Ditch plastic but not aesthetic with wooden toys
We’re all incredibly aware of the climate crisis. We wake up every day to news feeds full of disastrous events that have swept the countries around the globe because of our previous neglect. Our determination to provide a better environment for future generations stems from looking at our own children. So starting with them being most important, what can be changed to make a difference?
‘According to a survey done by the British Heart Foundation, 1 in 3 parents admits to having thrown away toys in working conditions. Considering that 90 percent of toys are in some way made of plastic, that quickly adds up to a lot of plastic waste.’
We want our children to have the best; sometimes that means we forgo the thoughts of the effects something we might purchase has. Here we’re referring to those times when we’re out having a wonderful day and they see something that they like and we want to reward them and give them something to remember these memories by. So we buy something that is made of plastic with little consideration to where it came from or what will happen to it. There of course is an innocent explanation to this and it appears well rationalised, but when we make other purchases we want to make sure we’re doing the right thing and helping our environment, not hindering it.
‘The relationship between environmental ethics and aesthetics has become controversial in recent years. There is a growing recognition that our aesthetic taste, preference, and judgment have far‐reaching environmental consequences. More often than not, aesthetics seems to work against environmentally sound attitudes and practices.’
There is a dilemma in this choosing process; a recognised problem with consumerism and the environment. We have to decide whether we purchase something because it looks great but we have to compromise on its environmental ethics. With the world confidently taking this movement on, trying to change the way we consume and getting the best of both worlds, we now all work towards a criterion when making purchases.
How to buy environmentally friendly products:
Does the company have certifications confirming that its materials are sourced ethically?
Does the manufacturing process look after those who are involved in making it, paying them a respective wage and how much energy does it need to be produced?
Does it use energy in order to be used and will it wear out quickly or be a longtime purchase?
- Delivery and packaging
How does the company send their goods, is it in an environmentally friendly way?
Hopefully, you won’t need to, but, if this item was broken beyond repair, can it be disposed of in an environmentally friendly way?
So all of these questions are on your mind for your next purchase because maybe something did slip under the radar or you’re incredibly determined to work on bettering our world. But, there’s a continuing battle with choosing something that looks good and matches your aesthetic or choosing something that’s environmentally conscious.
This shouldn’t go unspoken about. Although it seems very clear cut that we should be purchasing morally and for the environment, it doesn’t mean that we aren’t considering how these things look in our home. We want to have the comfortable and most beautiful homes we’ve always desired and deserve, but we don’t want it to be at the consequence of the environment. With toys, they can quickly mount up. We suddenly look around to see that our children have larger collections than we’d thought. But what can we do to both purchase consciously, for the joy of our children and have something that looks good in our homes?
Zero Plastic
Our no.1 concern across the globe is single-use plastics, the inability to recycle and how it affects the world. Toys are so often made of plastic because of the ease of shape and colour, unbeatable price and for us parents, ease of keeping clean. (Check out our article for how to keep toys sanitary!) With continued advancements in design, toys don’t need to have these unhealthy plastic components. Now toys can be just as fun but made from other materials, like wood!
Responsibly sourced materials
Crucially, these materials should be sourced in a healthy way too. It’s all well and good if these materials look as if they can be reused and recycled if necessary, but if they have caused damage during the sourcing and manufacturing process, they shouldn’t be supported.
Built to last
Looking for items that grow with your child is just as important as them being made to last. What’s better for your home (and your pocket) than items that will last for the duration of your child’s development, growing with them (and for however many children you choose to have!)
Designed with home in mind
There are toys available that aren’t going to cause conflict with your aesthetic! Things like the Kule Learning Tower is simple and hits the mark for something your children will love but is understated and looks great in everyone’s kitchen.
Helping children’s development
We think that this is one of the most important points. Your children are the most important and you’ll compromise aesthetic and the environment for them. So investing in toys that look after and encourage your children’s development are going to be paramount. Check out our collection of Walk-Ons and Ride Ons for all toys that support development, look great in your home (when someone unexpectedly leaves them in your way) and help to promote a healthier environment!
With all this in mind, MamaToyz was born from a group of designers who had a desire to support the development of children but with a passion for design. The result is a variety of toys and other items that suit homes, are made of wood and aid your child as they grow!