It was my daughter’s 2nd birthday a couple of weeks ago. As I struggled to remove one of her new presents from the packaging I couldn’t help but wonder why it had to be contained within a multitude of those annoying grey plastic ties. What on earth is the purpose of them? Well, apparently it is purely for display purposes – because retailers want them to look good on the shelves. I personally think this is a terrible waste of resources.
When it comes to wasted resources the other issue with toys is batteries. Every year UK consumers get through one billion batteries and toys are the main culprit. Every year 22,000 tons of batteries end up in landfill – leaking their toxic chemicals into the soil for future generations. Do we really need toys that contain batteries?
This question led me to discover Ecotronic toys. A fantastic range of toys which will provide our children with the flashing lights, noise and action that they seem to love so much. They contain no batteries whatsoever – simply charge them up by
using the wind up device. The eco phone (complete with flashing lights and sounds) is charged up simply by giving it a good shake!
The Ecotronic toys have another aspect to them which appealed to me – they are packaged with bio-degradable packaging, are easy to open and contain no dangerous ties or wires. If you want another reason to buy them, think how much you will save on batteries!
Wooden toys have remained very appealing to parents and children alike. They are hard wearing, long lasting and safe. The production process does not involve the use of toxic chemcials and, unlike plastic toys they do not contain phthalates. Ensure that the wood used comes from sustainable sources and that any paints used are non toxic.
Escor Toys – based in Bournemouth, have a lovely range of wooden toys. The company’s ethical policy ticks all the right boxes. Environmentally, the products are manufactured from managed forest beech wood, with all paints and varnishes
Toy Safety tested and certificated before use. The workshop also scores highly on human rights as it employs people with disabilities, providing them with real jobs and enabling them to be independent.
Finally, for recycled toys that are sure to stimulate their imagination, why not get your child a recycled rocket ship or playhouse. Made from recycled, corrugated cardboard, your budding artist can paint and decorate these to their hearts content.
If you want your Toy Story to have a happy ending, make a difference by shopping carefully and choosing environmentally sound products
