Eco-friendly Toys Win At National Toy Awards

Every summer, noted childhood development authority, Stevanne Auerbach, Ph.D. (aka Dr. Toy) recognizes the best toys of the season with the prestigious Dr. Toy Best Vacation Products Awards. This year, six of the recipients are eco-friendly – proving that green toys can compete in the mainstream market. (Eco-friendly toys exclusively compete in the Dr. Toy Best Green Product Awards held earlier this year.)

Eco-friendly toys make up a small percentage of the toys sold in America. But, is that due to little demand or a small supply? The major toy manufacturers have been slow to introduce eco-friendly options. Most parents head to the local mega-store to buy toys and find rows of plastic toys in plastic packaging. Green options are slim. What do they buy? Most buy what’s on the shelf.

But, a growing number are turning to the internet and specialty stores to find eco-friendly options. Recognizing the need and the growing demand, small businesses have sprung up to provide parents with options.
That’s the story of Young Minds At Play (www.youngmindsatplay.com), whose First Jigsaw Puzzle – Square was among this year’s Best Vacation Product Award winners and Best Green Product Award winners. Frustrated that they could not find the natural, educational toys they wanted for their infant son, Jeff and Charlene Smith started making their own toys. Their son loved them and so did they, so they started their own eco-friendly toy company in 2010.

“Most wood puzzles are made of plywood or pressed wood, both of which contain adhesives, and they are covered with paint or glued-on pictures. The thought of our son putting one of those in his mouth made us cringe. We wanted a puzzle where we didn’t have to worry, so we made ours out of 100% solid maple and cherry woods and finished it with a safe, food-grade beeswax/oil – like what is used on wooden kitchen cutting boards.”, says Smith. All their wood is locally-sourced and sustainably harvested.
The commitment to green living goes beyond the toys themselves. The packaging is eco-friendly as well: 100% recycled material with sustainable and compostable PLA seals. Everything is made in America from American materials and all packaging is American-made, keeping fuel and emissions to a minimum.
Companies, like this, are providing options for families – experts, like Dr. Auerbach, are taking notice. It is now up to parents to cast their deciding vote.
Dr. Auerbach is a national expert on play and children’s products. She approved the first proposal for “Sesame Street” and has authored 15 books and hundreds of articles on toys and play. She holds a Ph.D. in Child Development and has over 40 years of experience evaluating toys/children’s products. Her extensive toy guide, including the Best Vacation Products and Best Green Products Awards, can be found at www.drtoy.com.

Photo of Dr. Toy Award Winner: