Toys are a big part of kids' life. For them, as long as a toy is fun, there is nothing to complain about. But as parents, your decisions can impact both your kiddo's health and the planet. Two popular choices: wooden toys and plastic toys. Which one should you choose? In this blog, we discuss benefits of each option to give you better understanding before making the choice.
Understanding the Materials
Before we compare the environmental impact of wooden and plastic toys, let’s first understand what these materials entail.
Wooden Toys
Wooden toys for toddlers are typically made from wood. You should make sure they are labeled FSC. This means that the trees used are harvested responsibly, ensuring minimal disruption to ecosystems and replanting initiatives to promote forest health. Additionally, choose wooden toys feature non-toxic finishes and paints.
Plastic Toys
Plastic toys, on the other hand, are generally made from petroleum-based materials. While they can be produced in all sorts of bright colors and exciting shapes, their production process can be detrimental to the environment. From the extraction of fossil fuels to large carbon footprints during manufacturing, the path of plastic toys is often less than green. But there are greener materials like polypropylene (PP), ABS, HDPE, LDPE, and food-grade silicone.
The Production Footprint
Now that we understand the products, let’s discuss their production impacts.
Energy Consumption
The energy required to manufacture wooden toys is significantly lower than that needed for plastic toys. Producing plastic involves high-temperature processes and chemical reactions that not only consume more energy but also release harmful emissions into the atmosphere. Comparatively, wooden toys for toddlers rely on less intensive manufacturing methods, which tends to be kinder to the planet.
Carbon Emissions
Wooden toys have a smaller carbon footprint in terms of emissions when considering the entire lifecycle of the product. Wood, being a natural and biodegradable material, can sequester carbon during its growth, making it a more environmentally friendly option. In contrast, plastic toys continue to contribute to greenhouse gas emissions throughout their lifecycle, from production to disposal.
Longevity and Durability
Durability is a key aspect when considering the environmental impact of toys. Let's break it down:
Wooden Toys
Wooden toys are often crafted with care and built to last. Their sturdiness means they can withstand rough play from toddlers and can often be passed down through generations or shared among siblings. This longevity reduces the need to replace toys frequently, further lessening their environmental impact.
Plastic Toys
In contrast, plastic toys can sometimes break easily and may end up in landfills sooner than their wooden counterparts. Many plastic toys are designed with planned obsolescence in mind—meaning they are made to last only a short time before needing replacement. This can contribute to a throwaway culture that results in increased waste and pollution.
Recycling and Disposal
The end of a toy’s life is another critical factor in evaluating its environmental impact.
Wooden Toys
When wooden toys finally reach the end of their lifecycle, they can often be composted or repurposed, adding back nutrients into the earth. Some wooden toys can even be burnt in a controlled environment, providing energy, though this should be done with caution and awareness of potential emissions.
Plastic Toys
Plastic toys, unfortunately, pose a much bigger challenge. Many types of plastic are not recyclable, and those that are often require significant energy and resources to process. This means a significant number of plastic toys end up in landfills, where they can take hundreds of years to decompose, releasing harmful chemicals into the soil and water.
The Health Factor
Beyond environmental impact, health considerations for your toddlers are paramount as well.
Toxic Chemicals
Many traditional plastic toys contain harmful chemicals such as phthalates and bisphenol A (BPA). These substances can pose serious risks to children’s health, affecting their hormonal and developmental systems. On the other hand, wooden toys for toddlers are often made without these toxic chemicals, using natural finishes instead, making them a safer play option.
Natural Play Experience
Wooden toys often provide a more tactile experience compared to plastic ones. The organic feel of wood encourages imaginative play and sensory exploration, fostering cognitive development in toddlers. This can lead to improved fine motor skills and creativity that plastic toys often don’t support.
Sustainable Brands
When shopping for toys, look for brands that prioritize sustainability. The rise of companies dedicated to creating eco-friendly wooden toys for toddlers signifies a shift towards better practices. By investing in these brands, you’re not just purchasing a toy; you’re supporting a movement toward a healthier planet.
At Newborn Nursery Furniture, we offer eco-friendly baby products to environmental conscious parents. Below are out curated sustainable toy brands you can choose from:
- Bunny Hopkins
- Fair and Green
- Goodevas
- Hape Toys
- Little Partners
- RAD
- PinToy
- PlanToys
- Tender Leaf
- Tiny Land
Summary
Choosing between wooden and plastic toys is much more than just a surface decision; it’s a reflection of our values and priorities as parents. By choosing the safer toys for toddlers, we can provide our children with durable, and environmentally responsible options. Each eco-friendly choice creates ripples of positive change, ensuring a better world for generations to come.
