We all want to protect our kids from harm.  We teach them to not talk to strangers and to look both ways when crossing the street.  We feed them healthy foods and encourage other healthy habits.  We want them to be happy and entertained, so we buy them fun and educational things they want to play with.

Unfortunately, the manufacturing of toys and other items we use with our children is not strictly regulated in our country, making the use of chemicals and other unsafe materials in them a commonplace occurrence.  This is not, by any means, an indication that you shouldn’t buy your kids toys!  Rather, it is a call to action for concerned parents to educate themselves about how toys are made.

In this episode of the podcast, we review the three most common chemical hazards found in many toys and children’s items on shelves today.  We also discuss ways to identify items that may contain these chemicals.  Finally, we offer some safe-for-kids and eco-friendly options for creative and fun playtimes.

Thanks for tuning in to this episode of the Vegetarian Zen Podcast!  If you find value in our podcast and listen on iTunes, please consider leaving us a rating and review.  You can do so easily by visiting the Vegetarian Zen podcast page in iTunes and clicking on the stars to rate and then leave a review.

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Check out episode 025

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  Resources
  
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  • saferchemicals.org
    
  • healthystuff.org
    
  • What Do Recycling Symbols on Plastics Mean? (The Daily Green)
    
  
  
  
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  Places to buy safer toys
  
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  • Uncommon Goods
    
  • ReuseIt
    
  • Camden Rose
    
  • Doll Hospital & Toy Soldier Shop
    
  • Maggie’s Functional Organics
    
  • Nova Natural
    
  • Oompa Enterprises
    
  • The Wooden Wagon
    
  • Lego
    
  
  
  
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  Resources not mentioned on the podcast
  
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  • 5 Toy Companies That Are Toxic (Non-Toxic Kids)
    
  • Guide to Safer Children’s Products (Institute for Agriculture & Trade Policy)
    
  • 12 Tips On How to Buy Non-Toxic Toys (Food Matters)
    
  • Toxic Toys: Chemicals in Toys Endanger Children (About.com)
    
  
  
  

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• Recipe of the Week
  

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  •  Nachos! 
    
  
  

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Thanks for listening!  Peace and Veggies,

Vickie and Larissa

The post VZ025 – Tips for Avoiding Toxic Toys appeared first on Vegetarian Zen.