It’s that time of year when the pressure is on to find just the right gift! WVE has pulled together some of our favorite resources for finding safer products from responsible companies.
Toys & Kids’ Jewelry
Purchase toys made from natural materials such as wood or organic fibers like cotton, hemp or wool. Find safer toys at The Soft Landing, Big Green Purse, and Healthy Stuff.
Avoid inexpensive metal jewelry, often contaminated with lead or cadmium. Check out Healthy Stuff and the California DTSC for examples of problem jewelry to stay away from.
Baby Products
Look for crib mattresses stuffed with cotton, polyester, or wool instead of foam. The Mattress Matters report has some safer brands.
Some car seats can contain brominated flame-retardants, PVC, or other heavy metals. Check out the best and worst brands of car seats.
Plastic baby sippy cups, bowls, and utensils can contain BPA or phthalates. Look up Healthy Child Healthy World’s recommendations for safer options.
Clothes
Opt for clothing materials produced without pesticides such as organic cotton, wool or hemp. Search Good Guide for safer brands.
Cosmetics, Perfume, Cologne, and Lotion
Buy from companies that have fulfilled the Compact for Safe Cosmetics.
Find safer products using the Skin Deep Cosmetics Database.
*AND at Anarres Natural Health!!!
Electronics
Check out the CHEMSec report on Electronics Without Brominated Flame Retardants and PVC. You can find product reviews for small and large household appliances, computers, cell phones, TVs, video cameras and more on p. 22 of the report.
EPEAT is an environmental rating system that helps identify greener computers – look for products that meet their GOLD standard in their online database of products.
See how electronics companies stack up in Greenpeace’s Guide to Greener Electronics.
Organic Wreaths & Holiday Floral Designs
Looking for pesticide-free, grown-in-the-U.S. wreaths, flowers, or plants? For delivery as a gift or for your own home, PlanetGreen.com has some good suggestions.
Often the “Greenest” Gift is One That You Don’t Buy!
• Create a gift basket of homemade cleaning products using WVE’s recipes! Get creative with old jars, ribbon and other scrapbooking supplies for a super cute (and practical) gift!
• Get crafty with these project ideas from the Mindful Momma.
• Check out the Center for a New American Dream’s Pledge to Simplify the Holidays for more ideas!
Download the Non-Toxic Holiday Shopping Guide at Women's Voices for the Earth!