With a host of health concerns such as developmental issues, early-onset puberty, cancers, obesity and type-II diabetes, the Chinese Milk scare and the chemicals used in baby products, more and more parents are looking for solutions and products that are truly baby-friendly as well as eco-friendly. Julianna Shaw, a busy mother and corporate executive has come up with her own solution, ZoLi. Founded this year, the ZoLi product line offers smart choices and a variety of products that blend practical function with modern eco-friendly style. It was important for Shaw to give new parents from every spectrum safe and healthy product solutions for everyday parenting.
The ZoLi line consists of non-toxic baby products from bottles, teethers, to a changing pad made of the same materials as a yoga mat. The products are BPA-free, PVC-free, and phthalate-free, recyclable, dishwasher safe and some products are even 100 percent biodegradable.
Though it may have been a while since some of us have taken a chemistry class, I think it is important to revisit the properties and effects of these 3 widely used chemicals in consumer production practices: BPA, PVC, and Phthalate. This understanding will give you an appreciation for the types of products ZoLi and other similar companies have created.
Though the Toy Industry Association says PVC, in toys poses no safety risks, many organizations and even retailers feel otherwise. The Association’s basis for this position is that children do not chew on the toys long enough for the toxins to be released, but any parent, sibling, or any human with a certain amount of morals would not want to put a child at such risk. Who is to say that down the road more stories about the truth and presence of Lead, PVC, and who know what else is on retail shelves everywhere. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, children are at higher risk for exposure to toxins in their infant/toddler stage for they often have teethers, pacifiers, and nipples with potential phthalates in their mouths. Even a mother’s breast milk can become contaminated with phthalates if she is exposed to phthalates during her post partum stage.
Retail giants such as Target Corp., Wal-mart Inc, and Sears are putting pressure on the manufacture trade groups. Mattel Inc. and Hasbro Inc. are testing a corn-based plastic from NatureWorks LLC. Though the ZoLi product line is currently only available on-line, hopefully one of these retailers and other boutique stores will begin to carry more products such as these.
