Many of Non-Toxic Kids readers are busy parents without time to comment (much less go to the bathroom, take a shower, or brush their teeth). I know this because of my page visit stats versus my comments, and because like many of you, I am a lurker on certain blogs as well. Rarely am I moved to comment-- and it is not because I don't appreciate the post, or it hasn't caused me to think, it's just I have other things to get to, as in, 5 minutes ago.
But these posts for some reason gained the most comments-- probably because I asked you to share something, and being such snazzy and wise parents, you kindly did. Other posts clearly were fodder on other blogs (can you say Walmart's Tween makeup line?) for disagreement. In any case, thank you for visiting and for commenting here at Non-Toxic Kids. I love when you share your ideas, thoughts, and feelings on any posts. Doing so forwards the conversation and helps fellow parents. Here are the most commented on posts of 2011 at Non-Toxic Kids.
#5 Pajamas without Flame Retardants.
This post helps people find chemical flame retardant free pajamas-- and links up to a recent giveaway with Lullaby Organics. The many comments list where else to find chemical free pjs, and folks entering the giveaway.
This post helps people find chemical flame retardant free pajamas-- and links up to a recent giveaway with Lullaby Organics. The many comments list where else to find chemical free pjs, and folks entering the giveaway.
I received an email question about the safety of foam play mats for babies, which prompted this post on the issue. My research certainly made me relegate our foam toys into the basement!
#3 Eat Non-Toxic Released.
This year I released Eat Non-Toxic: a manual for busy parents. It is a guide to parents looking to limit toxic chemicals from food, feeding and drinking gear. The ebook was well received and had a great launch. Thanks to folks who have bought the ebook and please check it out if you haven't already.
#2 Boycott Walmart's New "Tween" Makeup Line: Geogirl.
Boy did I tick some people off when I wrote about Walmart's new line of "eco-friendly" cosmetics geared to tween girls (starting at age 7). I am happy that Walmart is supplying some products with less toxins than other cosmetic lines, but I am deeply troubled by the targeted marketing to young girls for beauty products. Yes, I know parents buy for their kids, and it is up to them to set limits. I want my daughters and my students to feel beautiful without makeup. Play makeup, and makeup for teenagers is a different story, and a safer version of already used makeup is good, generally-- but I am not comfortable with the message that young girls need makeup. This line is marketed through the use of texting language in the packaging, so it feels cool to young children and preadolescents they are trying to target. This of course is no accident.
People still comment regularly on this post-- extolling the benefits of this line, that it is a-okay for girls of any age to wear makeup, and how parents of course are in charge of purchasing decisions. I have no way of knowing how many of them are marketing interns working for Walmart, but I have a hunch.
#1 Catamount Glass Corn Popper
This post was a giveaway post (you readers love giveaways!) for a neat new glass microwave popcorn popper. I love how people can avoid toxic chemicals in microwave popcorn bags with this popper from MightyNest.
Boy did I tick some people off when I wrote about Walmart's new line of "eco-friendly" cosmetics geared to tween girls (starting at age 7). I am happy that Walmart is supplying some products with less toxins than other cosmetic lines, but I am deeply troubled by the targeted marketing to young girls for beauty products. Yes, I know parents buy for their kids, and it is up to them to set limits. I want my daughters and my students to feel beautiful without makeup. Play makeup, and makeup for teenagers is a different story, and a safer version of already used makeup is good, generally-- but I am not comfortable with the message that young girls need makeup. This line is marketed through the use of texting language in the packaging, so it feels cool to young children and preadolescents they are trying to target. This of course is no accident.
People still comment regularly on this post-- extolling the benefits of this line, that it is a-okay for girls of any age to wear makeup, and how parents of course are in charge of purchasing decisions. I have no way of knowing how many of them are marketing interns working for Walmart, but I have a hunch.
#1 Catamount Glass Corn Popper
This post was a giveaway post (you readers love giveaways!) for a neat new glass microwave popcorn popper. I love how people can avoid toxic chemicals in microwave popcorn bags with this popper from MightyNest.
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