Use the following tips to choose toys that are safe for your children and for the world.
1. Do Your Research
Most of us feel continuously pressed for time. As you balance your work and personal life, you may feel rushed into making quick trips to the toy store to prepare for birthdays, holidays and other events. Before you go, slow down a little bit.
Go online and check out the toy recall notices. You can find this information at Product Safety Australia. If you see any toys on the list that are in the toy box right now, take them out immediately.
2. Read Labels
As you shop, make sure you avoid toys that contain phthalates, lead, and bisphenol A (BPA). The synthetic compound ranks near the top of the list of toxic pollutants found in toys along with chromium, cadmium, and arsenic. In the event that you want to buy a toy that has no labels, search online by description or image and see if any consumers have reported problems with it. Look for toys that are made from high quality, responsibly sourced materials.
3. Buy Local
Buying from local and small businesses can help you save the planet by reducing the greenhouse gas emissions of vehicles used for transportation and by connecting you with local craftspeople who share your values and have children of their own. Visit local shops and craft fairs and spend your money locally while getting high quality, toxin free toys. Nurture Tribe carefully curate and source a range of eco-friendly and sustainable toys/resources for play based learning.
4. Choose the right materials
You can easily see what dominant materials comprise a toy. Avoid plastic toys whenever possible, because they contain many toxins that are released over time.
Whenever you can, choose toys made from natural materials such as unpainted wood or organic textiles, such as bamboo fibers, cotton or hemp. They rarely contain harmful pesticides and should be relatively safe for your children. When you buy puzzles, books, and other printed toys, make sure they were printed on recycled and degradable material using natural inks like our Crocodile Creek 'Go Mister Bear' puzzle.
5. Buy Quality Products
Challenging economic times can pressure parents to take shortcuts. Beware of low-priced toys. Manufacturers cut corners to reduce production costs and, in the process, deliver dangerous products to our children. Rather than feel pressured by holidays and peers, buy judiciously.
The extra money required to purchase high-quality toys can prove to be a wise investment, especially if your children grow to become healthy and strong young adults. High-quality toys can also outlast more than one childhood making them an extremely good value over the long run. Reputable brands tend to have more transparency concerning their policies and procedures and are therefore more likely to produce goods that are eco-friendly and safe.
Check out Nurture Tribe online or instore and the eco-friendly brands that we stock here.
