What to Look for in Sustainable Toys

Parents look for certain characteristics in children’s toys. Toys should be safe, affordable, fun, and something your child will play with. In modern times, there’s a new characteristic to consider- sustainability.

Environmental parents don’t want to buy toys that harm the environment. They know eco-friendly toys are likely safer for their kids because they don’t contain harmful materials. The toys may also teach their kids an eco-friendly lesson.

What to Look for in Sustainable Toys

Durability

A durable toy is a sustainable toy. These toys will endure the test of time. Toys that last minimise the need for harmful manufacturing. They are less likely to end up in a landfill and leach toxic elements into the environment. You can even donate them when your child is done with them.

Environmental Materials

Look for toys that are made of eco-friendly materials. Here are a few that are recommended:

• Reclaimed Rubberwood: Rubberwood is a hardwood harvested from rubber trees that have reached the end of their latex-producing cycle. As a byproduct of the rubber industry, the material reduces waste and conserves natural resources. It is ideal for children’s outdoor play equipment.
• FCS-Certified Wood & Paper: Wood and paper are sustainable materials, but you can feel even more confident buying toys made from wood and paper that are FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) Certified. The FSC promotes responsible forest management ensuring no trees were harmed to make these toys.
• Recycled Plastic: Plastic is a common children’s toy material- and an environmental hazard. It's hard to avoid toys made of plastic, but you can make a sustainable choice by choosing recycled plastic. It keeps plastic out of landfills and reduces the need for plastic manufacturing.
• Sustainably Harvested Cotton: when it comes to plushy toys, sustainably harvested cotton is a must. Traditional cotton production can damage the environment, but cotton that’s grown sustainably prioritises soil health, water conservation, and biodiversity. The material also decomposes and won’t leach toxins into the environment.

Responsible Sourcing

You must go beyond the toy and consider the company and what it stands for. Choose toys from eco-friendly manufacturers who use sustainable processes that reduce their carbon footprint. They should prioritise waste reduction and treat their workers well.

Eco-Friendly Packaging

Parents must also consider the package the toy comes in. Brands should use packaging materials made from recyclable or renewable sources. The materials should be recyclable, biodegradable, or compostable to ensure they don’t harm the environment.

Ideal packaging materials include corrugated cardboard, paper mailers, biodegradable plastics, kraft paper, and wood fiberboard.

Little Tacker Toys is Your Sustainable Source

Little Tacker Toys is an ideal choice for sustainable toy products. We use materials you can trust to be safe for kids and the environment. Our durable production methods ensure unsafe materials won’t end up in landfills. 

We offer various children’s toys including trampolines, electric kids’ cars, children’s outdoor play equipment, and much more. Browse our selection to learn about toys you can feel good about adding to your child’s play chest.