The Ecological Waste Coalition (EcoWaste) urged Yuletide shoppers Tuesday to be mindful of the things they purchase as gifts and advised them to buy “green” presents that are substitutes to “risky” gifts.

“There is no lack of best alternatives to lead-loaded toys that threaten the health of our children,” said EcoWaste’s Lead Paint Elimination coordinator Paeng Lopez.

Studies show that lead, an “invisible poison,” poses serious threat to children’s health.

Once exposed, it could cause an assortment of severe health problems such as decreased bone and muscle growth, speech and language difficulties, hearing loss, behavioral issues, and lower intelligence quotient or IQ.

Lead in paint maybe inhaled or eaten, and, in some degree, absorbed into the skin. Because of their hand-to-mouth activities, children are most susceptible to lead poisoning.

“With the use of a little creativity, we just might rediscover the true spirit of gift-giving and find a meaning to what has now become a mechanical act,” he said as he suggested “green” gifts as alternative to probable “risky” gifts.

EcoWaste recommended that making own gifts, giving plants, or spending a meaningful time with the whole family at home or out of town are among other substitutes to buying probably risky gifts.

“Let us all be prudent in giving gifts, like our ever-loving Father,” Fr. Romy Floralde, parish priest of San Pedro Bautista Church in Quezon City, reminded the public.

“When the Lord our God sent us Jesus his son, he gave humanity a thoroughly beneficial gift devoid any detrimental flaw. Let us all be as lovingly cautious and avoid giving any gift that may prove to be more of a burden than a treasure,” Fr. Floralde advised.

Baby Reyes of Mother Earth Foundation said labeling of toys must be pushed to prevent the poisoning of children.

“Shoppers should not bear the trouble of determining the safety of their purchase. Instead, manufacturers must duly provide appropriate information on the packaging of their products in order to properly advise consumers about the risks involved in buying them,” she added.

Lopez further recommended that there must be a regular monitoring program on manufacture of toys from the government and private sector, similar to what other countries such as the United States is doing, to ensure that manufacturers continue to keep their products trustworthy.