Empowering green families for a brighter future

  • As an Australian who grew up at the beach, and now a mum of an outgoing and playful little boy, I have always worried about the impact of plastic waste on the environment. Many of us are looking for ways to reduce the plastic we use and are looking to find more eco-friendly alternatives. One way to do this is by choosing toys made from recycled plastic.

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  • Why choose recycled toys?

  • There’s at least four good reasons to make sure your loved ones’ toys are recycled:
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    1. Safety and Non-Toxicity: Durability and Longevity: Environmental Benefits: Recycled plastic toys are made from post-consumer plastic waste, which helps reduce the amount of plastic that ends up in landfills and our oceans. The massive increase in ocean plastics much driven by children’s toys is deeply troubling (see this article for more). By choosing toys made from recycled materials, parents can contribute to a circular economy, where waste is minimized and resources are reused. This helps to conserve energy and reduce pollution associated with the production of new plastics.
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      Recycled plastic toys are known for their durability and resistance to wear and tear. They can withstand rough play, making them an excellent choice for active children. The strong, sturdy nature of these toys means they’re likely to last longer than traditional plastic toys, ultimately saving parents money and reducing waste.

    Recycled plastic toys are usually made from high-quality, non-toxic materials that are free from harmful chemicals like BPA, phthalates, and PVC. This ensures that children are not exposed to hazardous substances during playtime. Manufacturers of eco-friendly toys often follow strict safety guidelines and testing protocols to ensure the wellbeing of children.

    1. Encourages Eco-Consciousness:

    By introducing recycled plastic toys to your children, you’re teaching them the importance of making environmentally responsible choices. This can help foster a sense of environmental stewardship and encourage them to make eco-friendly decisions throughout their lives.

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  • Some recycled plastic toys that we love in our household (and also make great gifts!)
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  1. Green Toys Recycling Truck (Ages 1-5): Made from 100% recycled plastic milk jugs, this recycling truck teaches kids about recycling while providing hours of imaginative play. The truck is free from BPA, phthalates, and PVC, and is safe for us for children aged 1 and up.
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  3. PlanToys Sea Life Bath Set – This fun bath set is made from recycled rubber wood and features a variety of sea creatures. The set encourages water play and imaginative storytelling, and is suitable for children aged 12 months and up. Link:

    1. Green Toys Stacking Set: Safe, non-toxic; contains no BPA, PVC, phthalates or external coatings, and appropriate for ages 1+.
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    3. PlanToys Wooden Helicopter – This eco-friendly helicopter toy is made from natural rubber wood and features spinning propellers and a pilot figure. The toy is free from harmful chemicals and is suitable for children aged 3 and up. Link: https://plantoys.com/collections/wooden-toys/products/helicopter
Green Toys Recyling Truck: Winner in our 'most bitten' category
PlanToys Sea Life Bath Set: great tub toy for water play, they can float and squirt water. 100% recycled
Green Toys Stacking Set: free from BPA, PVCs, phthalates and 100% recycled

While we can’t always avoid plastic, by choosing toys made from recycled plastic, you can help to reduce plastic waste and protect the environment, while also providing your children with fun and engaging, as well as hygienic, options. These are just a few examples of the many eco-friendly toy options available

Eco-friendly toys

Eco-friendly toys are a great way to promote sustainability and teach your kids about the importance of caring for the environment. By following these tips,

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  • As parents, we want the best for our children, and that includes providing them with toys that are both entertaining and safe. Eco-friendly toys are made with the environment and your child’s health in mind, using non-toxic and sustainable materials. In this comprehensive buying guide, we’ll introduce you to the top 10 eco-friendly toys for children of all ages and the benefits of choosing environmentally conscious playthings.

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  • Benefits of Eco-Friendly Toys
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  • Non-toxic materials: Eco-friendly toys are made from natural or recycled materials, free from harmful chemicals.
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  • Sustainable production: Companies producing these toys often prioritize environmentally responsible practices.
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  • Encourages environmental awareness: Introducing eco-friendly toys can help children develop an understanding of the importance of sustainability from an early age.
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  1. Factors to Consider when Choosing Eco-Friendly Toys
  • Materials used: Look for toys made from recycled, natural, and non-toxic materials.
  • Age-appropriateness: Ensure the toy is suitable for your child’s age and developmental stage.
  • Educational value: Opt for toys that can teach valuable skills or knowledge.
  • Durability: Choose toys that will last, reducing waste and saving money.
  • Certifications and safety standards: Look for reputable certifications, like FSC or Green Seal, that ensure the toy meets environmental and safety standards.
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  • Top 10 Eco-Friendly Toys
  1. Green Toys Recycling Truck (Ages 1-5): Made from 100% recycled plastic milk jugs, this recycling truck teaches kids about recycling while providing hours of imaginative play.
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  3. PlanToys Wooden Drum Set (Ages 3+) This wooden drum set, made from sustainably harvested rubberwood, is perfect for budding musicians.
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  5. HABA Kringelring Wooden Baby Rattle & Clutching Toy (Ages 0-12 months) Crafted from sustainably sourced beechwood and colored with non-toxic water-based stains, this rattle is perfect for babies.
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  7. BeginAgain Tinker Totter Robots (Ages 3+) These wooden robot playsets, made from eco-friendly rubberwood, promote STEM learning and creativity.
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  9. Petit Collage Alphabet Wooden Puzzle (Ages 3+) Featuring FSC-certified wood, this alphabet puzzle helps children learn letters and develop fine motor skills.
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  11. Eco-Kids Eco-Dough (Ages 2+) Made from all-natural ingredients, this eco-friendly play dough is safe and fun for little hands.
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  13. Tegu Magnetic Wooden Blocks (Ages 1+) These wooden blocks, made from sustainably sourced hardwood, feature built-in magnets for endless building possibilities.
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  15. EverEarth Jr. Ramp Racer (Ages 18 months+) This wooden ramp racer, crafted from FSC-certified beechwood, provides hours of racing fun.
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  17. My Family Builders Magnetic Building Blocks (Ages 1+) These diverse, magnetic wooden building blocks encourage open-ended play and teach
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  1. Petit Collage Eco-Friendly Balancing Game (Ages 4+) These beautifully illustrated puzzles are made from recycled materials and printed with vegetable-based inks.
Green Toys Recyling Truck: Winner in our 'most bitten' category
Eco-dough - no more worring if your kids eat toxic doughs, this is safe and non-toxic
Wild Rainbow Wooden Balancing Game: easy to learn, sustainable wooden materials

Eco-friendly toys are a great way to promote sustainability and teach your kids about the importance of caring for the environment. By following these tips, you can ensure that your eco-friendly toys last longer, reducing waste and saving money in the long run

Store Toys Properly
Proper storage can extend the life of your eco-friendly toys. Keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent fading and warping. This also helps prevent mold, mildew or damage from humidity. We recommend storage solutions like HumbleCrew’s eco-friendly bins to keep your child’s play area organized and protect their toys from damage. It’s especially important to store toys with small parts in separate containers to avoid losing pieces or causing choking hazards.

 

Follow the Manufacturer’s Care Instructions

This may seem obvious but is easily overlooked: always refer to the care instructions provided by the manufacturer to maintain the quality and safety of your eco-friendly toys. It can differ a great deal depending on the material and construction of the toy. For example, PlanToys Wooden Toys line should be cleaned with a damp cloth, while many plastic toys (such as the green toys recycled dumptruck) can be cleaned in the dishwasher. You don’t want to expose your kids to unnecessary germs or bugs from not cleaning their toys properly.

 

Repair Instead of Replace
Keep an eye on your children’s toys. You need to inspect them regularly for damage or wear, and repair or replace them as needed.  If a toy does become damaged, try repairing it before purchasing a replacement. Simple fixes like gluing broken parts, sewing torn fabric, or repainting can give a toy new life. For more complex repairs, consider reaching out to the manufacturer or a local craftsman for assistance. We suggest Sugru Moldable Glue, as a non-toxic, waterproof, and heat-resistant adhesive.

Rotate and Share Toys

Rotating toys in and out of your child’s play area can keep their interest and prevent wear and tear on their favorites. It also teaches children the importance of sharing.

Encouraging children to take care of their toys:

Teaching your children to care for their toys can help instill a sense of responsibility and appreciation for their belongings. We like involving children in cleaning and organizing their play area.

Don’t forget to praise your child for taking care of their toys and explain the importance of preserving the environment.

You need a storage solution to keep your house organised
GreenToys dumptruck can be easily cleaned in the dishwasher
PlanToys Wooden Sets should be washed with a damp cloth
Sugru Moldable Glue is a non-toxic, waterproof, and heat-resistant adhesive that bonds well to various materials, making it suitable for toy repairs. It's easy to use and sets into a durable silicone rubber, ensuring a long-lasting bond.