Eco-Friendly Fun - 4 ways to Identify Green Kids Toys
February 1st, 2008 Posted in GeneralProviding your children with fun and educational toys is part of the fun of being a parent and increasingly parents are wondering how they can also ensure these toys are eco-friendly. When choosing a toy, ask yourself the following 4 questions to help rank the green-ness of the toy:
1) What Materials are the toys made of?
Identifying what is classified as a ‘green toy’ starts with the materials used to create that toy. Choose toys which are made with natural or easily recyclable materials. Choose toys made with:
- Leather
- Wood
- Organic cotton
- Metal (aluminum is easily recycled)
- Fabric
Avoid toys made with plastic as plastic is a non biodegradable oil based product.
2) What country are the toys made in?
Surprisingly the location where the toy is manufactured has a large impact on its ‘greenness’ . Most toys these days are produced in China and as a result incur an enormous environmental ‘carbon footprint’ due to the distances travelled. A Toys ‘Carbon Footprint’ increases every mile that toy has to be transported.
3) Will this toy break in the first 10 minutes?
Well made toys are inherently green because they can be passed down and are not designed to be used for a week before they break. Select toys that are robust, made with quality materials and designed to stand the test of time.
4) Can the toy eventually be recycled?
All toys will eventually find their way to the landfill unless their components can be recycled. Some toys are manufactured in a way that allows for their parts to be easily disassembled.
