A few years ago, the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act was passed in part to protect children from exposure to lead and phthalates in toys. By limiting lead, manufacturers had to find a new material to take its place. Unfortunately, instead of finding something safer, they switched to cadmium – another toxic metal. In advocacy speak – this is called “regrettable substitution.” While regulators and health groups are now pressuring industry to reduce or eliminate their use of cadmium, what could be next?
Not too many of us have an unlimited budget to replace all of the plastic toys our children currently have in their closets. But what we do have is more information to use going forward to make better choices.
Here are a few ways we can make things a bit more simple:
1) Look for toys make of natural material like woods without toxic paint or finishes. Look for an all natural cotton or wool toy.
2) Simplify. Buying fewer toys is much better for the environment in the long run. ( and better on your wallet )
3) Re-purpose. Can something you already have can be used as a toy? For example a cardboard box or staineless steel bowls can give a child hours of fun.
4) Read the labels. What is the toy made of? Where was it made? Get to know a toy before you buy it.
5) Buy local. You can help a local business and also help reduce green house gas emissions by buying something local. Some countries have very lax toy regulations so be aware of where your toy comes from.
6) Healthytoys.org is a website that can tell you where to find safer toys. Simply type in the toy and they can tell you what tests have be done on them and how safe they are.
7) Also remember to not freak out over every plastic toy your child has. That is not the reason for this blog. It is all about having fun, being safe, and making better choices going forward.
Warm regards and love,
Erin
