Going Green When Going Toy Shopping for Kids

Thinking About the Environment and Ethics When Buying Toys

Jul 23, 2009

Holistic parents think about how their shopping choices can impact the world around them. Here are tips to help make thoughtful, ethical and green toy buying choices.

Parents can use their purchasing power in a smart and environmentally friendly way when they look for toys. More and more businesses are getting savvy to the growing environmental movement, and it’s not as hard as some parents might think to get green gifts. Moms and dads just need to be a bit more conscious and creative in their shopping.

Be Careful of Soft Plastic Toys

Many soft plastic toys contain plasticizers that are called phthalates. The Canadian Cancer Society is concerned that there could possibly be a higher risk of getting cancer in connection with exposure to certain phthalates. A number of countries have banned products with phthalates. And because of the fears over these chemicals, some companies that use soft plastic in their toys are not using this plasticizer and are labelling their products as phthalate-free.

Batteries Not Included...at All if Possible

Try to limit the number of toys that have or need batteries. If parents do buy toys that require batteries, then they should buy rechargeable ones and a recharger. Rechargeable batteries can be used over and over and have less of an environmental impact compared to regular batteries. They also makes life easier for parents when the batteries run out. Instead of having to run to the store to buy more, they just have to recharge the batteries they already have.

Look for “Natural” Toys

Buy toys that are made from materials found in nature and have limited processing. Instead of a plastic train, choose a wooden one. Instead of plastic doll, choose one made with cotton, hemp and wool. Toys that are made of wood are often painted, find out if non-toxic paints or dyes were used, or if they have a natural oil finish like linseed or beeswax.

Buying toys that are free of harmful chemicals is especially important for babies and young children who are more likely to suck and chew on them.

Research Ethical Standards of Toy Company

Buying the cheapest toy can often mean a parent is buying a toy that has been created in a less than ethical environment where employees work long hours for little pay and in poor or even dangerous conditions. About ¾ of all toys are made in China, where this is often the case. There are also worries that workers are abused or that children are being put to work to make items in developing nations. Parents can feel better about their choice by shopping in fair trade stores or buying items that are fair trade.

Parents can also search out craftspeople in their area and choose toys that are made in the local community. If a parent decides to buy from a bigger brand, it’s a good idea to research that company’s employment practices to find out how well it treats and pays its workers. A phone call or email can be all that is needed.

Reuse and Recycle Toys

One of the best things parents can do to shrink their environmental footprint is to forgo buying new toys at all. Parents can do a toy exchange with friends and neighbours. They can go to flea markets, or there are even swap meets that specialize in children’s items. Parents can also check out garage sales and thrift stores for second-hand toys. They can also do the same, by passing on or selling toys that their children are no longer playing with.

Create Toys With Things on Hand

It’s amazing the fun a child can have with household items and a little imagination. A simple stick can keep kids busy for a long time. It’s a wand, it’s a sword, it’s a snake! And how many kids love a box. A big one can be painted and cut up to become a house, a spaceship or a car. Parents and kids can also make things together in the kitchen, like cooking up their own play dough or mixing up some goop.

Parents can be good to the planet when they shop for toys by choosing natural products over plastic ones, finding out about the ethical standards a company upholds for its workers, buying toys second-hand and making their own toys with kids with whatever is around the house or backyard.

The copyright of the article Going Green When Going Toy Shopping for Kids in Holistic Parenting is owned by Tamiko Nicholson. Permission to republish Going Green When Going Toy Shopping for Kids in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.