Maya Organic’s Eco-friendly Ma Me Pa Turtle Pull-Toy

Who: Maya Organic (MO); Karnatka, India

What: Ma Me Pa Pull Toy

Where: Dandelion – $28; Little Green Angels - £14; (see also the Tu Tu Turtle sold by World of Good – $16)

Why: Awww, Ma Me & Pa…. love this adorable family of three, with their colorful high-gloss finish and whimsical shells that swirl as the trio is pulled along. Such a cool looking toy, that, kids or no kids, it would make an interesting display piece recalling the quality craftmanship of wooden toys of the past and sure to be passed down generation to generation.

The turtles are hand-crafted by fair trade collectives in Karnatka, India using locally-harvested, sustainable and fast growing rubber wood. The rich colors are derived from vegetable dyes and finished with lac, an all-natural resin for a non-toxic finish. Even the packaging is eco-friendly, made of recycled paper.

Maya Organic is a livelihood development initiative that helps micro-entrepreneurs build a network of sustainable enterprises that makes impeccable quality products by collaborating and partnering with umbrella structures to manage supply, product development, design and marketing. Maya Organic aims to create wealth and build capabilities of poor informal sector workers and their families.

Note: there was a recall of these turtles in 2008 because small parts may pose a choking hazard to young kids. So, perhaps this is better suited for your mantel or for older kids.