable-diy-play-kitchen-sets/feed/ 0 Frequently Asked Questions About Plywood in Toys http://www.growingagreenfamily.com/frequently-asked-questions-plywood-toys/ http://www.growingagreenfamily.com/frequently-asked-questions-plywood-toys/#comments Thu, 03 Nov 2011 19:28:57 +0000 Jennifer Chait http://www.growingagreenfamily.com/?p=9551

I try to update both my Ultimate Green Dollhouse Guide and my Ultimate Eco-Friendly Play Kitchen Guide annually. This year though, I’m trying to cover all the safety issues parents are concerned about – read how to choose a safe and eco-friendly play kitchen set or dollhouse for more info.

One of the common materials used in play kitchens and dollhouses is plywood, or particleboard or MDF (names vary).

What’s the deal with plywood?:

Pressed wood products, such as hardwood plywood wall paneling, particleboard and fiberboard are used to make all sorts of product, such as home furnishings and toys like play kitchens and dollhouses. The problem with plywood is that it’s almost never ethically sourced and it contains formaldehyde. In plywood formaldehyde is present because it’s a main component of glues and adhesives used to hold these “wood” products together. According to the EPA, the worst sort of plywood is medium density fiberboard (MDF), because it contains a higher resin-to-wood ratio than any other pressed wood product. Most recognize MDF as being the highest formaldehyde-emitting pressed wood product.

Formaldehyde is linked to numerous health problems, such as watery eyes, burning sensations in the eyes and throat, nausea, and breathing difficulty. Research also shows that formaldehyde absolutely causes cancer in animals and may cause cancer in humans. In higher concentrations and via long-term exposure, formaldehyde is thought to be deadly according to some research.

Concentrations of formaldehyde are typically found to be several times greater indoors than outdoors because when you gather formaldehyde-emitting materials in a confined space they offgas in said space, allowing formaldehyde levels to become more concentrated.

Is plywood getting safer?:

On July 7, 2010, President Obama signed into law Senate Bill 1660, which established the Formaldehyde Standards for Composite Wood Products Act (the “Act”). This Act amends the federal Toxic Substance Control Act and requires the United States Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) to develop a new federal regulation by January 1, 2013, to implement provisions of the Act. So maybe plywood is getting safer. We’ll have to wait and see.

Is there any safer plywood now?:

According to the California Air Resources Board, there are safer and less safe plywood choices. They recommend that if you buy pressed wood products, you purchase the low-emitting products possible.

  • Pressed wood products made with phenol formaldehyde (PF) resin or methylene diisocyanate (MDI) resin, emit much less formaldehyde than UF products.
  • Choose UF pressed wood products that are sealed with non-toxic finishes that reduce formaldehyde emissions, such as eco-friendly paints or other water-resistant coating.
  • If you purchase UF pressed wood products, look for the Composite Panel Association (CPA) or Hardwood Plywood and Veneer Association (HPVA) stamps. These products meet certain safer formaldehyde emission standards.

Tricky plywood:

Often composite wood products pose as real wood (or try to). You can contact companies directly and ask what sort of wood they use – although I’ve been ignored by many a shady company. Sometimes you can tell by looking. If you turn a “wood” product over on it’s side or back, you can often see if it’s a real piece of wood or you may see what looks like strips of wood or wood composites glued together – that’s not real wood!

Other safer plywood tips:

  • Look for formaldehyde-free composite wood products such as those made with Medex or Medite.
  • Finishes can help reduce exposure, but it doesn’t make sense to purchase a plywood play kitchen coated in another toxic finish. Look for natural finishes made with plant oils, tree resins, minerals or beeswax, and aim for low-VOC paints.
  • If you must purchase plywood, allow it to offgas outdoors, before bringing the plywood inside.
  • Keeping indoor humidity and temperatures low will help reduce the amount of formaldehyde released into the air.
  • Some plants have been shown to remove or reduce indoor formaldehyde levels. See this chart for plant ideas or read How to Grow Fresh Air: 50 House Plants that Purify Your Home or Office.
]]> http://www.growingagreenfamily.com/frequently-asked-questions-plywood-toys/feed/ 0 How to choose a safe and eco-friendly play kitchen set or dollhouse http://www.growingagreenfamily.com/plywoodfree-holiday-season-plywoodfree-play-kitchen-sets-dollhouses/ http://www.growingagreenfamily.com/plywoodfree-holiday-season-plywoodfree-play-kitchen-sets-dollhouses/#comments Thu, 03 Nov 2011 19:22:04 +0000 Jennifer Chait http://www.growingagreenfamily.com/?p=9549

Each year, around the winter holiday season, I try to update both my Ultimate Green Dollhouse Guide and my Ultimate Eco-Friendly Play Kitchen Guide.

Also each year I get a ton of questions regarding which dollhouses and play kitchens are actually 100% plywood-free, lead-free and overall non-toxic. That said, this year I’m going to attempt to update these gift guides so that they only include safe products, made without plywood or with greener formaldehyde-free MDF or other eco-materials.

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One safe play kitchen option

Before I get started, I figured I’d offer some information on what the problems are with some of the most commonly used materials in play kitchens and dollhouses.

Materials to be aware of in play kitchens and dollhouses:

*NOTE – I’ll be adding links below asap – you may want to bookmark this post so you can come back to it later as I add more material info.

What I’ll be looking for this year – safe dollhouse and play kitchen criteria:

Real wood: I suggest you look for real wood play kitchens and dollhouses over plastic or composite woods.

The chain of best woods: In my opinion, eco-sourced wood is best, but I also think that a real wood play kitchen or dollhouse made locally (even if the wood is not from a sustainable source) is still seriously better than a plastic or composite wood dollhouse or kitchen set.

Finishes: This year I’ll be looking for play kitchens and dollhouses that are made with child-safe less-toxic, low-voc finishes.

Lead: I’ll be choosing only lead-free or low-lead products that meet the newer lower CPSIA lead levels.

My little disclaimer – Obviously I’m not perfect. I research a lot, but sometimes companies give me the run-around. Plus, if you buy a dollhouse or play kitchen for your child, it’s your responsibility to also research the product to make sure it’s safe and fits your own green criteria.

]]> http://www.growingagreenfamily.com/plywoodfree-holiday-season-plywoodfree-play-kitchen-sets-dollhouses/feed/ 2 Camden Rose Eco-friendly Wooden Play Kitchen Sets http://www.growingagreenfamily.com/camden-rose-real-wooden-play-kitchen-sets/ http://www.growingagreenfamily.com/camden-rose-real-wooden-play-kitchen-sets/#comments Thu, 03 Nov 2011 17:34:22 +0000 Jennifer Chait http://www.growingagreenfamily.com/?p=9534

Camden Rose is a collective of designers, artists, teachers, musicians, craftspeople and parents who design and sell awesome products for children. From non-toxic rattles to wooden musical instruments to old-fashioned games and blocks, Camden Rose has almost everything you need to outfit a super playroom, including some 100% amazing play kitchen sets.

Camden Rose kitchen play sets cost more than other play kitchens, but it’s because these are high-quality, creatively designed, non-toxic toys that will last for generations. Plus, this company has many green and ethical practices in place.

Currently, Camden Rose sells three different play kitchen products:

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Camden’s Play Kitchen – Flat Pack Kitchen: This wonderful eco-friendly play kitchen is crafted from solid ash wood, collected from the thousands of trees infected with the Emerald Ash Borer. Instead of burning or chipping this wood into mulch, Camden Rose saved it and created toys that will last generations.

This kitchen is made in the USA without any plywood, press board, or soft pine. It includes creative accessories such as functional knobs and doors, a swivel faucet and removable high-gage stainless steel sink. Parents will adore the flat-packed shipping to save on space and packaging, along with easy 5-minute snap together assembly.

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A Simple Hearth Play Kitchen with Hutch: This non-toxic play kitchen is recommended for children ages 3 and up and is made entirely of real cherry and walnut wood in the USA.  Designed for multi-generational play, A Simple Hearth is made with zero plywood, particleboard/press board or soft pine. The stove, burner and faucet knobs work flawlessly and smoothly without the use of any metal hardware. The brushed metal sink bowl is made from real heavy gage stainless steel and can be removed for easy cleaning.

Everything about this play kitchen is made for realistic imaginative play. There’s a sliding cutting board that really pulls out 12 inches to allow access for more children. Oven and sink doors operate on self-closing hinges and a partition divides the oven from the sink compartment. The back of the kitchen hutch is open, meaning, this play kitchen may be positioned against a wall or in the middle of a room.

The kitchen is shipped partially assembled so it’s easy for parents. Builders simply slide on the hutch and screw on the walnut handles and assemble the hutch (8 screws and 8 hole plugs) then it’s all ready for your child to cook.

This kitchen is also available as A Beautiful Hearth - same kitchen, minus the top hutch.

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A Simple Fridge – Play Refrigerator: This fridge is hand-made in the USA with real Cherry, Ash and Walnut wood. Ventilation openings are built in the back of the Simple Fridge and slow self-closing metal hinges are featured on the doors. The fridge arrive at your home fully assembled right out of the box. All parents need do is attach the door handles with the four provided screws (instructions included). This is a perfect add-on to either of the kitchens above.




Camden Rose eco-friendly and ethical standards:

  • All Camden Rose products are meticulously hand-constructed by craftspeople, not mass-produced.
  • High quality materials, all certified non-toxic, such as stainless steel, wood, pure wool, silk and more are used.
  • Almost all Camden Rose products are made in the United States. They also employ Fair Trade workers from a women-owned cooporative near Lima, Peru.
  • Products are finished in natural, non-toxic beeswax.
  • Each item produced is self-tested for lead content and other harmful chemicals. All products contain levels of lead content far lower or non-existent than the minimum allowed. Also, each and every product is free from materials known to produce phthalates, namely PVC (found in soft plastic or vinyl).
  • Camden Rose uses red recyclable plastic netting for many of their retail products.
  • All products meet CPSIA requirements.
]]> http://www.growingagreenfamily.com/camden-rose-real-wooden-play-kitchen-sets/feed/ 0 FDA says artificial food coloring is not linked to hyperactivity http://www.growingagreenfamily.com/fda-says-artificial-food-coloring-is-not-linked-to-hyperactivity/ http://www.growingagreenfamily.com/fda-says-artificial-food-coloring-is-not-linked-to-hyperactivity/#comments Thu, 31 Mar 2011 21:09:29 +0000 Jennifer Chait http://www.growingagreenfamily.com/?p=7519

Two days ago, the FDA finally agreed to take a closer look at the safety of food coloring. Well, not so much the safety I suppose, but they did agree to take a look at the link between hyperactivity and artificial food dyes.

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Just this afternoon it’s been announced that the FDA’s Food Advisory Committee voted 11 to 3 that there is not enough conclusive evidence to link artificial food dyes to hyperactivity in children.

Disappointing – but not a surprise. Yesterday, the meeting was already running toward the food coloring is a-okay side.

Not that I’m a huge advocate of hyperactivity. Honestly, I think people forget, in this day and age, with all this sedentary behavior, that kids are actually naturally quite active. Or used to be anyhow. Hyperactivity, in my opinion is seriously overused term.

That said, I was still happy to see the FDA looking at food coloring because there are many negative issue linked to fake food dyes. I figured this was a good window into the food dye conversation. The FDA could have decided to look at some other issues too, not just the hyperactivity issue. Sadly, it seems this conversation is over for now, at least so far as the government is concerned.

You can still avoid artificial food dyes in your own home though – see ways to avoid chemical food dyes (skip to the end of this link).

Image ©beverlytaz via sxc.

]]> http://www.growingagreenfamily.com/fda-says-artificial-food-coloring-is-not-linked-to-hyperactivity/feed/ 1 Eco-Friendly Play Kitchen Accessory – Wooden Vegetable Set http://www.growingagreenfamily.com/eco-friendly-play-kitchen-accessory-wooden-vegetable-set/ http://www.growingagreenfamily.com/eco-friendly-play-kitchen-accessory-wooden-vegetable-set/#comments Thu, 10 Mar 2011 20:03:54 +0000 Jennifer Chait http://www.growingagreenfamily.com/?p=7506

Look at this gorgeous Wooden Vegetable Set! It’s the perfect accessory for your child’s eco-friendly play kitchen.

wooden vegetable set - play kitchen food

Made by Just Hatched, these beautiful wooden vegetables are handmade with poplar, sanded smooth and colored with certified AP Nontoxic watercolor paints. All the gorgeous details are wood-burned and then each piece is finished with a natural homemade beeswax wood polish. This particular set is made just for the buyer and comes with 5 wooden vegetables: Tomato, Cucumber, Onion, Potato and Carrot plus a cotton muslin drawstring bag.

There’s more where this came from too!

Just Hatched carries other amazing play food options as well, such as a lovely Wooden Fruit Set (shown below). You can also purchase wooden food items one-by-one. Check out Just Hatched for the full selection.
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Learn more about eco-friendly play kitchens:

+ Just Hatched

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