The holidays are coming! While this might be enough to make some people run for the hills - for me, I couldn't be more ready! The holiday season is just so much fun, especially for parents. With the rapidly approaching holidays, toy retailers are sending out those big, thick circulars, which of course get the kids all riled up. Also, seeing those big, crazy in-store holiday displays, you can't help but get into the spirit!
While gift-buying can be loads of fun, it's important to go into the stores an educated consumer - especially when shopping for toys. According to MarketWatch.com, Toys "R" Us is expecting a huge increase in sales for eco-friendly and organic toys this holiday season. Why? Well in addition to the environmental benefits of buying natural and organic, these toys tend to be safer for the kids! Here are some eco-friendly tips to keep in mind when shopping for toys this holiday season.- PVC Free: Many toys today are made from PolyVinyl Chloride or PVC. PVC is a material often found in many children's toys. PVC releases toxins into the environment both during production as well as long after the product has been disposed of. When combined with phthalates, a chemical compound which makes the plastic more pliable and bendable, PVC toys are even more harmful - sometimes even being linked to cancer. While the long term effects of these chemical compounds on kids is unknown at this time, it's better to be safe than sorry. Make sure that you read labels before buying your plastic toys. Many toys today are PVC-free – everything from plastic doll furniture and outdoor play houses to the always popular play kitchen. A PVC-free toy is a safe toy.
- Go Natural: When it comes to wood children's toys, buying products that are Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)-certified is the way to go. FSC-certified wood toys are manufactured from naturally harvested hardwood, which means forests aren't being chopped down unnecessarily, allowing for sustainable growth. Additionally, be wary of what your natural hardwood toys are stained or painted with. Generally, untreated or unpainted woods are safe for little ones to put in their mouth, because let's be honest, you know it's going to happen!
- Battery Power: Many toys today require either electricity or battery power in order to operate. When it comes to battery-powered toys, parents need to closely follow the suggested age range provided by the toy manufacturer. Other things to look for include where the battery compartment sits on the toy. If the toy is for a younger child, is it going to be difficult for the child to access the battery? You don't want your baby accidentally grabbing a battery and putting it in his or her mouth! Make sure that the battery is secure within the toy, and ideally has screws as an extra measure of security. Also, when purchasing battery-operated electronics, consider investing in some rechargeable batteries. Given how difficult it is to recycle batteries today, rechargeable batteries are a great way to eliminate some waste and save money in the long run.
- Buy Organic: Just as you would buy organic foods in a grocery store, you can now boy organic toys! Organic toys are typically made from organic cotton, wool and other materials. Truly organic and green toys also should be colored using organic or natural dyes, and paints – free of any and all toxins. Many organic toys are also machine washable, which make it easier for you as parents to keep things clean – something that becomes increasingly difficult as your kids get older. The downside to buying organic toys is that just as organic foods are more expensive, so too are organic toys. Think about the long term however and you’ll realize that this initial higher cost is truly worth it.
- Lead-Free Paint: It seems like only yesterday that all these products manufactured in China were recalled because of high levels of toxic lead in the paint. Checkout Recalls.gov to make sure that you’re up to date on all of those recalls, but also – again, become an educated consumer. Read labels! Typically speaking, toys manufactured in the US use lead-free paint but this might not always be the case. Research some of the popular toy manufactures and double check before buying. Step2, for instance, makes sure all of their products meet the American Society of Testing & Materials (ASTM) requirements and guidelines, which should give parents the necessary peace of mind. In addition to lead – make sure that the paints used are low or no Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC's). Many of these paints feature a water-base, rather than a petroleum base – making them safer.
By being more mindful of the materials and craftsmanship that goes into the making of your kids' toys - the more educated you become as parents. All of this information isn't meant to scare you, it's meant to inform you. This holiday season; give the gift of "green"!
