I lost my toy tossing virginity last week. And I'm not happy about it.

Last year, I talked many parents through their anger, frustration, and anxiety as lead-tainted toy after lead-tainted toy was recalled. I calmly explained the issues regarding BPA and steered freaked out families towards safer bottles (and canned goods) as the stories about this hormone disrupting chemical popped up in just about every publication from parenting magazines to local newspapers.

But throughout all of this advice giving, I remained personally untouched. The extremely well-researched (fine -- over-researched) toys in my own house weren't being recalled. They're the tried and true green things -- not so-called natural toys.

Sure, sometimes I wish my kid could have every shiny plastic doll she develops a "thing" for, but I'm not risking it. Especially not when she's this young. In fact, since my daughter was born, we've never purchased a plastic toy (a few plastic gifts have been grandfathered into an only-in-the-car bin). I don't say this to sound smug. I just honestly practice what I preach. It's a pain in the ass but it makes me feel safe(r).

Ha.

A site to which I often steer parents in the market for toys -- HealthyToys.org -- releases its latest results today, December 3rd, in time for holiday shopping. And to my shock and horror and disgust, more than a few toys we own apparently contain lead, arsenic, chlorine (which indicates something is PVC when it claims not to be) and other undesirables. Did I mention how angry I am? ...

When I saw this fantastic AP image by Murad Sezer on the venerable Christian Science Monitor, I thought of one thing: I Has a Bucket!.

Of course, this lovable walrus, Sara, doesn't have a bucket, or even a buckit. She is performing with her Russian trainer during a show at the newly opened Istanbul Dolphinarium in Istanbul, Turkey. While it's true walruses don't play instruments exactly in the wild -- much as chimps don't generally smoke cigars or rollerskate on their own -- many do argue that well-cared-for animals in captivity can help inspire conservation.

Sadly, wild walruses are seriously threatened by global warming.

With the tagline "It's Not Easy Being Green: The Explosion and Future of Green Media," New York Women in Communications is set to host a panel discussion on coverage of environmental issues on December 2. I'm scheduled to moderate, so come check it out if you're in the city.

As New York Women in Communications points out, the green movement has left a sizable footprint across nearly everything in our culture. "From film to architecture, banking to design, being Green has factored into everything we do," the group points out. "This is also true of media and communications. Today we have Green-devoted television shows, blogs, websites, magazines and more."

As the group points out, green has shifted "from novelty to reality." But as many in and outside the movement have been saying for some time, there have been growing pains, confusion among consumers, and other areas of concern, from greenwashing to "greenfatigue" and "greenfear."

The panel will look at the present and future of green communications online, in broadcast, PR, advertising, news coverage and more. Panelists include Gail Heimann, vice chairman of Weber Shandwick Worldwide; Linda Descano, president and COO, Women & Co./Citi; Sarah Eaton, SVP, Public Relations, The Sundance Channel; and Fred Shank, director of Public Relations and Public Affairs, Whole Foods Market.

It's 6:00 - 8:00 PM at Hearst Tower (the first Green office building in New York City), the Joseph Urban Theater, 300 West 57th Street. It's $26 for members, $41 for nonmembers and $16 for student members. $1 of each ticket goes directly to the New York Women in Communications Foundation. Attendees enjoy cocktails and networking opportunities.

In their eagerness to cash in on consumer demand for eco-friendly products and services, many companies are calling their goods "green" despite their decidedly un-environmental qualities. When you shop, these 5 steps can help you distinguish what's green from what's being greenwashed.

1. Read the label

Look for meaningful claims, not words like "natural" or "planet friendly" that aren't backed up by standards or third-party verification (see below). When it comes to cleansers and other household goods, avoid products labeled "caution," "warning," "danger," and "poison," all of which indicate the item is hazardous to you and the environment. Ignore products that are inherently contradictory, like "organic cigarettes," or "most energy-efficient Hummer." Leave goods boasting irrelevant claims - like something is "CFC-free," (true, but misleading, since CFCs have been banned since the 1980s).

2. Look for third-party verification

In the absence of universal sustainable standards, if a company says its product is good for the earth, your first question should be, "Who else says so?"

Reliable eco claims are backed up by an independent institution or nonprofit organization that has investigated the manufacturer's claim so you don't have to.

Look for labels from groups like Forest Stewardship Council, Energy Star and the U.S. Department of Agriculture/Organic.

3. Choose fewer ingredients ...