What’s a Sustainable Toy? | What’s Toy Sustainability?
A Sustainable toy is made of biodegradable natural materials such as renewable wood, cotton, bamboo, or wool. A sustainable toy has been manufactured in a nonpolluting way. A way without releasing carbon, greenhouse gases, or chemical toxins. These can be released into the waterways and the environment.
Toys are integral to childhood, but their production and disposal can significantly impact the environment. As a result, there has been a growing interest in sustainable toys made from eco-friendly materials designed to last longer. This comprehensive guide will explore sustainable toys, what makes them bearable, and why they are essential for the environment and future generations.
What makes a Toy Sustainable?
Sustainable toys are designed, manufactured, and disposed of in an environmentally responsible manner. They are made from eco-friendly materials like wood, organic cotton, bamboo, and recycled plastic. These materials are renewable, non-toxic, and biodegradable, making them safer for children and the environment.
Sustainable toys are also designed to last longer than traditional toys, reducing the need for frequent replacements. They are often designed to be versatile and adaptable, encouraging children to use their imaginations and creativity to play with them differently.
I developed toy categories in Sustainability, Playability, Durability, Longevity, and Versatility. Additionally, each type has three subcategories. In this article, I am explaining the first category, sustainability.
My Three Categories of Sustainability:
1. Product – What materials make up the product? Are they sustainable and biodegradable?
Firstly, sustainable toys are made from eco-friendly materials that are safer for children and the environment. They are made from renewable and biodegradable materials, reducing the amount of plastic waste that ends up in landfills or oceans. Secondly, sustainable toys are designed to last longer than traditional toys, reducing the need for frequent replacements. This saves money and reduces the environmental impact of toy production and disposal.
Thirdly, sustainable toys promote healthy play for children. They are often designed to encourage creativity, imagination, and physical activity, promoting the development of cognitive, social, and physical skills. Fourthly, choosing sustainably made toys supports ethical business practices. By purchasing sustainable toys from companies that follow fair labor standards and responsible sourcing of materials, consumers can help promote social and environmental responsibility in the toy industry.
Lastly, consumer behavior dictates what is produced. By buying sustainably made toys, we can influence companies to create more sustainable toys. This can shift the market towards more eco-friendly and durable toys, reducing the environmental impact of the toy industry.
What is the “real cost” of an inexpensive plastic toy?
The “real cost” of an inexpensive plastic toy goes beyond just the monetary cost of the toy itself. It includes the environmental and social costs of producing, using, and disposing of the toy. Firstly, creating plastic toys involves extracting and processing fossil fuels, contributing to climate change and environmental degradation. The manufacturing process also involves using toxic chemicals that can harm workers and pollute the environment.
Secondly, the use of plastic toys can have negative impacts on children’s health and well-being. Plastic toys can contain harmful chemicals like phthalates and BPA that can leach out over time and cause health problems. Additionally, plastic toys are often designed for short-term use and quickly become clutter, contributing to the problem of waste. Thirdly, the disposal of plastic toys is a primary environmental concern. Most plastic toys are not biodegradable and end up in landfills or oceans, where they can persist for centuries and harm wildlife.
The actual cost of an inexpensive plastic toy includes the environmental and social costs of its production, use, and disposal. By choosing sustainably made toys, we can help reduce these costs and create a healthier, more sustainable future for our children. Hopefully, one day your child will also grow up to be eco-conscious. Also, see my related post on three things to consider when purchasing a toy.
2. Packaging – Is the packaging biodegradable and recyclable? Does it contain single-use plastic?
Why does packaging matter?
When considering the sustainability of a toy, it’s also essential to consider the packaging that it comes in. The packaging of a toy can have a significant impact on the environment. Ideally, a toy’s packaging should be biodegradable and recyclable. Biodegradable packaging can break down naturally in the background without harming it, while recyclable packaging can be reused and repurposed instead of ending up in a landfill.
Single-use plastic packaging is a primary environmental concern, as it takes hundreds of years to decompose and can harm wildlife. In addition to reducing waste and pollution, sustainable packaging can also reduce the carbon footprint of a toy. The production and transportation of packaging materials contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, so using sustainable materials can help reduce these emissions. Choosing toys with sustainable packaging can help reduce our environmental impact and promote a more sustainable future.
3. Manufacturing:
“Today, there are some very trustworthy, well-respected toy companies. These companies produce in their eco-friendly factories overseeing every sustainable business practice.”
A. Manufacturing Process
Is the toy made sustainably with ethical and eco-friendly manufacturing processes? Does this wooden toy company/brand use its factory in which it overseas practices?
Looking for reputable companies prioritizing sustainable and eco-friendly practices is essential for toys. Many of these companies use biodegradable natural materials; even toys made with some plastic components can be better for the environment than all-plastic toys. Wooden toys, for example, have a much lower carbon footprint than plastic toys.
Several factors must be considered to determine whether a toy company is sustainable and ethical. One crucial factor is manufacturing practices. Are the toys made sustainably? Does the company oversee the manufacturing process in its eco-friendly factory? Unfortunately, many toy companies use third-party manufacturing plants to fulfill large orders, which can lead to ethical concerns and poor working conditions for factory workers.
Consumers need to research toy companies and manufacturers to ensure they’re supporting sustainable practices. Some top sustainable toy companies own their factories and manufacturing processes, ensuring the sustainability of their products. In contrast, many larger companies turn a blind eye to unethical manufacturing practices, so consumers must take responsibility and prioritize sustainability when making toy purchases.
Transparency Matters
While researching sustainable toy practices for this article, I stumbled upon an article that discussed the state of the industry. Although not entirely unexpected, it was still quite surprising, particularly when Disney’s name was mentioned. It’s worth noting that the article was published three years ago, and it’s been 14 years since Mattel’s infamous “lead recall.”
Unfortunately, not much has changed in the toy industry since then. Additionally, most companies, even the largest ones, rely on third-party manufacturing plants to fulfill their high-volume orders. This approach allows them to produce new toys quickly and meet demand, especially for popular products. Learn more about Toys made in China HERE!
Regrettably, this often leads to situations such as the one described below. It also enables companies to deny responsibility by claiming they were unaware of such practices because the factory was not theirs. For example, when confronted with allegations of worker mistreatment, a Hasbro spokesperson told CNBC that the claims were unsubstantiated by the company’s extensive monitoring and audits. Target also responded with a statement emphasizing its expectation that all vendors supplying products to the company uphold its ethical standards.
The Sad Truth on Manufacturing
According to an investigation into Chinese toy factories, workers making products for major companies such as Hasbro, Mattel, and Disney were subjected to severe violations. These violations included poor pay, forced overtime, and unsafe working conditions. The report revealed that employees producing Disney’s Princess Sing and Sparkle Ariel Doll in the Wah Tung factory had to meet a daily quota of up to 2,500 tons per day and work 26 days a month, earning only $435 per month plus one cent for each doll produced. This is even though the Ariel doll currently retails on Amazon for $34.97 in the US.
Moreover, these corporations know these factories’ conditions and environmental impacts. They commonly turn a blind eye toward them. When called out, corporations take the route quoted above. I am not sure what’s more disappointing… The corporations utilizing these practices or the consumers driving this behavior. We all need to take a certain level of responsibility for this. The manufacturing process cannot be overlooked.
“Once you become more knowledgeable about sustainable business practices, it may change your purchasing habits and make you less likely to buy from unsustainably run companies.”
Additionally, I have compiled a list of my top sustainable toy companies below. One thing that all of these companies have in common is that they own their factories and control their manufacturing processes to ensure sustainability. By taking 100% responsibility for their operations, these companies can guarantee the sustainability of their products. Click HERE to learn if “Made in China” Toys are Safe.
B. Messaging
Is the company clear about its sustainability message? Is the company transparent about sustainability practices on its website? What is explicit mention of certifications and eco-friendly practices?
Clear messaging and transparency about sustainability practices are crucial to determining a company’s sustainability commitment. A company that cannot clearly articulate its sustainability message or fails to disclose information about its eco-friendly practices raises a red flag for consumers who prioritize sustainable products.
PlanToys sets an excellent example by providing a clear and concise sustainability message on its website, detailing its commitment to creating a more sustainable world by considering the environment and society in its business practices. Additionally, their website provides a detailed flowchart explaining each step in their manufacturing process, demonstrating transparency in their eco-friendly practices.
Why it matters?
By going the extra mile to provide informative and engaging content, such as animated videos, PlanToys educates and inspires society to prioritize environmental preservation, child safety, and development. Overall, their website is a gold medal winner in communicating a solid sustainability message and demonstrating transparency in their eco-friendly practices. To learn more, please review their website PlanToys.
C. Labeling?
A responsible toy company will clearly label the materials used in its products and any safe forest practices employed in its production. This information should be available on their website or on the toy’s packaging. Look for toys made from FSC-certified woods, such as maple, pine, birch, beechwood, rubberwood, and bamboo. These materials should also be sustainably sourced and reforested to ensure that future generations can continue to enjoy the same resources.
In addition to wooden toys, cloth and fabric toys can be made from sustainable and natural materials. Look for toys made from cotton, hemp, wool, bamboo, and linen, and check to see if they are OETEX-certified. This certification ensures that the fabric is made from natural fibers and does not contain harmful substances.
When it comes to the dyes, stains, varnish, and glues used in the production of the toy, it’s essential to look for non-toxic, water-based products. The use of non-formaldehyde adhesives and non-toxic varnish is also recommended. Toys made with vegetable-based inks are also a great choice as they are a safer alternative to traditional inks.
Final Thoughts on why do Sustainable Toys Matter?
One way to ensure our toys are sustainable is to look for companies responsible for manufacturing. This means owning their factories and ensuring that their products are made using eco-friendly manufacturing methods and sustainable materials.
Companies like PlanToys and HABA are excellent examples of sustainable toy manufacturers. PlanToys has a detailed sustainability message on its website, explaining its commitment to eco-friendly manufacturing methods and using green materials to protect the environment. They even have a detailed flowchart describing each step in the manufacturing process and their focus on child development and safety standards.
However, HABA has a reputation for producing high-quality toys, focusing on using sustainably sourced and reforested wood for many of its products. They use non-toxic water-based stains and lacquers on their toys and minimize using foam and additional packing material in their packaging.
And…
When purchasing toys, it’s also essential to consider the materials used in their construction. Natural, biodegradable materials like wood, cotton, hemp, wool, bamboo, and linen are excellent choices. When selecting toys, it’s essential to look for water-based stains, dyes, paints, non-formaldehyde glues, and non-toxic varnish.
In conclusion, choosing sustainable and natural materials when buying toys is healthy for our children and a responsible choice for the environment. By supporting companies prioritizing sustainability and eco-friendly manufacturing methods, we can contribute to a more sustainable world while still enjoying the benefits of playtime with our little ones. See my in-depth review of Top Sustainable Toy Companies to learn more about notable sustainable companies. Also, see my Top USA Toy Companies below!
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