When thinking about buying toys, it’s best to choose natural ones because it is not only safe for children but also environmentally friendly. Because children who play with their toys for a long time tend to put them in their mouths.
Different materials can be good alternatives to plastic for making toys that are safe for children, as they do not contain harmful plastic components. Unlike plastic, these materials are biodegradable and do not pollute the environment after disposal. While it can be difficult to eliminate plastic from your life, small changes you can make in the future can help you live more sustainably.
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What are eco-friendly toys?
Eco-friendly toys are created with the intention of being better for the environment in some way. They can be recycled or made from natural or sustainably sourced materials. What’s special is that it’s safer for our little kids and friendlier to the planet.
Are plastic toys safe for babies?
You should choose high-quality plastic toys that are not harmful to your child. However, parents are not always clear about the origin and ingredients of some plastic toys. In fact, many studies indicate that there are many additive chemicals found in plastic toy materials that can pose health risks to children such as plasticizers, flame retardants and fragrances. Therefore, choosing plastic-free toys is both safe for children and environmentally friendly.
Do I need to replace all plastic toys with eco-friendly toys?
It’s great to have less plastic around the house but don’t throw everything away and rush to buy a new set of plastic-free toys. It’s a waste to throw away a working toy for another. But when it comes to buying new toys in the future, try to adopt a green and safe shopping mindset. And look for more eco-friendly toys made of wood, rubber, or organic cotton. Or you can even make your own toys to entertain your child from cardboard or available materials.
What is eco-friendly material for toys?
To avoid using toys that may contain harmful substances harmful to human health, you can buy toys made of a great alternative to plastic. Such toys are made from natural materials, they are intended for children to touch and explore with their mouths. Examples include wooden toys, fabric toys, bamboo toys, natural rubber toys, sustainable board games & puzzles…
What materials can I buy eco-friendly toys from?
Eco-Friendly Wooden Toys
Wooden toys are a better alternative to plastic toys. Eco-friendly wooden toys are usually made from fast-growing trees, such as birch or maple varieties. Also, look for toys that aren’t made from cheap wood or trees that can take a long time to replace, such as oak.
Environmentally Friendly Natural Rubber Toys
Natural rubber is non-toxic, biodegradable, breathable and can be sustainably harvested. Moreover, it is a great choice for plastic-free toys that can be put in the mouth of young children. The natural rubber quadruple toy is a great teething toy!
Sustainable Toys Organic Cotton And Wool
Sustainable toys made from organic wool or cotton are not only beautiful but they also haven’t been contaminated with a lot of pesticides or chemicals in the process of making them. They make safe gifts for a new baby. You can find many organic cotton and wool toys on the market, from dolls and rattles to stuffed animals.
Eco-Friendly Toys from Recycled Paper
Eco-friendly toys made from recycled paper are one of the favorite ways to reduce waste. There are many video tutorials online that teach children how to make toys from recycled paper. These simple instructions for making toys out of recycled paper bring new life to old materials and the end result is always beautiful. Young children will love to be helped and creating their own toys will make the practice of sustainable living more tangible.
Environmentally Friendly Clay
Children love to make shapes out of clay. Check that the clay you buy is eco-friendly, not contains PVC and lead-containing dyes, and is reusable. Otherwise, you can make your DIY non-toxic play dough using flour, salt, oil, water, and food coloring for your kids.
Food Grade Silicone Toys
Toys made of food-grade silicone derived from natural silica are safe for your little ones. The material is soft and flexible, but can also withstand prolonged pressure or bite when children play. Food-grade silicone eco-friendly toys contain no chemical by-products. They are also durable, temperature resistant, lightweight, and easy to clean. However, Food Grade Silicone is not biodegradable, as it is made from synthetic man-made materials.
How to shop for eco-friendly toys
1. Do your research on eco-friendly toys
Most of us feel rushed to make quick trips to the toy store in preparation for birthdays, holidays, and other events. Before you go, do a little research on what you intend to buy. Find the latest information on the safety and environmental friendliness of the toys before you buy.
2. Read the label
When shopping for eco-friendly toys, pay attention to child-safe labels. Make sure you avoid toys that contain phthalates, lead, and BPA.
3. Buy locally
Currently, the majority of toys on the market come from China, where safety and environmental concerns rarely affect manufacturers. Buying from local suppliers can help you save the planet by reducing long-haul emissions. Visit local craft fairs and spend your money locally while getting high-quality, toxin-free toys.
4. Choose environmentally friendly toy materials
Avoid plastic toys whenever possible, as they are more likely to contain toxins that release over time. Whenever there’s a need to shop for new toys, choose toys made from natural materials like unpainted wood or organic textiles. Toys made from recycled sticks and cardboard boxes can be great toys to help reduce the environmental impact of childhood.
5. Buy used toys
Bringing new life to old toys can help protect the environment and save your money. You can find eco-friendly toys at charity stores and websites like Freecycle that offer used things. You can even swap toys with your friends to give your child new experiences without buying new toys. Also, make sure you talk to your child before swapping out their favorite toy.
6. Buy quality products
Buying high-quality toys can be a wise investment. Cheap toys may contain chemicals that are dangerous to our children. High-quality toys can also outlast a childhood making them an extremely good value in the long run, being eco-friendly and safer.
7. DIY toys
You can spend time with your child and try making some toys out of the things you throw away. This helps your child find opportunities for entertainment throughout the day or week.
8. Avoid buying toys with batteries
Batteries can make exciting and exciting moving toys, but they take a huge toll on the environment. In addition, Batteries pose a serious threat to young children as they can easily choke. Instead of opting for battery-powered toys, consider hand-powered children’s options that keep them physically and mentally active.
9. Buy fewer toys
Finally, buy only the necessary toys for your child. Try to encourage children to enjoy life without being dependent on material possessions. Choose wisely for safe, high-quality toys that will last long enough to serve all your kids.
Conclusion
Buying child-safe toys ensure that your child has a safe, fun, and responsible childhood. At the same time, by making the decision to switch to buying eco-friendly toys, you can help protect the environment while supporting toy manufacturers who do business in a sustainable way. When you put these eco-friendly toy tips into practice, you might find other ways to make your life more sustainable.