How to Have a Sustainable Holiday Season

How to Have a Sustainable Holiday Season

It is that time of year, where gifts (and plastic) abounds. My suggestion? Try to avoid presents with tons of plastic packaging. I know, my son is into Paw Patrol too. I am not saying eliminate it, just do less of that, and more of the sustainable stuff. 

Wood Toys- They can biodegrade, last longer and eliminate plastic. Look out for high volatile organic compounds and unnatural dyes. 

Green Toys- My child loves this brand. They make it all, and use old milk/water jugs to created their products. Even better? It can be recycled as well if it ever starts breaking down. 

Plan Toys- Wooden toys and puzzles made from ethically sourced Rubberwood. The company hasn’t cut down a single tree to create these, and kids love them. 

Land of Dough- If you have a glitter dough lover like me, they have created a sustainable glitter option with all natural dyes. 

EkoKins by Wild Republic- For the animal lover in stuffed form. These are made from Recycled water bottles, and are so plush no one would even know!

Shore Buddies- Is another plush product that turns ocean plastics into plushy marine friends. Even better? The product represents marine animals impacted or endangered by ocean plastics. Use it to educate and empower!

Luke’s Toy Factory- For the truck lover! These inchoate plant material such as coconut fibers to create truck puzzles. 

Honeysticks Crayons- For the babe that is still mouthy. These crayons are made from 100% food grade pigments… so a little nibble won’t be as bad. 

Green Kid Crafts- Monthly subscription box that provides 4-6 craft and science projects. They are all sustainable and eco friendly… so they can focus on STEM without contributing to the landfill. 

Tender Leaf Toys- Wooden toys with no VOC’s in the paint or glues. Made from reclaimed Rubberwood and FSC Certified Plywood. For every reclaimed tree used, the company plants a new one. 

Kinderfeets-  Balance Board. For the toddler who loves being physical, or needs balance work. These are fun enough for the whole family. Even better, they use sustainable wood without VOC’s. 

Start green living early

Teaching your kids to care about the environment begins with teaching them to care about themselves, their bodies, and their health. This means making sure they eat well, exercise regularly, get enough sleep, and have fun with friends.

You should be taking care of yourself as well as your children, so make sure to do things that are fun for everyone involved! Whether it's going outside to play or having a family movie night, you'll all feel better about yourselves if you're doing something together that isn't too stressful or time-consuming.

Make sure that everyone in your family knows what kind of behavior is expected from them when it comes to being an environmentally conscious family member—not just because it helps them understand how important this issue is but also because they might even want to contribute their own ideas as well!