HONEST Tea (a company with a commendable social responsibility statement) has a new line of organic, low-sugar, fruit-flavored thirst quenchers that offer “a great-tasting alternative to sugar-laden beverages.” Even though at the end of every HONEST KIDS ingredient list (filtered water, organic cane sugar, organic juice concentrates, asorbic acid and something they refer to as “organic flavor”) comes the declaration “contains 10% juice”, the makers swear the pouches contain ½ the sugar of most kid drinks. And would guys with the word ‘honest’ in their name lie?
Kid’s toothpastes come in a variety of flavors, yet as adults we sometimes forget how important taste is. We who populate the land of the tall people, tend to think that if it’s good for you (brussels sprouts for example), then it has to possess a slightly off-putting taste. Toothpaste is no exception. We apply a schmear to the brush, stick it in our mouths, and endure the bite of cinnamon, the alkalinity of baking soda, or the sting of spearmint extract and think “Ah, it’s working.” But if you want kids to embrace this most vital of hygienic practices, then great taste has to play a major role.
While you can’t always expect your toddler to act like a little prince or princess when you’re having a meal out, these toddler flatware sets from Pony Up Design, always behave nicely. Each set comes with a carrying case in a lovely design, plus a sturdy bamboo fork, spoon, and a bamboo and cotton napkin - all perfectly sized for toddler hands and hungry mouths.
Here he comes! Here comes green racer! Recently featured in the ‘Pulse’ section of the Sunday NY Times were a collection of kids’ items that adhered to a particular theme: simplicity. Of the items featured, the Bamboo E-Racer caught my son’s eye with its sleek, somewhat natural design.
First, there was the PedoBIKE (a rustic and rugged simple machine), then came the Like-A-Bike (sleek and smooth, it features minimalist design), and now, taking the innovation even further is the Wishbone ‘pre’ Bike. Answering the call for cutting-edge, sustainable options for kids, the guys at Wishbone Design Studio put together a convertible trike/low rider/big runner that is manufactured using 60% post-consumer recycled plastic, sustainably managed woods, eco-friendly bonding agents and non-toxic paints.
It’s no secret that here at Inhabitots we adore our owls. If you have a penchant for owls too, or simply want to give a big hoot by keeping it ‘green’ this holiday season, then this post is just for you - chock full of beautiful, kid-friendly, eco-owl paraphernalia, perfect for gift giving.
Move over boring teddy bears and bunnies! There’s a unique new eco-friendly plush toy on the block and its the cutest thing ever. Say hello to the Felted Sting Ray, a hand-crafted critter that is sure to delight the little ones in your life. With a face on both the top and bottom, this 100% wool critter is double the fun, and is sure to be your tot’s favorite new plush friend.
With their cute and cozy Hug-Me Sweater and Squeeze-Me Mittens, New York eco children’s outfitter Oeuf encourages cuddling during the cold winter season. While the Hug-Me Sweater features two mittens sewn like pockets into the front to keep little ones’ hands warm, the Squeeze-Me Mittens encourage hand-holding by offering an adult-sized mitten with a a tiny little mitten sewn into the palm for your child’s hand to slip in. Both are made of 100% alpaca wool, a renewable fiber that is strong, lightweight, and hypo-allergenic, and both of these adorable items are now available through the Inhabitat Shop.
Every time I spot a baby out and about in my NYC neighborhood, that tot is sporting some type of fuzzy animal ears in the form of a cap or hood. So I’m guessing its not just me who is smitten with fuzzy animal ears - there appears to be some sort of baby bear ear trend taking the nation by storm. Still, that doesn’t stop me from loving baby animal ear garb and dressing my tot (see above) up like a little bear every chance I get. Sorry folks, I just can’t stop myself! The above baby bear ear cap is hand-crocheted by the talented Mrs. Amy Molhenhoff, and it is just about my favorite thing ever.
After writing about parents converting to frugality by purchasing used items in the wake of the poor economy, various other money saving concepts have come to light. K-Mart and Sears have been promoting their revived layaway services this season, as a means for shoppers to escape the evils of credit card debt (there is no premium or interest on layaway items), and I’ve recently come across the novel website, rentAtoy, which encourages parents to say “bye-bye” to buying, and stack rented toys under the Christmas tree instead.
Toy cars and trucks are wildly popular gifts during the holiday season. Kids love to push and power vehicles and “Vrrooom!” the day away with play wheels; and we’ve found a line of earth-friendly, adventurous cars and eco-trucks from Sprig Toys that will get kids’ motors running. We’re racing to get Sprig cars and trucks because they are battery free and kid-powered, via pushes and pumps to create lights and sounds. They’re made out of recycled wood and reclaimed plastic, and they’re paint free and presented in minimal packaging. They’ve got us all revved up!
It’s the children in our lives who will inherit this planet from us, and as grownups, its our duty to keep it clean and green for their future. Kids naturally gravitate towards environmental stewardship, so encourage their ecological leanings this holiday season with these cute, fun, green gifts this year.
Babysoy clothing for babies and toddlers is devastatingly cute, and smartly crafted from one of my favorite foods: soy. As a vegetarian, I have always appreciated soy as a source of protein, but I underestimated the possibilities inherent in soy, and I’m delighted to learn about its life as a fabric in the Babysoy clothing line. Not sure what gift to grab for the tiny eco-fashionista in your life whose wardrobe is brimming with clothing options? Gift her with Babysoy… her parents will be ’soy’ happy you did.
I know what girls like, I know what girls want. They want a dollhouse, and a couture blouse. They want some leggings, they’ll grow some Egglings. They want a princess, sans frilly excess. I know what girls want… girls want… girls want ‘green’.
We all know from The Velveteen Rabbit and Toy Story, that the second we leave the room, toys come to life. Swinging from table lamps, sliding down rocking chairs, and jumping on the bed, toys never quit when it comes to showing their playful side. Lana Organic stuffed animals are wholesome creatures with animation woven through every eco fiber of their being. One need not turn their back on these 100% organic cotton toys for them to energize a child’s room with liveliness.
In Japanese animation, the bigger the eyes, the cuter the character. But in the hands of Dutch designer Rogier van Zijp, characters can be just as cute even if you don’t see their eyes at all. Cheekeyes, van Zijp’s latest creation, is a collection of handmade animal characters. With their closed eyes and blushing cheeks, each character seems to be experiencing a moment of deep, delightful thought. Whether those thoughts are blissful nirvana, (see Mr. Hippopotamus above) or a little bit cheeky, (see Ms. Triceratops below), Mr. van Zijp never lets on.
Once thought of as a case strictly for charity, reusing clothing items has become an integral and environmentally savvy facet of green parenting. Now that Goodwill clothing is ‘hip’ (the D.C. stores have a Goodwill Fashionista on their payroll), and we are witnessing the advent of the ‘frugal teen’, can a shift in thinking among parents who once turned up their noses at the idea of hand-me-down or gently-used options for children be too far behind?
Soaking socks plus chilly ankles do not equal a fun time. Especially when those wet feet belong to a pint-sized, snowbound adventurer. Patagonia, a company with unquestionable environmental ethics, offers boots for kids that serve to snuggly wrap eco-friendly feet in sustainable materials that stay warm even in freezing temperatures.
After scaring my newly-pregnant wife with the dangers of toxoplasmosis (I swear I thought there was something to it), we permanently shipped her cats off to her parents’ house, and I settled in to what I thought would forever be our comfortable pet-free home. And then came my son. My son wanted a dog. Really that should read, ‘My wife wanted a dog to replace her cats, and suggested the idea to our son figuring that his incessant querying would break me.’ Well, it didn’t. My winning question to him was, ‘Who’s going to pick-up the poop?’ Disgusted, his only response was, ‘Not me!’
Traveling with babies and toddlers is typically a bumpy ride, filled with many surprises. Our precious cargo require so many necessities on the open road, and following the ‘green’ path can be difficult when away from home. The easy-to-tote Green and Cleanline of products from Classy Kid, Inc. offers eco-friendly biodegradable products including toilet seat covers, coloring placemats, and changing table covers, which will help keep both your child and your conscience spotless, whether you’re traveling across the globe or just jaunting across town.
The mind of a child is a busy place. Children are swarmed on a daily basis with a cacophony of songs, characters, shapes, sounds, colors, letters and endless input. As parents, we’re right to constantly engage our blossoming little geniuses, but ushering them into some Zen downtime on a regular basis is just as important as teaching them their ABC’s.
For the past couple weeks, we’ve been encouraging you all to get creative and DIY with your Halloween costumes this year. However, we recognize that many people don’t have the time to sit down and make costumes by hand. Happily, we’ve just spotted a great solution for those of you who plan to get store-bought outfits this year. CostumeStudio is a website carrying one of the world’s largest selections of Halloween costumes, and they support children in need around the world with donations to charity. This Halloween, Costume Studio is teaming up with StumbleUpon, MySpace Music, and Invisible Children to donate 100% of profits to help children in war-torn regions of Uganda.
Drumroll please…. We are thrilled to announce our new line of Inhabitots organic baby tees and onesies. Featuring ‘Habby’, our owly mascot, these adorable baby tees are made from 100% organic cotton and are hand-printed with eco-friendly, water-based inks. The tagline (with some fond nostalgia for the 70’s US Forest Service Campaign), reads ‘I give a hoot’. Show your support for Inhabitots and eco design by ordering one today - proceeds go to support Inhabitots and Inhabitat.
Searching for that perfect Halloween outfit for your wee one, but just can’t bring yourself to spend money on a silly store-bought pumpkin outfit that will only be worn once? Look no further than Speesees organic critter jackets. These eco-friendly animal inspired coats can be worn comfortably all throughout the year (take that silly pumpkin outfit), but can convert to a cute Halloween costume in a pinch. Of course, what tot wouldn’t want to wear these cuddly jackets everyday?
Halloween is one of our favorite holidays, and there are lots of ways to tread lightly on the earth this Hallows Eve with a little ingenuity and crafty resourcefulness. Clever home-made costumes and yummy organic treats are always more fun and memorable than store-bought goodies, not to mention being better for the environment as well! This Halloween we want to pick your collective brains. We want to hear about your brilliant eco ideas - everything from witty home-made toddler and kids costumes to special recipes for organic pumpkin cookies. Inhabitots will be giving away a bunch of fabulous prizes from Oeuf and Nubius Organics to the most creative Green Halloween ideas, so sign up for Inhabitots and enter our contest today! >
Shrieks, gasps, shivers… And I’m not talking about reactions to the twists and turns of the general election or the teeter-tottering economy. It’s almost Halloween! And that means it’s time to scare up some fun. Every kid wants to be something other than himself for Halloween, so once again eco-conscious parents are forced to find that delicate balance between creepy for kids and eerie for the environment.
Nothing captures and celebrates the timeless charm and enchanting spirit of little girls quite like Periwinklebloom clothing. Their 100% organic cotton toddler garments are homegrown and handcrafted in the U.S. Each piece has a ‘lovely little hand-me-down’ vibe reminiscent of a bygone era, due to the vintage bits of fabric strewn throughout their designs. Their use of vegetable based inks and clean energy rounds out the inspired, eco-conscious production of this simply lovely line.
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