5 Things to Check When Choosing a Sustainable Toy
Toys are crucial for child development, and it’s not like there’s a shortage of them out there! But before you get bogged down with the thousands of options at your fingertips, it might be a good idea to start thinking about the integrity of the toy you’re looking for. Not asked yourself that before? Worry not!
If sustainability is something you factor in when buying products, you can also apply this to the toys you buy. But what things should you look out for when shopping for a toy with sustainable features? It can be a bit of a minefield, so we have 5 places to start in your quest for choosing a sustainable toy for your little one.
1. Product safety
Keeping your child safe is the be-all and end-all to buying anything for your child, which is why it’s number one on our list. While a toymaker may focus on sustainability as a key selling point, be sure they haven’t cut corners elsewhere in areas such as dangerous design or skipping required safety standards.
There's another consideration around the safety and treatment of staff who have made the toy. You wouldn’t buy an item from a company that does not follow standard human rights best practices, so be sure that the product you choose has the same values you do through its core.
2. Materials
Plastic can be ubiquitous with toys and is hard to avoid. So when opting for toys that include plastic, choose ones as safe as possible.
Plastic can be ubiquitous with toys and is hard to avoid. So when opting for toys that include plastic, choose ones as safe as possible.
Wood is the obvious winner where sustainable material is concerned, but that doesn’t mean all wooden toys are innocent. Some companies contribute towards deforestation, and then package up their product as environmentally friendly (also known as greenwashing). This is a trick to make you believe they are pro-eco-friendly when it is far from the truth. Do a bit of quick research on the brand’s background and make a judgement call on whether it meets your standards.
3. Buy less (but buy quality when you do)
Young children do not need endless toys to keep them happy. In fact, some children prefer playing with the present’s wrapping paper rather than the gift itself! Toys bought for children should serve a positive purpose, rather than just buying for the sake of buying.
With this in mind, it’s a good idea to invest a little more in your toy of choice because it’ll be longer-lasting, not only making it a more eco-friendly purchase but also a potential hand-me-down for your future kids or other new parents who would like to take it.
4. Do your research
Many toy manufacturers, whether large enterprise toy producers or small boutique toymakers, will have an online presence. Explore the brand and learn some key factors that matter to you, such as the materials used, the manpower required to make the products, the safety checks, the brand’s values etc.
This quick research allows you to get a wider picture of the product outside of looking at the label.
5. Opt for STEM-based toys
Why would STEM toys be an important choice regarding sustainable products? Longevity!
With STEM toys, your child’s mental and cognitive skills can be stimulated many times over, ensuring your child comes back time and time again. From a sustainability angle, this means fewer toys need to be bought, and the one you do buy will help to boost your child’s learning and development!
This article might only give 5 suggestions and we’re sure you’ve probably thought of more. It’s clear there are many things to look out for, and using your gut instinct and a quick bit of detective work online can pay dividends in getting the most sustainable toys on the market. So, good luck in your search!