Children used to play with wooden toys or those made of cotton, rope, and other natural materials many years ago. The amount of plastic and harmful substances in children’s toys today makes them extremely dangerous. These substances interfere with hormones, cause allergies, and may eventually cause cancer.

Fortunately, some health organisations have begun to acknowledge the negative consequences of these substances and are taking action to educate people. So, you can be more careful when buying toys for your kids.

An eco-friendly substitute is a great purchase to reduce the amount of plastic waste your family uses while also educating kids about the advantages of sustainable toys. In this article, we provide some of the best eco-friendly alternatives to plastic toys.

Why is Plastic Harmful?

Plastic is a cheap and commonly available material that is used in many industries nowadays. It includes single-use plastic bags, shopping bags, shampoo bottles, industrial equipment, and even toys. PVC plastics are the most widely used type of plastic in toys. The issue with PVC is that it often contains chemicals such as Phthalates, BPA, and heavy metals, all of which can harm your developing child. Because soft toys drop poisonous substances more easily than hard plastic toys, they may be much more dangerous.

Best Eco-Friendly Alternatives to Plastic Toys

Here are some of the best eco-friendly alternatives to plastic toys for your kids.

1. Bamboo Toys

The popularity of bamboo toys continues to grow as a result of their durability and sustainability. Bamboo grows quickly and doesn’t need pesticides or herbicides to flourish. Not only toys, but also some other bamboo products, are safe and naturally antimicrobial. So your kids can greatly benefit from using bamboo, which is most frequently used to make apparel, food, and drink products.

2. Wooden Toys

Wooden toys are now increasingly popular, although they have been around for a long time, going back to the Middle Ages. Plastic toys might break and leave sharp edges. Wooden toys have smooth edges, making them safe for your children. Wooden toys, unlike plastic toys, have a long life and can be passed down to future generations. Some of the popular wooden toy companies are Jumini, GreenOwl Toys, Hellion Toys, Lanka Kase (UK) Ltd., and so on.

 3. Food-Grade Silicone Toys

Silicone toys are an excellent alternative to plastic toys due to their eco-friendly nature. They are made from synthetic materials that are derived from silica, a natural resource abundant in the Earth’s crust. Unlike plastic toys, silicone toys do not contain harmful chemicals such as phthalates, BPA, or lead. Furthermore, they are durable, easy to clean, and can withstand high temperatures, making them safe for both children and the environment. Additionally, it reduces the plastic waste and hazardous waste in your home.

4. Recycled Toys

Making recycled paper beads is another non-plastic play idea for kids. You may make these out of old magazines, newspapers, or wrapping paper. There are several tutorials online that show you how to make them. The beads can be used to make DIY jewellery, home decorations, wall hangings, and other decorations. Such activities are not only safe for your children, but they also promote their motor skills, waste management, and creativity, and they are environmentally friendly.

5. Natural Rubber Toys

Rubber toys are not only entertaining for tiny children, but they are also environmentally beneficial. Natural rubber comes from a native Brazilian plant, Hevea brasiliensis, and is biodegradable, making it fully safe for your children to chew, stretch, and play without risking their health. So it is another environmentally friendly and flexible material that many manufacturers prefer to use in infant and toddler teething toys.

Conclusion

As awareness of the environmental impact of plastic toys grows, parents are seeking more sustainable alternatives for their children. There are numerous eco-friendly options available that prioritise the well-being of our planet. By choosing these alternatives, parents can ensure that their children have safe and enjoyable play experiences while also teaching them the importance of caring for the environment. So, let’s make a conscious choice and opt for eco-friendly toys that contribute to a greener and zero-waste future for our children.