The market today is flooded with literally thousands of toys and games aimed at children of all ages. As a parent it can be difficult to decide how many and which products you would like your child to have, and green toys and games is just one aspect of this. Of course you want your child to get enjoyment from toys and for them to have developmental and educational benefits, and green toys and games can also provide a way of trying to ensure that the earth’s resources aren’t plundered too much in the process!
Green toys and games cover a few different areas. In the first instance, you may want to consider whether a product is produced in the UK or on the other side of the world. Some toys which do come from abroad have Fairtrade status, so you could also look for this certification. Secondly, the material(s) from which the product is made is an important factor. Wooden toys are more sustainable than plastic ones, particularly if from a sustainable wood source. There are also green toys and games available made from organic materials such as cotton or even from recycled paper. A further factor is the use of batteries in toys. Try to keep products requiring batteries to a minimum, thus reducing unnecessary waste.
In choosing toys such as those mentioned above you are not limiting the choice of products for your child, as there are hundreds of green toys and games in the marketplace. You could also consider checking out charity shops for used toys, which are often in excellent condition, cost next to nothing and are being recycled by passing them on in this way.
