These have to be the cutest kids ever. Not just because they’re, well, adorable children, but look at what they’re wearing! Soft, comfy, organic cotton striped clothes! If these aren’t the happiest little munchkins you’ve ever seen…well…don’t tell that to their moms.

And just what are these tykes wearing? Clothes made by Happy Green Bee, a manufacturer of Fair Trade Certified, organic cotton children’s clothing. I found them at a trade show and got sucked into their happy little hive. Not only was it the bright, fun colors that attracted me – but the softness of the clothes, as well. And don’t be intimidated thinking that organic cotton has to be expensive – they’ve got a great sale page too.

Now if only they made this stuff in my size.

The post Happy Green Bee Keeps Me Buzzing appeared first on EcoSalon.

The past year has been a bad one for toxic kid’s products, what with lead paint on imported toys and phthalates in plastic toys. For once, Congress has been quick to act.

A new law is set to go in effect on February 10th that will require all products such as toys, backpacks, clothing and other kids’ gear be tested for lead and phthalates in order to be legally sold.

This is a major step towards ensuring non-toxic products for little ones, but there was also a little scare for children’s thrift and consignment shops and DIY resellers like those found on Etsy (many of them being work-at-home-moms). Had they been required to pay for the expensive testing, most of them would have immediately been put out of business. And it would have dealt a financial blow to the large number of families in an economic crunch who depend on thrift and consignment shops to clothe their fast-growing children.

After hearing a huge consumer response, Congress quickly added a notice that vendors of second-hand children’s goods would be exempt from testing for lead or phthalates.

So what does this mean for thrifty, recycling-minded shoppers? When buying second-hand, use good judgment. Most clothing is safe enough, but avoid metal buttons that may contain lead or parts that can easily break and leach chemicals if a child puts it in their mouth. And when it comes to used toys, cribs and other children’s items, it would probably be best to avoid any imported or plastic products altogether.

Do your research, be smart, and rest assured that as this law goes into effect, safer products will be entering the second-hand product stream, and that’ll make the eco-friendly option of buying gently-used just that much better.

Image: notic

The post New Law Protects Children from Phthalates and Lead appeared first on EcoSalon.

Times are tough.

You’re buying more bags of Yukon Gold potatoes than cocktail rings and pulling duds from the back of your drawers you feel indifferent about.

But your kids are more stylish than you of late – and we’ll call it a sign of the times. Parental guilt is striking it rich in the world of kiddie fashion. They have to live through all your public jibber jabber with friends about financial strain.

Besides, if the kids look good, you look good.

In fact, Women’s Wear Daily recently reported that little sizes are turning into big business with Phillip Lim Kids, Little Ella Moss, John Galliano and Little Marc Jacobs among the leading lines. Sustainable lines by Makie, Sarah Waldo, Tess and Tallulah and Green Sleeve (shown) are also leading the mini me world with stylish patterns, tailoring, and bold color taking front and center.

Does this trend treat children as an accessory? Will other parents start eyeing you as strange because your kids look way too good for the playground? Style is as style does and in this current climate, best to stay in the monkey bars’ shadows.

The post My Designer Mini Me appeared first on EcoSalon.