Parenting is a hard enough task in its own right. So, trying to save the planet at the same time is a tough ask! Keeping up with the latest news about the environment, climate change, carbon trading, global warming, deforestation, renewable energy, sustainability, and the plight of the African pigmy can be a struggle! So what can us parents do? Go green, of course.
Why go green?
let me give you a couple of facts that may surprise you and even spurn you to action.
Did you know:
That Americans alone purchase 5 billion batteries a year
Those batteries will cause 146,000 Tons of waste each year
Many of these batteries come from toys so “how can we – as individual parents – make small decisions that have a positive impact on the environment?” Well, one such decision is about the toys or games you buy your children. It’s a little cliché but true nonetheless, your children and your children’s children will inherit the world that we create today. You know you’re going to give them a toy every now and then anyways, so why not buy your children environmentally friendly toys? Besides, green toys are so “in” this year that they come in all shapes and sizes, without chemicals or additives.
Eco-friendly toys are made from natural, safe materials which do not harm kids or the environment. So other than just benefiting the environment, if your child is at the age when they want to chew on anything and everything, you’ll want to be sure your child’s playthings are green and healthy!
How to go green?
You’re probably thinking that a) you’re not sure where to buy eco-friendly toys, and b) that these toys are going to be expensive. Here’s the good news: going green can actually save you lots of money… and it’s really easy to do when you know how.
Before you ask, here’s a little tick list to help you on the way:
1. The first thing to consider is whether you really need to buy something new
There are many unloved and unused toys and games in homes across Sydney. Rather than collecting dust, these might be donated to charity shops, sold at garage sales or Freecycled. When you next want to treat a child, you might consider collecting a toy from one of these sources.
Freecycling
I’ve only just been introduced to “Freecycling” and I think it’s a brilliant idea… and it’s FREE! Basically, you join an on-line community initiative that allows people to give away items that are no longer being used. Where I live (Sydney) there are many local Freecycle communities, but you don’t have to be in Sydney. You can find the community closest to you at www.freecycle.org. Join up (it’s all free) and then watch the messages arrive in your in-box. People give away everything on these lists, from Harry Potter dolls to bicycles to doll’s houses. If you are interested in an item, email a reply and wait for an answer. The owner looks at all responses and then chooses a recipient. In turn Freecycle offers you a chance to create some more space in your own home and reduce the impact on the environment caused by excessive manufacturing and waste processing.
Toy libraries
Something you may not have even considered, but does your child need to own a toy in order to enjoy it? Probably not. In fact, if I think of the number of “fad” toys that have come and gone I wish I’d thought about borrowing toys first from a toy library (exactly like borrowing books from normal library). Hey, if it turns out your child absolutely loves a particular toy, you can always see if someone is giving one away at your local freecycle community or – failing that – you could even purchase it!
Toy libraries are located in loads of places, google “toy library” in your area and you’re bound to get back a bunch of results.
2. The next thing you should remember is to buy good quality that will last
Hand in hand with the re-use mantra, is a commitment to buying good quality toys and games. A good quality toy will last for generations and can be re-used much more readily than a toy that will break or crack. Use the internet to read parent reviews or manufacturers’ product information. A toy that can be used in a variety of ways – an open ended toy, with no set answer or outcome – will foster imagination and invite more play. An age-appropriate game that requires higher level thinking or the use of strategic skills will engage young people for much longer than a game that is too easy or one dimensional.
3. Consider eco manufacturers
If the time has come to buy something new, there are some toy manufacturers that are seriously considering the environment in all aspects of their business. Look for items that are:
• made with (at least some) recycled material content
• made with wood that is FSC certified – comes from sustainably managed forests
• made from materials in abundant supply, like bamboo and post-latex producing rubber wood
• certified safe for children
• certifiably organic
• biodegradable
• presented with minimal or recycled packaging
• manufactured by a company with 14001ISO endorsement
• Fair Trade certified
• operated without the need for batteries
• PVC, BPA, lead, Phthalate and petroleum free (including paint and glue used in packaging)
• good quality – increasing the opportunity for re-use
The internet provides a world of information about eco-friendly toys, and there are several retailers in Australia that offer a range of toys that fulfil this criteria – including second hand and on-line toy shops. Think carefully when you next buy a toy and take a close look at the small print!
