Right now there is much ado about “being green,” with good reason. Never has it been more important that we take care of our earth’s natural resources. In buying your child’s toys do you just go for everything made of plastic that will probably barely last the week, or do you try to find green toys that are fun for your child and good for the environment? Here are some ideas of what to look for when buying green toys.
Rubberwood Toys
Rubber trees produce latex that is used to make rubber. Once the trees are fully grown and can no longer produce latex, they are burned. These abandoned trees are used to make toys. Since most are grown without pesticides, they are also completely organic. A company called Plan Toys makes lovely wooden toys exclusively from rubber trees. Every time a tree is cut down, another is planted. The durability and quality of these toys are quite incredible.
Bamboo Toys
A bamboo forest can grow up without intervention in just 3 years. They require little care or water. Bamboo is light and flexible making it a great quality material for toy-making.
Organic Cotton
Organic cotton plants are grown without the use of harmful pesticides. The chemicals used in growing regular cotton can create skin irritation for your child. Fat Brain Toys is a great company for finding affordable toys made from completely organic products.
Recycled Toys
Many manufacturers are now taking recycled plastic (from milk jugs, etc.) and making fabulous toys with it. Look for toys made from recycled plastic. They should also be designed without any exterior coatings making them safe from lead paint. There is actually a toy company called Green Toys that is great for environmentally safe products made from recycled plastic.
Environmental Packaging
Find toy companies who cut down on the use of plastic packing materials. Instead they might use recycled materials and should be labeled as such. Environmental packaging should include the recycled use of corrugated boxes, with no plastic, Styrofoam, cellophane or twist ties. You can then recycle the box after opening!
Downsize
We are a privileged country and rarely is that more obvious than in our children’s playrooms. If you’re going to be getting your child more toys for Christmas or birthdays, then consider weeding out the ones that your child no longer plays with. Give them to a needy family, or if they are badly damaged, recycle the materials. This will help teach your child to give back and give them a greater appreciation for their “new” toys. So, give “green toys” a try and make this world a better place.
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