KidStyleFile

The Green Guide is brought to you during the first week of each month by expert in the field Raquel, from Growing Up Green (affectionately dubbed ‘GUG’), the Australian authority on modern eco, green, environmentally friendly and fair trade options for kids.

Read previous The Green Guide posts here.

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1 - Yummy to look at, yummy to smell, Aromaplay’s oil infused playdough takes this popular modelling activity to another sensory level, one that’ll have sweet lavender scents wafting through your house as the kids knead and shape. Created by Aussie mum, Lana Purcell, the 100% natural dough is vividly shaded with natural colours; think turmeric and beetroot, then given a dash of essential oil; Sniff Snuff is a luminous green dough with cornmint, eucalyptus and thyme to help ease breathing while Steady Eddy’s pink clay includes bergamot to help balance those who are upset. Resembling little tubs of sorbet,  Aromaplay has another unique quality: it’s 100% gluten free, making it a terrific option for coeliac kids. Discover all seven scents!

2 – I know the thought of putting together a playhouse will make many wince, especially those who’ve suffered the trials of building an IKEA piece. Which just makes me wonder why those clever Scandinavians don’t take a leaf out of Robin Hannah’s book. The New Zealand architect has made a beautiful wooden: read, long lasting and sustainable, cubby house. Best bit, you won’t need any tools, nails or screws as the simple design slots together in six simple steps and comes apart to stow away just as easily. Learn more about the Phoyo Playhouse.

3 – We all know about flat pack furniture, now say hello to flat pack eating accessories! Fozzil’s BPA free and recyclable tableware will have you giving up disposable plates faster than you can say ‘let’s have a picnic!’. Great for camping trips, school outings, park get togethers, the clever design can be toted everywhere without adding any bulk to your bag. The Kidz Solo Pack (pictured) includes a spoon, bowl, dish and plate, and if you think streamlining your bag’s contents is a trend you’d like to pursue, check out their Discovery Pack of park and beach toys which is packaged in a reusable bag.

4 – Rebel, Classic or Rockstar? Aaahh, if only we got to choose but fear not, for those whose bub is more rowdy rocker than quiet librarian, The Grateful Thread has a toy that lets them belt out some of their wild energy without disturbing the neighbours. Their rocking guitar version of one of babies fave toys, the rattle, has been made from fabric remnants and  – unlike future musical exploits – the little bell inside delights with a soft tinkle tinkle.

5 – If you’ve held back from binning your PVC pool tools to avoid an epic meltdown from the kids, you’ll be mightily relieved to learn about Everearth’s green alternative. Their eco forward inflatables are made of Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU). The difference? Unlike PVC, TPU doesn’t leak phthalates – it’s phthalate free - and is recyclable and biodegradable, which means you can be a planet friendly mum without spoiling the kid’s water games.

6 – Paper tubes, plant based resin and candy colours that pop, Hecmec is on the cutting edge of earth friendly design with their customisable, expandable range of kid cool chairs and tables. Edges are curved to protect little limbs, chairs fold up for easy stowing, and the modular paper connectors can be swapped out for longer ones to extend the height or chairs and tables as your child grows skyward. But that’s not all. Kids can even customise their furniture by drawing, painting or adding stickers to the paper tubing! Hecmec pieces are designed to live a long time in our homes, and when no longer in use they’re entirely recyclable.

7 – There’s just about a zillion crafty things you can do with a preserve jar, beyond actually preserving, but how about using it as a kid’s cup?! Sure, it sounds a little crazy but in a move that may be pure genius, one US mum has invented a silicone sleeve and drinking cap that converts canning jars into child safe cups. A neat way to recycle some of those old jam jars, it’s also inexpensive: once you’ve got the sleeve, you’ll always have a kid’s cup to hand! Learn about EIO.

8 – Great parties begin with a terrific invitation and The Little Party Paper People have six fun designs to get your child’s off to a eco cool start. Made from recycled paper printed with vegetable based inks, this Australian stationery and partyware company is the brainchild of two great friends and mums, Amanda and Sharon, whose backgrounds in design and event marketing mean they’re perfectly placed to add a special touch to our kid’s parties. With gift tags and thank you cards on the way, their aim is to create beautiful paper products that don’t compromise the environment – three cheers to that!

9 – Whoost! Did you hear that? It’s the sound of your tot growing up and heading off to kindy. Whoost! also happens to be the name of the kiddy cool kindy bag she could be carrying as she goes. Created by a Belgium mum, the handmade wool felt bags for small folk are a vivid clash of near fluorescent shades; adorned with hearts and flowers they’re not too cumbersome for tiny shoulders and are guaranteed to be easily found amongst the jumble of backpacks, hats and coats in the kinder closet room!

10 - Everyone knows princesses can be picky, so if you’re going to crown your resident blue  blood, you had better make sure the headwear is up to her royal standards! My tip? Make a beeline for Dream Child Studio’s lovely collection of crown jewels; the gorgeously detailed wool felt creations are befitting of the most discerning little misses and misters and can be complimented with beautiful fairy rings or shooting stars for some lovely fantasy play.

Discover more green finds at Growing Up Green the Australian authority on modern eco options for kids.

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