Green Leaf Report

As an undergrad, I worked on a research project where we ran bayou sediment samples through X-ray fluorescence equipment to determine the heavy metal content, and thus the amount of long-term pollution. A recent article highlighted that labs are now using the same equipment on new toys destined for our kids, with scary results:

“Tests on more than 1,200 children’s products, most of them still on store shelves, found that 35 percent contain lead — many with levels far above the federal recall standard used for lead paint…Only 20 percent of the toys and other products had no trace of lead or harmful chemicals, according to the results being released Wednesday by the Michigan-based Ecology Center along with the national Center for Health, Environment and Justice and groups in eight other states.”

Naturally, toy companies are arguing against the use of advanced scientific equipment on toys, preferring the vinegar drops test, about as non-scientific as possible.

The G-Diaper crew sent me an email with their tips on holiday gifts.  I like these:

“‘Tis the season to recycle, reduce, reuse.

5 helpful tips to consider this holiday season.

1. Make a natural statement. Give a homemade cake or cookies.
2. Say no to plastic. Give toys made of wood or fabric.
3. No batteries necessary. Give toys that don’t need them.
4. Time waits for no one. Give a coupon book of ways to spend time together.“