The problem with plastic toys & what we can do to fix it

Who has suffered toy guilt? Hands up 🙋🏼‍♀️ It’s an affliction often felt whilst paying for another toy (your child doesn’t really need) in a toy shop, or whilst tidying up copious amounts of play things at the end of a long day. We’ve all been there.

As parents, we strive to provide our children with the best of everything, from education to entertainment. Toys play a crucial role in a child's development, sparking creativity, encouraging physical activity, and helping with social skills. Plus they simply bring so much joy to little ones - who can resist such innocent happiness?However, the prevalence of plastic toys poses significant environmental and health challenges too, as well as children who are far too accustomed to materialism and excess. It’s our recognition of these realities that often leads to said toy-guilt. So what do we need to know about toys and their impact, and what do we need to do to ensure we act responsibly (without sacrificing joy)?

The environmental impact of plastic toys

Plastic toys are everywhere. In Australia, the toy market is substantial, with millions of toys sold annually. Unfortunately, many of these toys are made from non-biodegradable plastics, contributing to the ever-growing problem of plastic pollution.

According to a report by the World Economic Forum, about 90% of toys are made of plastic, much of which is not recyclable .

Plastic waste is a critical issue globally, and Australia is no exception. The country generates about 2.5 million tonnes of plastic waste each year, and only about 9% is recycled . The rest ends up in landfills, waterways, and oceans, where it can take hundreds of years to decompose. Toys, often made from a mix of plastics and other materials, are particularly problematic to recycle, and globally nearly 80% of all toys end up in landfills, incinerators or the ocean and account for almost 6% of landfill plastics.

Health concerns associated with plastic toys

Beyond environmental concerns, plastic toys can pose health risks to children. Many plastic toys contain harmful chemicals such as phthalates, BPA, and lead, which can leach out and be ingested by children. These chemicals have been linked to a range of health issues, including hormonal disruptions, developmental problems, and even cancer.

In 2011, Australia introduced mandatory safety standards for toys to limit the presence of certain hazardous chemicals. However, the enforcement of these regulations can be inconsistent, and many toys still slip through the cracks, particularly those that are cheaply made or imported from countries with lax safety standards.

Why do we buy so many plastic toys?

Plastic toys are often inexpensive, durable, and widely available. They come in a dizzying array of colours, shapes, and sizes, appealing to both children and us as parents. Marketing strategies also play a significant role, with popular characters from movies and TV shows often turned into must-have plastic toys. Pester power from children is overwhelming, especially as their exposure to the latest toys is increased by screen time and advertising. YouTube has a lot to answer for.

Furthermore, plastic toys are convenient. They are the toys that survive being left out in the rain. They can easily take a wet wipe, sibling squabble, and trip to the beach. And as much as we want to do better, it’s this convenience factor which can often overshadow our concerns about their environmental and health impacts.

What can we do to do better? Solutions and alternatives

1. Opt for Sustainable Materials: This one is obvious and incredibly effective, but can be more expensive and less popular choice for the little ones. Wooden toys are biodegradable, durable, and often made from renewable resources. Brands like PlanToys and Melissa & Doug offer a range of high-quality wooden toys that are both eco-friendly and safe. For younger children, who have not yet been lured into the world of Paw Patrol and Spidey, this is a no-brainer.

2. Buy Fewer, Better Toys: Adopting a minimalist approach to toys can also make a significant difference. Instead of buying numerous cheap plastic toys, focus on purchasing fewer, high-quality items that are designed to last. This not only reduces waste but also teaches children to value and take care of their possessions.

3. Second hand toys and toy libraries: This is an easy win if you have some time to invest. Looking in op shops, searching Facebook marketplace and swapping toys with friends can be incredibly effective and rewarding. There are so many unused toys out there, in perfectly good condition, why buy even more new stuff? It’s cheap, eco-friendly, and more often than not your child gets what they want. Win. Win. Win

4. Support Companies with Eco-Friendly Practices: Some toy companies are making strides in addressing the plastic problem. LEGO, for example, has committed to producing all its core products from sustainable materials by 2030. Other companies are using recycled plastics or bioplastics to create their toys, reducing the reliance on new, petroleum-based plastics. A bit of research can go a long way

5. Involve your child in the conversation: One important solution is engaging your child with the problem. Once they are old enough to understand, explaining to them the harmful environmental impact of lots of plastic toys can be really effective. If they love marine life or going to the beach use that to get them excited about protecting it. Once they understand the issues, it’s far easier to have a rationale conversation when they ask for a new plastic toy.

For more ideas and inspiration on how to avoid an excess of plastic toys follow @gen.kind on Instagram - we often explore realistic alternatives and recommend great kids brands to support 😊

GenKind is on a mission to help raise a kinder generation - empowering children to use their birthday to support a planet-saving cause. By exchanging their birthday party presents for donations to a charity that they are super passionate about, they learn about the power of kindness and experience all the benefits. With their friends and family they make a real difference to our planet, animals and people and learn that being small doesn’t mean being powerless 💪🏻

To learn more about GenKind and join our club for your next birthday click here