| The term eco toys should imply that the products | | | | a plantation crop, every time a tree is cut down at |
| are created without any lasting negative effects to | | | | the end of its life cycle, a sapling is planted, making it |
| the environment. Being eco friendly means finding | | | | a very eco friendly option. |
| ways to reduce waste, reuse products and recycle | | | | Soy Based Inks: Many companies are starting to use |
| what we can. By being eco friendly we can ensure | | | | the more environmentally friendly soy bean to create |
| and do our part to protect the earth and contribute | | | | inks for their products. The oil from the soy bean is |
| to its greatness. | | | | clear and therefore requires less pigment, resin and |
| Many companies are making a big difference by | | | | wax to create vibrant colors. Another benefit of soy |
| eliminating mass quantities of catalogs to promote | | | | inks is that they are biodegradable, making them |
| their products and are turning to on-line promotion. | | | | even more environmentally friendly. |
| Some companies are also changing their method of | | | | Organic Cotton: Growing cotton traditionally uses |
| packing materials when shipping products. Instead of | | | | chemicals and pesticides that can be harmful to the |
| using styrofoam packing peanuts, some have started | | | | environment and to the people that hand pick the |
| filling packets with air and some are using recycled | | | | cotton. Organic cotton is grown with systems that |
| paper to protect their products. These are huge | | | | replenish and maintain the soil fertility, which produces |
| changes that are already making a difference for the | | | | a very low impact on the environment. The |
| environment. Yet, when it comes to products for our | | | | production of organic cotton takes a little more time |
| children, how can we consider eco friendly choices? | | | | than growing cotton traditionally, yet the quality is |
| Wooden Toys: One major eco friendly change is the | | | | equal or better, and it is safer for our environment. |
| concept of creating wooden products out of rubber | | | | When thinking about eco toys available today, |
| wood. Rubber wood is a rubber tree that is | | | | consider finding retailers that promote eco friendly |
| harvested each year for its latex, and naturally has a | | | | options. Children who are provided with eco friendly |
| life span of about thirty years. Since rubber wood is | | | | choices are more likely to become eco aware adults. |