Parents who are concerned about the environmental impact of their child’s toys may be interested in eco-friendly toy options. Unlike traditional plastic toys, eco-friendly toys are designed to have a minimal impact on the environment and can be made from sustainable materials. Additionally, they often do not contain harmful chemicals and can be recycled or biodegraded.
To help parents find eco-friendly toy options, Sustainable Jungle has compiled a list of brands that make sustainable toys. These recommendations are independently researched, and the website asks all brands to confirm their claims. By choosing eco-friendly toys, parents can not only provide their children with fun and imaginative play options but also contribute to a healthier planet for future generations.
Some Sustainable Toy Brands To Jumpstart Your Play Date
If you’re looking for eco-friendly and sustainable toys for your little ones, there are plenty of brands out there that prioritize the use of non-toxic, recycled, and sustainably sourced materials. Here are some of the best sustainable toy brands to consider for your next play date:
1. Lovevery
Lovevery offers a range of eco-friendly sensory toys that are designed to support stage-based play and activate developing baby brains. Their Montessori-inspired toys include play mats, integrated play gyms, play kits, block sets, and other fun essentials for ages 0-4. All of their toys are made with FSC-certified, sustainably harvested wood, medical-grade silicone, OEKO-TEX certified organic cotton, and in some cases, BPA-free or bio-based plastics. Lovevery is also committed to ethical and sustainable labor practices, with their toys manufactured in Ningbo, China by a manufacturing partner that provides ethical, sustainable, and safe working conditions.
2. Tender Leaf Toys
Tender Leaf Toys is a UK brand that crafts beautiful and creative toys from reclaimed rubberwood. Their eco-friendly wooden toys are designed to support your child’s cognitive and physical skills, and include play tables, dollhouses, dolls, games, culinary-themed toys, and more. All of their toys are made from reclaimed rubberwood and FSC-certified plywood, and finished with non-toxic paints and glue. Tender Leaf Toys is also committed to ethical and sustainable labor practices, with every step of the process, from manufacturing to shipping, performed by Mentari International in Indonesia.
3. PlanToys
PlanToys is a Thai brand that specializes in sustainable wooden toys, including building blocks, dollhouses, doctor kits, and outdoor toys like a Mini Golf Set. Their toys are made from sustainably harvested rubberwood sourced from Thai trees that can no longer produce latex, and combined with PlanWood, a zero waste material made from grinding surplus rubberwood sawdust. PlanToys’ wooden toys are non-toxic and finished with E-Zero non-formaldehyde glue and non-toxic water-based dyes. The company is also committed to ethical and sustainable labor practices, with materials responsibly sourced and produced in Trang, Thailand.
4. Our Green House
Our Green House is a family-first, woman-owned company that offers an impressive range of eco-friendly gifts, including toys. Their toy selection includes blocks, puzzles, journals, arts & crafts, games, cars, playsets, and eco-friendly plush toys and stuffed animals. For example, the Organic Stuffed Hedgehog is made with 100% organic cotton yarn and polyester stuffing that bears a non-toxic OEKO-TEX certification. Our Green House is committed to using sustainable materials, with many of their toys made from recycled or upcycled materials.
5. Once-Kids
Once-Kids is a brand that offers eco-friendly and sustainable toys made from recycled plastic milk jugs. Their toys include play kitchens, tool sets, trucks, and more, all made with 100% recycled materials. Once-Kids is also committed to ethical and sustainable labor practices, with their toys manufactured in the USA.
6. Legacy Learning
Legacy Learning offers a range of eco-friendly and sustainable toys made from recycled wood and other sustainable materials. Their toys include building blocks, puzzles, and other educational toys that are designed to support your child’s cognitive and physical development. Legacy Learning is also committed to ethical and sustainable labor practices, with their toys manufactured in the USA.
7. Wishbone Design Studio
Wishbone Design Studio is a New Zealand brand that offers eco-friendly and sustainable toys made from recycled materials. Their toys include balance bikes, wagons, and other outdoor toys that are designed to support your child’s physical development. Wishbone Design Studio is also committed to ethical and sustainable labor practices, with their toys manufactured in China under strict ethical guidelines.
8. Kinderfeets
Kinderfeets is a brand that offers eco-friendly and sustainable toys made from sustainably harvested bamboo and other sustainable materials. Their toys include balance bikes, trikes, and other outdoor toys that are designed to support your child’s physical development. Kinderfeets is also committed to ethical and sustainable labor practices, with their toys manufactured in China under strict ethical guidelines.
9. Green Toys
Green Toys is a brand that offers eco-friendly and sustainable toys made from recycled plastic milk jugs. Their toys include trucks, boats, play kitchens, and more, all made with 100% recycled materials. Green Toys is also committed to ethical and sustainable labor practices, with their toys manufactured in the USA.
10. EZPlay
EZPlay is a brand that offers eco-friendly and sustainable toys made from recycled materials. Their toys include play kitchens, tool sets, trucks, and more,
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Why Choose Sustainable Toys for Kids?
When it comes to choosing toys for kids, there are many reasons to consider sustainable and eco-friendly options. The toy industry is notorious for its heavy use of plastic, with 40 tons of plastic required for every $1 million in revenue. This not only contributes to plastic waste but also exposes children to potential health risks from toxic ingredients like phthalates and Bisphenol A.
Sustainable toys, on the other hand, are made from natural, renewable, or recycled materials, making them a better choice for both the environment and children’s health. They are often free from harmful chemicals and toxins, making them a safer option for kids who tend to put toys in their mouths.
By choosing sustainable and eco-conscious toy companies, parents can also support businesses that prioritize environmental responsibility and ethical production practices. Additionally, sustainable toys can serve as a great example for children, teaching them about the importance of making sustainable choices and caring for the planet.
Overall, choosing sustainable toys for kids is a great way to make eco-friendly choices and support sustainable alternatives in the toy industry. It’s a simple yet impactful way to make a difference and promote sustainable and earth-friendly choices for future generations.
How We Found The Best Eco-Friendly Toys
When it comes to finding the best eco-friendly toys, there are several factors to consider. From the materials used to the company’s labor practices, every aspect of the toy-making process can impact its sustainability. Here are the key considerations we took into account when selecting the best eco-friendly toys.
Materials
One of the most important considerations when selecting eco-friendly toys is the materials used in their production. The best eco-friendly toys are made from sustainable materials such as recycled plastic, rubberwood, and organic cotton. These materials are not only biodegradable but also help reduce plastic waste.
Sustainably-sourced rubberwood is a popular choice for building blocks, while organic cotton is the safest fabric for plush toys. Some non-toxic toy brands also use bio-based plastics and medical-grade silicone in their products.
Certifications
To ensure that the toys are truly eco-friendly, we also considered the certifications obtained by the companies. Certifications such as OEKO-TEX, Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), and Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC) indicate that the company has met specific environmental and social standards.
Other certifications such as Fair Trade, Certified B Corporation (B Corp), and Business Social Compliance Initiative (BSCI) show that the company has fair labor practices and transparent supply chain practices.
Carbon Commitments & Green Practices
Eco-friendly toy companies are also making efforts to reduce their carbon footprint and implement sustainable practices. Some companies have committed to carbon offset shipping, while others offer replacement parts to reduce waste. Many companies also use packaging materials that are free of plastic.
Community & Charitable Giving
Finally, we considered whether the company gives back to the community or supports charitable causes. While this is not a requirement for eco-friendly toys, it is a positive indicator of a company’s commitment to creating a more sustainable world.
Final Thoughts On Sustainable Kids’ Toys
In conclusion, selecting the best eco-friendly toys involves considering several factors, such as the materials used, certifications obtained, carbon commitments, and charitable giving. By choosing toys made from recycled and sustainably-sourced products, biodegradable materials, and non-toxic paints, parents can provide their children with safe and sustainable toys that are good for both the environment and their health.
