Still, there aren’t very many robust studies on toddlers who have been exposed to these chemical contaminants and what little literature exists remains inconclusive. The Stockholm Convention recently closed a loophole in that allowed manufacturers to recycle certain contaminants as long as they didn’t produce new ones. Kids are incredibly empathetic, and if you teach them about the dangers of pollution, they might even want to turn down cheap, short-lived toys of their own volition. But plastic toys just felt so, well, childish. Die-cast toys use real metal in the mold rather than just plastic, which is why they tend to be much heavier than their plastic counterparts along with earning the name die-cast. That hasn’t happened and the U.S. lacks anything resembling those regulations embraced elsewhere. But as it turns out, parents need to start being more mindful of the impact kids' toys are making on the environment, as well. Chalk it up to weak regulation–the U.S. isn’t party to the Stockholm Convention, which handles this sort of thing–or corporate greed, but a whole lot of children’s toys are contaminated with industrial chemicals and the source is not mysterious at all. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, plastic toys may contain lead, which is added to the plastic to soften it. So what can you do if you want to teach your child, early on, to respect the environment they're growing up in? Lego is going to start making toys from plant-based plastic. But that takes work and requiring it might end up hampering recycling efforts without proving effective. John Lewis Partnership also plans to reduce amount of glitter in products sold. The Environmental Protection Agency describes OctaBDE and DecaBDE as “persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic to both humans the environment.” One hundred and fifty two nations agreed to phase out HBCD in 2013, due to studies that suggested it affects thyroid function and brain development. Sign up for the Fatherly newsletter to get original articles and expert advice about parenting, fitness, gear, and more in your inbox every day. Rubik’s Cubes leaking electronic waste. "It was totally incongruent for us to buy these toys for our kids for their edification and enjoyment. “In the vast majority of cases the plastic used to manufacture new toys is, at least in part, recycled,” Antonella Guzzonato of Birmingham University in the UK, and authors of the most recent flame retardant study, told Fatherly. It's their world we're living in, and raising kids to have respect for the environment is critical to ensuring a safe future for them. Why I Took My Kids’ Toys Away (& Why They Won’t Get Them Back) I finally gave up and took it all away. “There’s no reason why these chemicals need to be in these products, in children’s toys,” she says. Plastic toys are actually a huge environmental problem, and if we want to raise sustainability-conscious kids, it's important to raise them with awareness of those issues. PVC (polyvinyl chloride). MCDONALD'S is making major changes to its Happy Meal toy options. Heard about miracle "plastic roads"? Until it does, Miller advises parents to avoid plastic toys that young children are likely to put in their mouths (so, basically everything) especially when those products are made from polyvinyl chloride plastics (again, basically everything). The European Union recently cracked down on recycled materials that contain OctaBDE and DecaBDE, and Guzzonato says this is a crucial step. If the toy is exposed to high heat, the lead may leach out in the form of dust, which may then be inhaled or ingested by a child or pet. In 2015, IPEN tested a small sample of 21 children’s toys and found nearly half were contaminated with toxic flame retardants that originated from electronic waste. Not only are they usually unhygienic, but researchers found chemical pollutants in many different types of plastic toys, balls, rubber duckies, jump ropes, and swim toys. Metalworking runoff in Mickey Mouse slippers. In a global economy, where electronics are manufactured in one country, recycled in another country, and sold as plastic children’s toys in yet another country, no intervention can have a meaningful effect unless all nations sign on. Something went wrong. That means every single cheap kids' meal toy your child has brought home, every Barbie you've thrown out or given away, every LEGO piece you step on — it's still going to be on this planet long after you or your child (or their child) is gone. The problem is that most of us use and then toss way more plastic than we need: things like grocery bags, drink bottles, straws, food wrappers, and plastic packaging around toys. The main reason is that kids simply don’t play with them. There are plenty of good things to stick to, but plastic gadgets aren't on the top of the list. Research has found most toys contain chemicals toxic to humans, according to the EPA. Manufacturers should design toys so that they have a long life and can be reused or passed on to others. There have also been warnings for years about the presence of persistent organic toxins (POPs) in toys made of recycled plastic. The fast food restaurant has claimed it will ban plastic toys and replace them with a new option for fans. Manufacturing plastic toys requires plastics made from crude oil, which can impact both the environment and human health when sourced and used. One of the reasons plastic is so bad is because it does not degrade. It … October 3, 2020 August 4, 2016 by Team SuperBee. Jack Kirby's Son Says Capitol Rioters Defiled Captain America's Values, Here's What To Expect From Biden's COVID-19 Stimulus Plan, Here's Why Grown Men Are Singing Sea Shanties On TikTok. "Plastic's inanimate, so it can't be bad, it's what people do with it that's bad," he said. Poly Vinyl Chloride . Plastic toys from China. Of course, now you would want to know why. I wasn’t angry, just fed up. Plastic breaks down into smaller and smaller pieces of itself, so it never really goes away. The next time you can't get that Marvel or DC figure out of its plastic prison, at least you'll know your enemy's name. “But if a child is putting it in his or her mouth and sucking on it, it could be harmful.”. Made from petroleum, most plastic toys contain toxic phthalates, BPA, fire retardants, and other chemicals that are neither safe for your child nor eco-friendly. The BBC reports a poll from the British Heart Foundation that points to a problem. She says the supermarket has taken a step backwards with their plastic toy campaigns, after banning single-use plastic bags last year. “It was a crucial achievement…that the exemption for recycling, which was called for by a few countries, was not granted,” Andreas Buser, scientific officer of the Industrial Chemicals Section for the Swiss government, told Fatherly. At least harmful plastic isn't going to be used as frequently anymore! Plastic toys can often only be used for their purpose and can restrict children’s thinking skills. There are plenty of good things to stick to, but plastic gadgets aren’t on the top of the list. The problem is, plastic essentially never decomposes. Tests have shown that dibutylphthalate (DBP) is released into … along with engine exhaust and welding fumes, more likely than sex toys to contain banned chemicals, Two billion tons were subsequently recycled, what little literature exists remains inconclusive, The Best Toy Storage Organizers for Keeping the Toys at Bay, The 8 Best Discreet Sex Toys You Won’t Be Embarrassed for Your Kid to Find, The 6 Best SAD Lamps for Seasonal Depression — And Why They Work, 11 Great Play Food Sets for Your Kid's Play Kitchen. The good news is … The health effects of the chemicals used in the manufacturing of plastic toys are not fully known, but at least one type of common chemical, called phthalates ― which is used to soften soys ― has been linked to a number of health issues, including birth defects, cancer and diabetes, The New York Times reported in 2014. These items are made from polyvinyl chloride (generally referred to as PVC) and of concern is the release of phthalates, a binding agent that makes the plastic malleable and is in an innumerable amount of consumer products, not just plastics. Industry advocates maintain (correctly) that most of the research that has shown that these chemicals impact brain development and reproductive health has been based on animal studies, which may not translate to humans. We need alternatives, of which some may not be convenient. And just how bad is the damage? This January, researchers in Sweden reported that children’s toys were more likely than sex toys to contain banned chemicals. "Plastic's inanimate, so it can't be bad, it's what people do with it that's bad," he said. There is no straightforward answer to “how long does it take plastic to fully decompose?” By Staff Writer Last Updated Mar 26, 2020 8:54:01 AM ET. As I walked down the aisles of one of the pet product stores where I live every aisle was filled with plastic and every product was packaged in plastic. You must have observed that grocery shops these days do not use plastic bags. Toy weapons symbolize power, leadership, authority, strength and control.” Pretend arms give children the chance to unravel these complicated concepts in the safe realm of play. They hand out all your things in either paper bags or cloth bags. Pretending that it was only because of my environmental concerns , I asked that any gifted toys be limited to wood or recycled plastic. Give us a little more information and we'll give you a lot more relevant content, Oops! If possible, avoid all plastic toys for infants and newborns. Research has found most toys contain chemicals toxic to humans, according to the EPA. Plastic food storage, plastic bowls, toys, crates, chews, squeakies, gates, ball, Frisbee, pill bottles, and tags, to name a few. You’ll typically find No. “We found them in plastic animal toys, balls, rubber duckies, jump ropes, and swim toys.”, “Rubber duckies look safe and should be safe,” Miller says. Usually, this plastic doesn't get used inside the toy itself; rather, this is what much plastic packaging is made of. Luckily, people are becoming much more aware of the havoc plastic can wreak on our planet, and there are many plastic-free toys for kids out there. Plastic toys can often only be used for their purpose and can restrict children’s thinking skills. We continue to see more and more children with learning issues that can be prevented with additional purposeful and meaningful play experiences. Many toys that are “bad” for your child aren’t necessarily dangerous or harmful to their physical health, but they don’t engage the areas of learning that help a child reach their full academic potential. Plastic water bottles can bring clean drinking water to people who don’t have it, and plastic straws can help people with disabilities drink. If you have something that is oddly sticky, here’s how to clean plastic that has become sticky, like remote controls and hard plastic toys. Because China’s product quality control isn’t as strict as it is in the US, it’s smart to steer clear of toys made in China. PVC—polyvinyl chloride, or vinyl—is found in a range of products, from children's toys to building materials to food packaging. Plastic is ubiquitous. While this process dates back to the beginning of the 20th century, the practice remains in use today with some toys, particularly high-end collectibles. In recent years, the use of plastic has been more heavily criticised than ever for the many problems it can cause. Avoid BPA: Stay away from toys made with BPA by staying away from toys made with #7 plastic, especially if they’re going in your baby’s mouth. “No contaminants can end up in toys.”. One of the biggest concerns around choosing plastic toys is that they easily break, thus leaving sharp edges that may harm your child. The next time you can't get that Marvel or DC figure out of its plastic prison, at least you'll know your enemy's name. These items are made from polyvinyl chloride (generally referred to as PVC) and of concern is the release of phthalates, a binding agent that makes the plastic malleable and is in an innumerable amount of consumer products, not just plastics. In fact, it is a conscious effort by everyone as plastic is very harmful for our environment. This is just one of the many chemicals found in plastic toys. These household items are usually made from natural materials such as wood and rarely contain hard plastic materials. As evidenced by it ending up in 83% of the world’s tap water, delicious. Plastic toys can end up in landfill and in the ocean A poll by the British Heart Foundation found that more than a quarter of parents admit to throwing away toys that are in perfect working … The proliferation of toxins like OctaBDE and DecaBDE (components of electronic waste), HBCD (found in building insulation), and SCCPs (metalworking chemicals) comes courtesy of the plastic recycling process. The negative effects of plastic vary depending on the type of plastic in the … Many large toy companies are trying to become more eco-friendly after decades of relying on environmentally destructive plastic in their products and packaging. Plastic drinking straws. Ok, so you know about the potential health implications of BPA in plastic and you do your best to avoid it. The fast food restaurant has claimed it will ban plastic toys and replace them with a new option for fans. Why? The majority of the world’s plastics end up in the garbage, rivers, and eventually in lakes and oceans. Large plastics float across oceans and sometimes collect together to form garbage patches such as the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. When doting grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends bought plastic toys for our kids, I would politely return them and caused a lot of bad feelings. “But if you have toxic chemicals in the recycling stream and you’re putting them in children’s products…. That advice may sound extreme, but these are not benign chemicals. Miller and others are sounding an alarm, going so far as to caution parents against purchasing plastic baby toys. Our exclusive interview with Mike Schade about our children's plastic toys that are toxic. But hey, they're also kids. First, let’s get real: Not all plastic is bad. Rubber duckies laced with flame retardants. Wednesday 18 April 2018 14:25. At the end of the event, all of the kids received a bag about the size of a 2-gallon milk jug, filled to the brim with “kitschy cheap little toys,” Rho said. There are also plenty of sustainable toy companies cropping up that either use closed-loop systems or no plastic. 0 comments. This widely used plastic often contains harmful chemicals, including such known carcinogens as vinyl chloride, dioxin and phthalates, which are linked to asthma, allergies, and reproductive problems. These are usually phthalate-free. Toys are fun, and they can be very educational. Be selective with toys: Make sure that plastic toys you buy for your children are made from BPA-free material — especially for toys your little ones are likely to chew or suck on. We’re actually harming their environment that they’re going to live in for the rest of their lives.". Why is plastic bad for the environment and how much is in the ocean? Here's why it's not a solution to our plastic problem. Often times, things like plastic bags floating in the water can easily be mistaken as a wandering jellyfish. Being caught up and choked isn’t the only way they harm and kill wildlife. There's nothing quite like a toy store to elicit a sense of wonder in a kid, and seeing delighted children unwrap a shiny new present can bring anyone a dose of unadulterated joy. Alarmingly, they are probably playing with them. Plastic poses several environmental risks, including leaching chemicals and toxins into surrounding ecosystems, threatening the health of local animal populations and releasing greenhouse gases into the air. Wary of falling on the wrong side of school policies, many parents attempt to squelch all toy gun play at home, lest it follow kids to … LEGO bricks have the potential to last for up to 1,300 years if they end up in Earth's oceans. 2021 Bustle Digital Group. And the International Agency for Research on Cancer considers SSCPs possibly carcinogenic, along with engine exhaust and welding fumes. Treasure baskets offered in baby rooms give the children a sense of curiosity, enabling them to explore household items using all of their senses. But if the flexible plastic toy isn’t properly labeled, don’t buy it unless it’s are labeled as PVC-free. In April, IPEN released studies suggesting that 90 percent of children’s toys may contain either OctaBDE or DecaBDE, and that 67 percent may exceed Stockholm Convention hazardous waste limits for SCCPs. Please contact. First of all, help them consider less. Two billion tons were subsequently recycled, which would be an environmental coup if chemicals weren’t being recycled into jump ropes. Since they often stick toys in their mouth, wood is indeed a safer alternative to plastic or metal. Experts like Buser maintain that these pollutants “need to be eliminated from the recycling streams as quickly as possible to avoid them from being in circulation for an extended period.” The best way to do this? Published: 21 Oct 2019 According to a presentation by the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry conference, many of the plastic and rubbery toys and fetching batons that our dogs chew on and play with every day, contain dangerous chemicals that may be harmful to their health. 3 stamped on teething rings, toys, plastic curtains, take-out packaging and personal care products. Even if you use your recycling bin dutifully, recycling toys is usually difficult, since most are made from several different materials — according to the David Suzuki Foundation, seeing toys made of "a combination of every type of plastic (numbers one through seven)" isn't uncommon. And in 1999 the UK Department for Trade and Industry released a report that concluded that such fears were unfounded in humans, and merely “chemical paranoia.”, But Miller isn’t taking any chances. I t’s what parents have suspected all along. My son would freely give away his toys to kids who had no toys, or if a kid wanted a toy, he would give him one of his toys…why? I calmly began packing up not just a toy or two, but every single thing. If possible, avoid all plastic toys for infants and newborns. Many parents have already questioned the chemicals used to create certain toys, and many of them try to skip certain pollutants when picking out toys for their children. Many toys that are “bad ” for your child aren’t necessarily dangerous or harmful to their physical health, but they don’t engage the areas of learning that help a child reach their full academic potential. It hit Rho just how detrimental plastic toys are after he took one of his daughters to a birthday party at a Chuck E. Cheese’s location in Los Angeles. This kind of plastic that’s used only once before being thrown away is called single-use plastic , and it makes up more than 40 percent of all plastic trash. Not only are they. Is that Smelly Plastic from China Toxic? Chinese-made toys came under attack a few years ago for having high levels of lead paint — and more than nine million of them were recalled. So he gave lots away to other kids. Plastic food storage, plastic bowls, toys, crates, chews, squeakies, gates, ball, Frisbee, pill bottles, and tags, to name a few. Why Are Microplastics dangerous? And once you look at it that way, it'll seem hard to look at their usual toys in the same way you used to. ↓ If your dog loves plastic, rubbery toys, it’s not so far-fetched. Oops! Many school districts have a zero-tolerance policy. Plastics are indigestible and non-biodegradable and once produced, one cannot get rid of them. McDonald’s to remove plastic toys from Happy Meals ‘We care passionately about the environment and are committed to reducing plastic across our business,’ says spokesperson. According to Plastics, 90 percent of all toys on the market are made of plastic, and the toy industry in the United States only seems to be growing — according to the NPD Group, it's been growing by 5 percent a year, and reached a staggering $20.4 billion in sales last year. The question that rises now is – aren’t plastic toys becoming a problem for the environment? 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