Choosing Green Children's Toys

By Jody Morse, published Oct 18, 2007
Published Content: 710  Total Views: 724,070  Favorited By: 164 CPs
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Parents tend to lead very hectic lifestyles. Between working, preparing meals, helping with homework, and driving children to soccer or ballet practice, the idea of going green may sound a bit difficult. To many, it might even sound out of the question. Luckily, there are a variety of different things that you can do, as a parent, to go green. One of the best ways for you to go green is when you are choosing toys for your children. Here, we will take a much closer look at some of the many things that you should be sure to take into consideration when choosing green, or environmentally-friendly, toys.

Choosing Green Children's Toys Tip #1: Avoid Battery Operated Toys

One of the first things that you will want to look out for is toys which are not battery operated. Although these toys tend to be the hottest sellers on the market, the truth in the matter is that they are not environmentally-friendly. Besides, batteries are really not safe for younger children anyway. If you do decide to buy toys which are battery operated, one of the best things that you can do is select toys which can be used with rechargable batteries, whether they come with the toy or need to be purchased separately. Not only will recharging batteries do a lot for the environment, but it will do a lot for your wallet in the long run.

Choosing Green Children's Toys Tip #2: Think Outside the Realm of Plastic

Most toys are made out of plastic nowadays. Unfortunately, plastic toys are not so environmentally-friendly. The best thing about toys which are not made from plastic, such as toys which are made from wood, is the fact that they tend to last a lot longer. Instead of needing to throw out your child's plastic toys only to replace them with new plastic toys, why not buy sturdier wooden toys to begin with? It is likely that these toys will have the opportunity to be passed down to all of the children in your family. Although you may need to look around for these toys, doing so will be worth it in the long run. Great alternatives to plastic tools can be found. For example, instead of buying your child Legos, why not opt for wooden blocks or Lincoln Logs instead?

Comments
Showing Comments 1 - 12 of 12
 
 
Fabulous advice.

Posted on 10/23/2007 at 7:10:00 PM

 
Thanks for the comments Deborah and M2L - it was funny how your tip went along with it! Great minds think alike, I guess. = )

Posted on 10/22/2007 at 10:10:00 AM

 
great work!

Posted on 10/22/2007 at 9:10:00 AM

 
Great article! Going green is so important. These are excellent ways to implement it into toy puchases. We like to buy some things from ebay used. I find that many used toys are still almost like new. I just disinfect them (naturally) and they're just as good as new. Your last part goes along with my parenting tip (# 51). How funny.

Posted on 10/20/2007 at 7:10:00 AM

 
I didn't know that daydreamer! Thank you for all of the comments everybody!

Posted on 10/19/2007 at 7:10:00 PM

 
Great info here!

Posted on 10/18/2007 at 10:10:00 PM

 
i really liked this one

Posted on 10/18/2007 at 7:10:00 PM

 
Wonderful ideas here Jody. You have a real handle on this and it shows in your writing. Great article!

Posted on 10/18/2007 at 1:10:00 PM

 
Excellent tips. I believe children prefer the older style toys (wooden blocks, etc.) that were "green" before we even knew what that meant!

Posted on 10/18/2007 at 11:10:00 AM

 
Great article. Every little bit helps. I already do quite a few of these things. I never thought that it was helping the environment until I read your article. Thanks. Did you know that there are wooden toys now that are very similar to the Little People toys. They are so cute.

Posted on 10/18/2007 at 10:10:00 AM

 
Oops, I meant suggestion. Sophie

Posted on 10/18/2007 at 9:10:00 AM

 
This is a great idea for an article. #5 is an excellent suggestions. Sophie

Posted on 10/18/2007 at 9:10:00 AM

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