Plastic Elimination Campaign: Kids' Swimming Pool
At times I feel like a snob for admitting it, but plastic things really upset my sense of beauty. I can tolerate it in the house at times (yes, I do own Tupperware!) but when it comes to plastic outside, the contrast between the artificialness of plastic riding toys, swingsets, etc. and the vibrancy and realness of the natural world is jarring. So whenever I can, I try to find ways to eliminate outdoor plastic fixtures.
I find that for babies, a galvanized metal tub makes a fun wading pool. While it's not really big enough to swim it, it definitely takes the edge off the last hot days of summer. And even bigger kids like to soak in it. I've found that one of these tubs (we just "upgraded" from a 30 gallon to a 45 gallon model this summer - $25 at the hardware store) and a good sprinkler is all the water fun my small children need.
And this fall, we can use it for bobbing for apples. :)
Comments
I am seriously thinking about buying one of those big horse troughs for the kiddos next summer. Our weather has cooled down here (north of Seattle) considerably, so we probably won't need to think about swimming again this year, but if I see one on sale....
In late May, we bought two inflatable pools--a fancy one from Costco and a smaller one from Target for the baby--and both leaked within six weeks. We returned the big one (no replacements available, sorry, yes, it's only mid-July, wait til next March or so) and kept the little one as a ball pit/puddle splashing pool--it only holds about 1" of water now.
My first child had only a 10 gallon beach pail to splash in (we lived in an apartment) and had a great time with that until she was nearly four.
Happy end of summer!
~Bridget
Thanks so much for the terrific idea! I always looking for creative alternatives to all the ugly, plastic objects in our lives!! I've recently read through your entries and a lot of what you write really strikes a chord with me. I've always found enjoyment in making our home a beautiful and comfortable place to live. You have so many wonderful ideas that achieve this goal with kids in mind! Thanks and take care.
Jen
I hate Rubbermaid almost as much as I hate Little Tykes. Actually, I think Rubbermaid owns Little Tykes...