'TIS THE SEASON TO BE CAREFUL

Every one of the 24 kinds of toys recalled this year was made in China. That's not only bad for the kids that get them but even worse for the workers that make them. If lead exposure is toxic to a single child, how much more toxic must it be for the millions of Chinese toy workers exposed to lead and other toxins in poorly ventilated factories?

Issues like these and the consciousness that goes with them led Penny Schafer to found Taraluna, a women-owned, family-run green business dedicated to changing the world one purchase at a time.

According to Penny, "If we can't trust toy manufacturers to put safety ahead of profit, if our children are thought of as merely market trends, isn't it time to stop buying their toys? Isn't it time for parents to start asking questions and educate themselves about the products they buy and how they're made?" (SEE: Penny's "Must Ask" questions to follow).

It's one thing to curse the darkness and another thing to light a candle. And that's exactly what Penny and Taraluna have done. Taraluna offers hundreds of wonderful, safe, non-toxic, fair trade, sweatshop-free, organic toys and gifts for the whole family that are not only thoroughly fun but meaningful to give.

Here are some of Penny's favorites this holiday season:

* Organic teething toys for infants. "Infant saliva can compromise ordinary plastic and release toxins into their bodies," says Penny.

* Mind-expanding puzzles, math and reading games as well as Xeko games. They all entertain and educate.

* A fido-fabulous Doggy Beauty and Travel Bag that's the cat's meow.

* Soul-stirring and mouth-watering certified, fair trade, organic and vegan chocolates. Who thought doing good could taste so good?

* Fair trade, heirloom-quality holiday ornaments. The kind that will be displayed for years. "These ornaments are absolutely beautiful. They'll surely be passed down for generations to come," Penny says.

* Soothing and nourishing spa products like Taraluna's Body Coffee gift set. "You love them a latte," exclaims Penny!

* Hand knit hemp/wool hats and gloves that even men and teens will love.

* Sustainable bamboo reusable casual eating utensils that you wash and reuse instead of use and toss.

* "Garden in a Bag". So even brown thumbs can go green and brighten any window.

* Elegant, fair trade stationery that will make your message even more meaningful.

Taraluna offers a serious selection of eco-friendly gifts ranging from fair trade jewelry and purses to singing bowls to organic baby gifts and natural cosmetics that are as beautiful to have as they are to give.
Penny adds, "When workers are treated well, have a stake in the business, have an opportunity where perhaps none existed before, I believe they care about the products they are making. This holiday, why not purchase products that help lift people out of poverty rather than products that keep them there?"
To check out their infinite selection, visit Taraluna at http://www.taraluna.com or call 877-325-9129.

PENNY'S "MUST ASK" QUESTIONS BEFORE BUYING ANY GIFT THIS SEASON.

* Have I chosen a toy or gift made with organic materials, non-toxic (lead-free) paint or varnish?

* Does this toy have small, easily-swallowed parts?

* Is the packaging dangerous? The plastic protection bags toys come in should always be disposed of under adult supervision.

* Is that toy "age appropriate"?

* Does this crib gift have a string longer than six inches that could strangle an infant?

* Does this toy meet U.S. safety standards or better yet higher European standards?

* Are they mindful or mindless? Do they educate as well as entertain?

* Are there sharp edges?

* Did I check out the Consumer Product Safety Commission at http://www.cpsc.gov/ for toy recalls?

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