Organic for Children - Organic Toys

Harmful PVC Toys
The use of plastic in children's toys is so overwhelming to the extend that your children may seem to be surrounded with playthings that can turn a toxic zone.

Many children's toys are made from PVC (polyvinyl chloride), also known as vinyl. Its manufacture and disposal can create dioxins, highly toxic substances. Furthermore, to make PVC soft and flexible, it is necessary to use plasticisers and most commonly used plasticisers are phthalates. These chemicals may leak from the toy when sucked, chewed, squeezed, or even just held. The European Science Committee has advised that phtalates are liable to cause liver, kidney, and testicular damage and may affect hormones and lead to reduced fertility in later life.

The use of phthalates in toys and childcare items has been restricted in the European Union since December 1999. From January 2007 further restrictions on their use in toys will come into force on a permanent basis.

Organic Toys
Soft organic toys are best alternative that takes away the worry and stress about your child's toys. Organic toys are made from either ultra-soft cotton or wool which are organically grown under strict conditions without using harmful chemical pesticides.The manufacturers also use only organic (vegetable) dyes to give them color. They also don't have anything on or in them that could be a potential choking hazard.

Other benefits

• Plastic toys are non-biodegradable and eventually increase the amount of plastic in landfill sites.
• Toys made from natural materials tend to last longer and therefore, can be recycled by donating them to charity or to friends with children.
  

Make Your Own Toys

• Make your own playthings with your children from simple everyday objects such as paper boxes, jars, toilet rolls, as well as natural objects such as seashells and pine cones.
• Save your old clothes for a dressing-up box.
• Save paper for your children to draw on, and magazines for them to cut up for making collages.
  

Cleaning Toys

• To clean soiled plastic or wooden toys, dissolve 2 heaped tablespoons of baking soda in 600ml (1 pint) warm water. Either submerge the toy and soak it, or wipe it clean, then rinse in cold water and leave to dry naturally.

• Mix cream of tartar and lemon juice in a small bowl with a cotton swab. Apply the cotton swab onto a stubborn stain and leave on for 30 minutes. This will work to bleach out the stain.
  

• To clean fluffy toy, place stuffed toys in a large plastic garbage bag, then pour in cornstarch or baking soda, seal the bag and shake vigorously from time to time over a period of several hours. Remove the stuffed toys and brush the fur to remove the dust, dirt and cleaning agent over a sink. Dusting of baking soda eliminate odours and removes unwanted stains from soiled soft toys.