The New Wave of Toys: Less Packaging, More Fun
Parenting styles vary between parents, from the chill, laid-back parents to the more nerve-wracked, safety-conscious parents. Green Toys Inc. is trying to go after both groups with eco-friendly toys that are held to stricter safety standards. We tested out the Ecosaucer flying disc and a tea set, but they have several other products, from sand play sets to jump ropes.
Most of Green Toys Inc.‘s toys are made from plastic milk containers and produced in California, meaning both that it has been shipped relatively locally and that it has passed California’s more stringent toy safety laws. The toys arrive in rather minimal packaging, with no plastic, twist-ties or cellophane. And they advertize that their products are BPA, phthalates and lead paint free.
The Ecosaucer is not as bendy as a typical disc, which was originally concerning because it seemed like a harder object and harder objects are not as desirable around kids. However, discs in general have very hard surfaces, and upon flinging it against the wall and batting it against my head, I couldn’t tell much of a difference between it and a normal disc. There’s also almost no perceptible difference in throwing the disc either, as it seemed just as easy to throw and catch.
The tea set comes in a mismatched set of colors that are nonetheless pleasing for their neutrality. Containing pink, green, blue, purple and yellow, they are not exceptionally girly or very boyish. The teapot seems perfectly functional for pouring water or imaginary Earl Grey. All items except the inside of the teapot seem fairly easy to clean, though the teapot has a seam that might trap dirt in the long run if you do not run it through the dishwasher regularly. And because tea sets have a tendency to be used in such a way as to come into contact with the mouth, this is one of the more important items to be bought child-safe and guaranteed lead free.
Perhaps the cutest toy they sell, and not one we reviewed, is an evolution of the dump truck: a recycling truck. It comes in two colors of green and perhaps jumpstarts the process of being eco-conscious at an early age.
The company is a stark contrast to the Mattels of the world. Certainly many parents might find comfort in buying bright, colorful toys for their kids with a mind towards the kids’ future and their own values. The Ecosaucer retails at around $10; the tea set at around $25. Available through retailers near you or online retailers such as Amazon.
