All you parents who have bought toys are aware of the amount of plastic packaging they come up, a lot of it which is unrecyclable. And not only that, most commercial toys which make up 90% of the toy market, are made of plastic. And imagine the amount of plastic waste that’s dumped into the landfills and oceans, because our children grow fast, and move onto different play needs.
They may be cheap & attractive but not only are they hazardous for your environment, but also your baby, as they contain toxic chemicals that leach out, into their mouths! And if you’ve never thought of this, the time is now, as this makes up a large part of being an eco-friendly parent.
- Avoid Plastics: Some of the toxic additives that are used in toys are Phthalates (to give it a soft feel), cadmium, lead (used to make toys more durable) and BPA, all of which are a big no. These ingredients can be cancerous and can cause nerve damage and affect normal brain growth. And let’s not forget all that environmental damage this can create, where these materials rot in landfills and oceans for over 500 years! When there are easy to SHIFT to alternatives, why even look towards the shelf of plastic?
- Wooden toys – Wooden toys don’t contain harmful chemicals unless they are painted with chemical based paints. A lot of them are made from sustainably sourced wood, and can be discarded without the fear of them rotting. Bamboo on the other hand is a great option, as bamboo is the fastest growing plant on our planet. A grove of bamboo releases 35% more oxygen as compared to other trees, and hence is counted as a renewable natural product.
- Organic cotton or hemp toys – These are truly ideal for your young ones are they are made of safe materials and have no sharp edges that can hurt your baby. Dyes used in making organic toys comes from natural plant sources, grown organically without insecticides and pesticides.
- Recycled Rubber Toys – Natural rubber has many wonderful properties. It’s anti-microbial, hypo-allergenic and mildew-resistant. These toys, again don’t hurt your baby, as they are soft, and what’s better, a lot of them are made from rubber that is recycled!
Little Vehicles – Natural Rubber Toys
- Recycled Materials – You’ll be shocked at the number of options available, where toys are made from recycled materials. From rubber to recycled milk cartons, there are so many options for this one, all it takes is to be a little mindful while shopping!
- Buying pre-loved – Well, we can’t stress enough on this one! This not only prevents dumping of waste, but is so easy on your pocket. Some great wins out there, because children barely use one toy before it’s time for the next, as they grow so fast! And this not only helps the environment, but saves such a buck! Encourage your peer groups in school, join Facebook groups and you’d definitely find so many amazing options.
You’re not alone. Share your experiences, tips, tricks; post your questions or even challenge what we’ve written! Let’s build an eco-conscious community together!
Happy SHIFTING!