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Where can I get that? Online, of course!
Deciding what children’s products to buy these days is job enough, but it’s really only step 1 of a 2 part process. Because once you’ve logged a few hours online and debated your decision with friends and family, you’ve got to buy the thing. Which entails finding a store that carries it and has it in stock and doesn’t require an entire afternoon of store hopping (so much for trip chaining to reduce emissions!). I’ve spun my wheels (literally and figuratively) a number of times and come home empty handed and frustrated – and that’s in a city with more than a few eco baby stores.
So I’ve done what any time-constrained parent would do who avoids shopping with the little ones at all costs: shop online. No gas, no unhappy kids, no out-of-stock signs, and most importantly, no toxic products after a frustrating attempt to do the right thing (yes, I’ve thrown my hands up in frustration and bought just what I wanted to avoid – more than once). I’ve long wanted to walk into a store and trust every. single. item. there. Doesn’t that sound just great? And if I didn’t know better, I’d say it sounds pretty reasonable. But since - sadly - that’s far from our reality here in the U.S., these online stores are a solid alternative. Plus, there are some online blog-based stores where parent owners vet their products just like I would.
Here are a very few that I’ve tried: Safe Mama, The Soft Landing, Non-Toxic Kids, and Happy Green Baby. But in the interest of compiling a more comprehensive list than what my free time allows, will you share yours? Where on the internet do you turn to purchase non-toxic children’s products?
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Comments
ecowise.com has all kind of good stuff.
Posted by: no.hunting | September 3, 2008 11:15 PM
Here are a few:
>
> www.greenfeet.com
>
> www.mothernature.com
>
> www.gaiam.com
>
> www.diapers.com (has some new green offerings)
>
> www.hazelnutkids.com
>
> www.formykidsonline.com
Posted by: CJ Stewart | September 4, 2008 12:46 PM
Shopping online is great, but remember, you're using up a significant amount of carbon by having that item shipped across the country and delivered to your door. Shipping companies are making "bulk" deliveries to retailers anyway, so buying from a store is not only like the "public transit" of shopping, but it also keeps at least a portion of your money in your own community.
It can be frustrating to search all day for an item, so
here's some advice from a someone who works in retail: Before you hop in your car, CALL THE STORE to see if they have the item and if it's in stock! Even if the manufacturer's website says a major retailer carries their products (say, Whole Foods), it's possible that not every location of a company carries every item. If it's a large chain, they may have the ability to check inventory at other locations and save you a call or two. Then, once you have located an item, don't assume it will be there when you get there unless you place it on hold. Retailers are never given warning when an item is featured in a magazine, an NPR story or, heaven forbid, on Oprah, and it's possible to sell through your entire stock in a few hours. Most stores are glad to place an item on hold for you, even for a couple of days, if you give them a specific time frame during which you will come and pick it up. Finally, ask if the store can special order the item for you. Most independent retailers and even some large chains are happy to do so if they already have a relationship with that manufacturer or distributor. Just be sure you have the name of the manufacturer, the exact name and product specifications (including size and color), and if you can, the item number and/or UPC code of the product you are looking for. Having it shipped to the store along with the store's next order not only saves you the shipping fee, but also the fossil fuels, cardboard boxes, and styrofoam peanuts generated by a custom shipment just for you. It may take a few days longer than an online order, but hey, sometimes that's the cost of being green!
Posted by: josie | September 4, 2008 1:43 PM
I just read your last Enviroblog article with great interest regarding parents
finding sustainable, non-toxic products on-line. I agree that we are all too
busy and don't want to waste the gas to source these types of products for our
family. Last week I launched an estore that provides the same service to
parents, wanting to reduce the amount of waste and plastic from family and
children's birthday parties. All tableware is biodegradable, decorations are
reusable and sustainable (no plastic) and we have sourced practical, fun, goodie bag items to replace dollar store junk traditionally placed into loot
bags.
Posted by: Suzanne | September 9, 2008 11:33 AM
In my hometown (Portland, OR) the Oregon Center for Environmental Health has created an online and retail store called EcoSafe Home Store that sells products that meet their stringent, well-researched criteria. It's here: http://www.oregon-health.org/ecosafehome.html.
Posted by: Lisa@EWG | September 9, 2008 12:37 PM