Earth Friendly Toys
Shopping Tips

What to look for and what to avoid when shopping for earth friendly toys

Since my older daughter was born, as a new excited mom, I bought her so many toys and most of them are junk plastic toys that she uses one time before they break. And not just me, her grandparents and uncles they all bring these plastic toys that evidently are hazardous to her and the environment.

Unknowingly, we expose our kids to health risks since many of these toys are toxic and made from dangerous materials that are bad for the environment and our children.

It’s up to us to give our kids better alternatives, so before you shop for new toys, here are some green tips to help you find non-toxic, safe, earth friendly toys for them:

1. Look For Non-Toxic Toys

Avoid toys that contain PVC, bisphenol-A, phthalates or lead which are extremely dangerous for young children. (Below is a short explanation about these materials).

Look for labels on packaging that state the toys are free from these materials. If there are no labels, use your smelling test, toxic softeners in plastics can give them that new smell like a new vinyl shower curtain.

2. Stay Away From Toxic Paints and Markers

Steer clear of petrochemical-based glues and magic markers. Look for water-based paints, colored pencils, and glues as well as non-toxic, petroleum-free crayons that are made of beeswax or soy wax.

3. Battery-Operated Toys

For toddlers and babies, consider buying simple toys that are not powered by batteries. Batteries are hard to dispose of and it may be a bad idea to let your kid to chew on a battery. For older children who must have all the latest tech toys consider solar-powered toys or those with rechargeable batteries.

4. Go for Green Toys

Consider the green option. Earth friendly toys are made from natural, safe materials which do not harm the environment and your kid’s health. You can find many great toys made from organic cotton and wool, wooden toys or recycled materials toys that are better and safer alternatives.

5. Choose Durable Toys and Games

If you find the selection of green toys limited, choose toys and games that will last for a long time in your home, such as puzzles, board games, doll house, Lego etc…it will save you money to buy a good toy that last for years instead of buying many toys that break easily. Quality is the name of the game.

6. Made In China

Try to avoid toys that are made in China where factory workers are paid less then nothing for their work, and often children are exploited as well. Plus, many companies in China use lead in their toy and product production.

7. Handmade Toys

Consider buying homemade toys. Many work at home moms create handmade toys for a living and you can support them by buying handmade items. These toys are distinctive since they are not mass production, which means that every toy is special on its own and has a unique character.

Here’s A Short List of Toxic Materials Found in Toys:

PVC - Plastic toys such beach toys, teethers, dolls, and bath toys may contain PVC which is dangerous to human health and the environment due to poisonous chemicals released during its lifecycle, which can cause cancer and harm the immune and reproductive systems.

Phthalates - Many PVC toys, especially mouthing toys, also contain phthalates that make plastic soft and flexible. Phthalates are probable human carcinogens and have some of the characteristics of endocrine disrupters, and can cause reproductive abnormalities. They have also been linked to kidney and liver damage.

Even though scientists disagree on how dangerous phthalates are for young children, some European governments and organizations have banned phthalates for use in children's products.

Bisphenol A - Another dangerous chemical is the Bisphenol A that makes plastics strong, and hard to break. It is used in bath toys. It's a hormone disruptor, and animal studies have linked it to breast and prostate cancer, as well as infertility.

Lead - Some toys may contain lead in the paint or in the plastics used to make the toys. Also cheap metal jewelry for young children has high levels of lead lurking beneath the surface coating. Lead is a very strong poison that can seriously damage children’s brains and can cause learning and behavior problems, stomach troubles, headaches, hearing loss and anemia.

When shopping for new toys, consider eco-friendly toys that are made from natural, safe materials and they are less harmful for your kid and the environment. However, if the selection of earth friendly toys is limited opt for durable games that will last for generations.

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