Getting Kids to Play with Sustainable Toys
Learning to live sustainably is simpler when you begin at a young age – encouraging children to grow as environmentally conscious citizens is a good first step. One way to nurture those values early on is to provide them with eco-friendly toys made from natural, recycled and non-toxic materials. But how exactly can you get kids excited about choosing sustainable toys over mass-produced plastic ones?
1. Lead by Example
Children learn by observing their elders’ behaviours and attitudes. If you make an effort to buy eco-friendly products and talk about why sustainability matters, your kids will eventually pick up on that mindset. Explain to them why you choose certain toys over others. Teach them to spot labels like ‘organic’, ‘natural’ and ‘recycled’. The more appreciative they are of sustainability issues, the more receptive they'll be to ‘greener’ toy options.
2. Offer Choices
Force-feeding never does any good. Instead, set out to provide options. For instance, when selecting a new stuffed animal, offer both a teddy bear made from recycled materials and some building blocks made from responsibly sourced wood. Let your child decide for themselves! Providing choices allows kids to internalise green values willingly, while also letting them know that their consent matters.
3. Provide Outdoor Toys
Bubble wands, kites, balls, and beach toys encourage active outdoor play, which is great for kids' health and happiness. These open-ended toys also nurture creativity and imagination. Look for versions made from natural or recycled materials like cotton, wood, or wool.
4. Choose Simple, High-Quality Toys
Well-crafted toys made from wood, fabric, cardboard or metal promote sustainability and longer-lasting play value. These toys can also be passed down or donated, which is something worth discussing with young ones. Concepts like charity and circular economy link back to sustainable living and are easier for young minds to appreciate due to their positive connotations.
5. Focus on Natural Materials
Prioritise toys made from natural materials like wood, plant fibres, wool, beeswax, natural rubber, and organic cotton. They have a lower environmental impact than plastic and are often more durable. It can also be helpful to talk about the ‘how’ as well, instead of just focusing on the ‘what’. Kids are naturally curious, so play to their inquisitive natures!
It’s never too early to learn about environmental awareness. By encouraging kids to play with natural, non-toxic, sustainable toys, you can help foster an eco-conscious mindset and compassion for the planet.