Many thousands of toys will be purchased and gifted to children this holiday season.
If you are purchasing toys for the little ones on your gift list, please check out this information about the dangers of some toys you might be considering.
Most of the laws regulating toy products are concerned with sharp edges, parts that can be swallowed, and lead in paint. But all toys are not tested before they come out on the market. The Consumer Product Safety Commission only reacts to reports of injuries or deaths, if any customers report any complaints.
Toys produced in other countries are not required to meet the standards of what is legally permissible here in the U.S., or in Canada or the European Union. Therefore, there is a higher risk of lead paint or other chemicals being included in those toys.
So even though we have fairly strict standards here, it is quite possible for toys on the store shelves to be dangerous for a child and for the environment. There is another consideration — the persons who work in the plant where such toys are made are possibly being exposed to harmful toxins as well.
One answer: find toys made in the U.S., from Earth-friendly materials and in Earth- and human-friendly ways. There are more manufacturers of wooden toys in the U.S. and in the Pacific Northwest than ever before. Many toy stores and even department stores carry a variety of eco-toys. Think about other things than just wood — what is the finish, where is the toy made, how far did it travel to get here, is it durable and long-lasting? There are lots of things to consider!
I would add one more set of questions to consider: What will that toy do for its child? Will it make her dream and use her creativity? Will it help him develop mental skills? Will it make her be active and strengthen her body? Will it encourage him to play with others peacefully? Will it make her aware of her place in the natural world?
There’s nothing more fun than shopping for toys. Happy holidays!
Stillwaters is starting a new Sustainability Discussion Group after the first of the year. If you are interested, call (360) 297-1226.— Naomi Maasberg is administrative director of Stillwaters Environmental Center. Contact her at naomi@stillwatersenvironmentalcenter.org.
