12 Ways to Keep Your Toy Box Safe and Eco-friendly

by Janelle Sorensen

Toy recalls from reputable brands make headlines almost every day. And, even though recalls are difficult to keep up with, they still only address a limited amount of risks. In fact, there are a wide variety of synthetic chemicals or heavy metals that could be used in your child’s toys - many of which we have limited understanding of potential health and developmental impacts. And, what about the bigger environmental picture of the pollution created when making or disposing of toys? When did playtime become so complicated?

garryknight /
CC BY-SA 2.0

Here are 12 ways you can reclaim the fun and reduce the worries when it comes to playtime. Make your toy box healthier for your child and the planet.

1. Go au natural. Look for toys made of natural materials like solid woods (with no finish or a non-toxic finish) and organic textiles (cotton, wool, felt, etc).
2. Simplify. Buying fewer toys is much better for the planet (and your pocketbook!
3. Re-purpose. Can something you already have be used as a toy? An empty box or set of stainless steel bowls can provide hours of happy play.
4. Look for items that will last. High quality toys may cost a bit more, but they will last much longer and can be handed down to younger children. Likewise, you’re more apt to get money back out of them if you decide to sell.
5. Read labels. What’s this toy made of? Where does it come from? Get to know a toy before you buy it.
6. Look for local. Reduce greenhouse gas emissions by buying local. If you’re looking at global supplies, opt for European, Canadian or Japanese imports as other countries may have lax toy regulations.
7. Opt for open-ended toys. Look for items that encourage creativity and are capable of being used for many different types of play. Wooden blocks, colorful scarves, smooth stones, and even cardboard boxes can be the foundation for innumerable creative adventures.
8. Avoid cheap jewelry and kids’ cosmetics. Both of these types of dress-up products are high-risk. Cheap jewelry often has high lead levels and kids’ cosmetics can have any number of questionable chemicals.
9. Purge plastics. Okay, this is near impossible these days, but make your best effort. If you do buy plastic, look for safer plastics like those labeled #1, 2, 4, or 5 in the chasing arrows symbol usually found on the bottom of the product. Not labeled? Call the manufacturer.
10. Text for Healthy Toys. HealthyToys.org is a database to help you find safer toys. You can even access it from your mobile phone. Just text key words and you’ll receive information immediately regarding any testing that’s been done.
11. Print a pocket guide. Download the Healthy Toys Pocket Shopping Guide (PDF file) so you always have tips and safer toy recommendations on hand.
12. Sign-up for recall alerts. The Consumer Product Safety Commission posts recalls online, as does the website recalls.gov. If a toy you own is recalled, take it away immediately and follow the company’s instructions on how to get a safe replacement.

Bonus tip: Have fun! Play time isn’t about what you have, it’s about what you do. Get down and dirty with your kids. Laugh and simply enjoy spending time together.

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Keeping Toys Clean to Make Playtime Pure

by Christopher Gavigan

Alex Lee/ / CC BY 2.0

Like most toddlers, my son puts everything in his mouth. One of his favorite "chew toys" is his Thomas the Tank Engine. I don't know what makes that particular toy so interestingly orally tactile, but maybe he'll divulge the secret when he learns to talk.

We're very careful about what toys he plays with since we know there's a good chance they're going to get sucked on (use HealthyToys.org to find safer toys for your child). We don't want him mouthing toys that could expose him to lead or phthalates - which, unfortunately, are present in many children's products.

But even safe toys need a good cleaning now and then. Dust contaminated with pollutants like lead or flame retardants, allergens and asthmagens can all build up on them over time. Many parents reach for toxic bleach or antibacterials, but they are absolutely unnecessary and pose their own health risks. You can keep your child safe and their toys clean with some simple, non-toxic cleaning solutions.

It is generally recommended that you clean your toddler's toys about once a month. If your child has a lot of toys and you have little time, just clean the toys that are most frequently played with.

Use these tips to keep playtime pure fun.

Unfinished Wooden Toys

Regular care: Clean with a damp sponge, but do not soak - and dry off immediately afterwards. Excessive moisture can damage unfinished wood. If you are concerned about bacteria - pop the toy in your microwave for about 30 seconds. The heat will kill the bacteria that can be hiding inside the toy. (I say "inside" because the wood's surface forms a hostile environment for bacteria, so they migrate to the interior - unlike plastic, which is impenetrable so the bacteria just multiply right on the surface. And if the toy is pine, the natural pine oil will serve as another disinfectant).

Periodically rubbing with olive oil (once or twice a year) will keep the wood beautifully buffed and provide some protection.

Stains: Use fine-grade sandpaper to remove any discolorations or stains. After sanding, the toy should be washed, dried, and set out for several hours (or heated in the microwave) to eliminate bacteria that may have been released from the interior of the wood. This also applies to a toy that has suffered water damage.

Finished/Painted Wooden Toys

Regular Care: Wash quickly with soap and water, but as with unfinished wood, do not soak them as it can damage the toy.

Stains: Spray with a 50/50 mixture of white distilled vinegar and water, wipe and dry. You can also try using baking soda as a gentle scouring agent. Just be sure not to press to hard as you could rub through the finish.

Stuffed Toys and Other Textiles

Regular Care: Most stuffed toys and textiles can be tossed in your washing machine, but read the tag to find out for sure (though, often the tag will discourage you from washing even though it would work just fine). For stuffed animals, you can protect them by enclosing them in a pillow case before putting them in the wash. Use a non-toxic laundry detergent (conventional brands may leave unwanted residues and chemical treatment agents that you don't want lingering in the fabric) and dry using low heat (or leave outside in the sun). Just make sure it doesn't take too long to dry as that can promote mold growth.

To treat dust mites (which are a special concern for parents with children who suffer from asthma or allergies) freeze the toy for 24 hours.

Stains: The remedy for this truly depends on the textile you're working with. Do a little on-line investigation to find what works (and then leave a comment here to let us know what your problem was and what was an effective solution!)

Plastic Toys

Regular Care: Use hot soapy water to clean small toys by hand. Rinse off large toys outside using a bucket of hot, soapy water and a garden hose. If a plastic toy seems to be getting worn and scratched, it may be time to re-purpose or recycle the toy (if you can). Scratches in plastic can become harbors for bacteria - not the type of toy you want your toddler sucking on.

Stains: Again, this depends on the type of plastic (though, generally, stains on plastic are often there for good). Let us know your tip in the comments below.

A good all-purpose disinfectant: 2 teaspoons borax, 4 tablespoons white vinegar and 3 to 4 cups hot water in a spray bottle. For extra cleaning power, add 1/4 teaspoon liquid castile soap to the mixture.

But, remember - there's no need to get obsessive about how clean your child's toys are. Disinfecting everything may compromise they're immune system's development (see "Why Dirt is Good"), and the other contaminants? Well, you just do your best to reduce exposure. And at the end of the day (or beginning or middle), make sure you're pulling out the toys to laugh and play together.

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What's Your Favorite Eco-Friendly Toy?

by Christopher Gavigan

Tiffany Washko / CC BY 2.0

I think every parent has a favorite eco-friendly toy. The kind of toy that makes you feel so good watching your child play with it that you're desperate not to get rid of it the moment they grow out of it. The charming giraffe, the wood blocks from Grandpa, the cotton baby doll that either ends up as a decoration on a shelf or gifted to a close friend or relative. Well, now you can nominate it for the Second Annual Best Green Toys Contest sponsored by Eco-Child's Play and The Goddard Schools for Early Childhood Development.

Toys must meet the following criteria:

• the toy is eco friendly
• the toy is affordable (under $25)
• the toy encourages creative, social, and engaging play activities
• the toy is interactive and lends itself to child-initiated play
• the toy is appropriate for preschool to early elementary school-aged children

According to the Eco-Child's Play announcement the top green toys will be awarded the Eco Friendly Toy seal and listed in the Top Ten Eco Friendly Toys of 2009. In addition, preschoolers at participating Goddard Schools will get to play with the Top Ten and then name the "Local Preschoolers Picks" for the top kid's choices.

The contest is open to environmentally safe toy submissions until October 1, 2009, and the winners announced at the end of October. To enter, download the Eco Friendly Toy Test entry form and read the guidelines.

Now they need your help!

What's your favorite eco-friendly toy under $25? Please leave your nominations at EcoChild's Play. Personally, I nominate Green Toys, Inc and their "Indoor Gardening Kit". This earth, social, and health conscious company actually makes all toys in California from recycled milk jugs. No batteries here. The toys are packaged in recycled corrugated boxes with no plastic, tie downs, or cellophane. Of course they meet all safety requirements, as well has having NO traces of phthalates, lead, or BPA. Good for the earth, and great fun for you kids.

If you're on Twitter, please complete and Tweet this using the hashtag #bestgreentoys @EcoChildsPlay: I nominate ______ for the #bestgreentoys contest.

If you know a green toy company, reach out to them to enter the contest by sending them a link to this post.

There is a Flickr stream set up (bestgreentoys) for you to upload a picture of your child with their favorite green toy (tagged with #bestgreentoys) to suggest that the company should enter the contest. And we have a Best Green Toys Facebook Page (please become a fan and upload pictures and leave comments).

I can't wait to see all the nominations. Regardless who wins, I'm sure it'll be an awesome list of wonderful, safe, eco-friendly toys.

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