If your kids like art chances are you have a drawer or box full of art supplies. Did you know some of the common art supplies contain ammonia, formaldehyde, or turpentine that emit asthma-inducing chems? According to the go green nonprofit IdealBite.com, "Up to 36 billion pounds of toxic acrylic polymer solvents, found in many traditional art supplies, are produced each year." (If you are looking for more green living tips, Ideal Bite offers easy to do eco-living tips for busy moms and kids).
How safe are your art supplies? To help you decipher the confusing list of ingredients, check out Children's Health Environmental Coalition.
The good news is you can buy non-toxic art supplies for you and your kids. Here is a list of product suggestions I found a IdealBite.com and a few of my faves including art supply recipes from NatureMoms.com.
- Nunu finger paint: These non-toxic crayons and paints are food grade. ($25 for four big finger paint containers including red, blue, yellow, green)
- Stockmar Modeling Beeswax Clay: Non-toxic alternative to polymer clay which contains PVC ($15, 6 colors)
- Prang Soybean Crayons Tuck Box: Non-toxic crayons made from environmentally friendly soybean oil instead of petroleum. (Less than a dollar for a 4-color box)
- EcoArt Works art supplies: Eco-friendly art supplies for kids and adults.
- Stubby Pencil Studio: Eco products for creative kids.
- NatureMoms.com: Easy recipes for natural play dough, silly putty, and finger paints.
