I was happy when I got an email about PVC free raingear for kids. So much of the raingear available is made from thick PVC, and you can smell it. Gortex is made from the chemicals used in Teflon. So what’s a green parent to do?
PVC (also known as vinyl) is also known as the poison plastic, and is bad for the environment and for our kids. PVC often carries lead (such as in some baby bibs), and uses a number of troublesome chemicals called phthalates to make the plastic soft. These phthalates are endocrine disruptors which have been linked to problems in the development of the male reproductive system and the brain development of infants.
Here is a link about the enviornmental problems that begin with the manufacturing of PVC.
Thankfully, there are other options. Puddlegear has a new line of raingear that is PVC and phthalate free. According to Puddlegear, “All of Puddlegear’s raingear is made of Atec, a Polyurethane-coated stretch fabric, is environmentally-friendly and PVC and Phthalate free. The gear is imported from Swedish manufacturer of 60 years – Abeko. The raingear is also wind and waterproof, tear resistant and machine washable. Best of all, Atec is soft and flexible, so kids do not feel restricted while splashing in water and mud puddles.”
We don’t have rain jackets for the kids for the very reason that I could never bring myself to knowingly buy anything made from PVC. We just wear winter or wind jackets, and get wet. Maybe we will try to purchase a Puddlegear jacket in the future. It’s nice to know we do finally have an option.
Had a look at this rain gear- it sure looks nice!
With the market the way it is we should all be looking for quality products like this that will not just be disposable-
And the site is in Canadian Dollars – thats like a 24% savings for Americans!
thanks for the insight on this product!
Quinn- Boston
I bought some rain pants and jacket from Puddle Gear when my now 9 year old was 3. We lived in a temperate rainforest area of Alaska and you either played in the rain or you did not play. Now five year old brother is wearing them. They have been in near constant use during wet seasons and after all these years of play and living they only have one 1/2 abrasion tear near the seam of the pantleg on the very bottom edge. That is it. Never again will I buy the cheap stuff that tears after one use, or poisons the wearer. We love Abeko! Now big brother has a new set and I expect them both to be handed down to their now 2 year old little brother and still be in great shape. I could not recommend any other gear more highly.