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. For all their flash and advertising, most toys are actually designed to break easily and end up in landfills at the end of a rather short lifespan. 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. One of the reasons plastic is so bad is because it does not degrade. We need alternatives, of which some may not be convenient. There is no signs that will change anytime soon. 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. Plastics are indigestible and non-biodegradable and once produced, one cannot get rid of them. He is always there to lend a helping hand, and he’ll drop what he’s doing to help someone. “No contaminants can end up in toys.”. Miller and others are sounding an alarm, going so far as to caution parents against purchasing plastic baby toys. Bike helmets, car airbags, and many medical supplies made with plastic save lives. Waitrose to stop selling plastic toys in Christmas crackers from 2020. “This means that if contaminated items unintentionally end up in the recycling mix, those contaminants will be found again in the new toy.” Countries that rely on cheap plastic exports lean heavily on recycled products. The good news is … In recent years, the use of plastic has been more heavily criticised than ever for the many problems it can cause. So what can you do if you want to teach your child, early on, to respect the environment they're growing up in? “And they are, in fact, quite harmful.”, Neither, apparently, is the international community. These household items are usually made from natural materials such as wood and rarely contain hard plastic materials. Of course, now you would want to know why. Dump the Plastic: Why Plastic is Bad for Your Health. Not long after the Little Shop promotion launched, the plastic toys were being found washed ashore on beaches. Something went wrong please contact us at support@fatherly.com. 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. If possible, avoid all plastic toys for infants and newborns. Packaging accounts for over 40 per cent of plastic usage. PVC—polyvinyl chloride, or vinyl—is found in a range of products, from children's toys to building materials to food packaging. Many school districts have a zero-tolerance policy. The fast food restaurant has claimed it will ban plastic toys and replace them with a new option for fans. If animals eat plastic, it gets stuck in their tummy and makes them sick. Many large toy companies are trying to become more eco-friendly after decades of relying on environmentally destructive plastic in their products and packaging. Is that Smelly Plastic from China Toxic? The fast food restaurant has claimed it will ban plastic toys and replace them with a new option for fans. We’re actually harming their environment that they’re going to live in for the rest of their lives.". I t’s what parents have suspected all along. In fact, it is a conscious effort by everyone as plastic is very harmful for our environment. Plastic food storage, plastic bowls, toys, crates, chews, squeakies, gates, ball, Frisbee, pill bottles, and tags, to name a few. 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. LEGO bricks have the potential to last for up to 1,300 years if they end up in Earth's oceans. “But if a child is putting it in his or her mouth and sucking on it, it could be harmful.”. Plastic can — and does — save lives. Instead of relying on plastic toys for older kids, teach them to find joy in other activities: making art, writing stories, reading, and adventuring outdoors (the last of which should help them develop an even deeper appreciation for the environment). Rubber duckies laced with flame retardants. “We found chemical pollutants in many different types of plastic toys and articles of clothing, like boots and sandals made for toddlers,” she says. Normally, wooden toys are more durable. Photo courtesy of Shutterstock. 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 … 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. Here's why it's not a solution to our plastic problem. 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. 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. Wooden toys are a better option for infants as well. 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. Get the best of Fatherly in your inbox. Why I Took My Kids’ Toys Away (& Why They Won’t Get Them Back) I finally gave up and took it all away. 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. But what about PVC in plastics and other products? Toys are fun, and they can be very educational. "It was totally incongruent for us to buy these toys for our kids for their edification and enjoyment. 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. First of all, help them consider less. Plastic toys can often only be used for their purpose and can restrict children’s thinking skills. But if the flexible plastic toy isn’t properly labeled, don’t buy it unless it’s are labeled as PVC-free. Being caught up and choked isn’t the only way they harm and kill wildlife. She says the supermarket has taken a step backwards with their plastic toy campaigns, after banning single-use plastic bags last year. “A child crawling on his belly across the yard holding a stick-gun may be processing a pretend death and heroically pursuing a powerful enemy he will confront and defeat,” Johnson says. 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. MCDONALD'S is making major changes to its Happy Meal toy options. 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. Chelsea Ritschel. 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). 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. As evidenced by it ending up in 83% of the world’s tap water, delicious. October 3, 2020 August 4, 2016 by Team SuperBee. “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. Alarmingly, they are probably playing with them. 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. Published: 21 Oct 2019 There have also been warnings for years about the presence of persistent organic toxins (POPs) in toys made of recycled plastic. China, for instance, produced 3.2 billion tons of industrial solid waste in 2014. Plastic breaks down into smaller and smaller pieces of itself, so it never really goes away. Visit BGR’s homepage for more stories. 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. Usually, this plastic doesn't get used inside the toy itself; rather, this is what much plastic packaging is made of. You’ll typically find No. Because he had so many toys, they didn’t mean as much to him as a child with only a few toys. Metalworking runoff in Mickey Mouse slippers. You’ll typically find No. From medical devices that keep blood flowing, joints moving and hearts beating to impact-resistant vehicle parts and safer infant car seats, plastic saves lives every day. 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. The plastic toys are incredibly durable, but that makes them an absolute nightmare when it comes to ocean pollution. 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. But once you start delving into the enduring problems that come with plastics, you might start to notice just how much plastic is involved in creating kids' toys — and that might start to ruin the magic for you. Research has found most toys contain chemicals toxic to humans, according to the EPA. Plastic debris is found absolutely everywhere, from the Arctic to Antarctica. 3 stamped on teething rings, toys, plastic curtains, take-out packaging and personal care products. Plastic water bottles can bring clean drinking water to people who don’t have it, and plastic straws can help people with disabilities drink. These are usually phthalate-free. Most of the time they end up in the trash," Steve Rho, CEO of the sustainable Big Future Toys, told the Huffington Post in May. First, let’s get real: Not all plastic is bad. Children have been suspendedfor pointing fingers like handguns. Treasure baskets offered in baby rooms give the children a sense of curiosity, enabling them to explore household items using all of their senses. By Staff Writer Last Updated Mar 26, 2020 8:54:01 AM ET. “But if you have toxic chemicals in the recycling stream and you’re putting them in children’s products…. There are plenty of good things to stick to, but plastic gadgets aren’t on the top of the list. Ok, so you know about the potential health implications of BPA in plastic and you do your best to avoid it. 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. Tests have shown that dibutylphthalate (DBP) is released into … 0 comments. because the bacteria in their stomach cannot break the plastic up into smaller pieces. 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. But hey, they're also kids. I calmly began packing up not just a toy or two, but every single thing. Giving away used plastic toys to others is a good idea, but it doesn't solve the problem, because you're still buying into that wasteful cycle in the first place. Why? 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. “If all waste contamination is known and controlled,” she says. This is just one of the many chemicals found in plastic toys. One of the sturdiest types of plastic on the list, polyethylene comes in two forms: low- and high-density. Plastic drinking straws. PVC (polyvinyl chloride). The longer a product is stored in that plastic the more BPA’s are leached into that item. 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. Lego is going to start making toys from plant-based plastic. 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 … 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. Heard about miracle "plastic roads"? The question that rises now is – aren’t plastic toys becoming a problem for the environment? Once you start learning about the problems associated with plastic and other environmental issues, get your kids involved in making a difference. In 2017, the International POPs Elimination Network (IPEN) examined 95 Rubrics cubes and a further 16 items, such as combs and toys, from 26 countries. 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. Thermally destructing pollutants in incineration plants. If your dog loves plastic, rubbery toys, it’s not so far-fetched. Hospital Bag Checklist: What to Pack for the Birth of Your Child, Don’t let children put items in their mouths, even if they seem safe. 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 negative effects of plastic vary depending on the type of plastic in the … 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. Manufacturing plastic toys requires plastics made from crude oil, which can impact both the environment and human health when sourced and used. 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. We continue to see more and more children with learning issues that can be prevented with additional purposeful and meaningful play experiences. “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. Manufacturers should design toys so that they have a long life and can be reused or passed on to others. You must have observed that grocery shops these days do not use plastic bags. Plastic is ubiquitous. ), "You have all these toys ― they’re cheap, they’re made out of plastic, they break easily. Plastic toys from China. 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? I don’t want parents to be alarmed unnecessarily, but I believe they have a right to know.”. Skip Facebook. Usually, this plastic doesn't get used inside the toy itself; rather, this is what much plastic packaging is made of. John Lewis Partnership also plans to reduce amount of glitter in products sold. They hand out all your things in either paper bags or cloth bags. 3 stamped on teething rings, toys, plastic curtains, take-out packaging and personal care products. 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. 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? Research has found most toys contain chemicals toxic to humans, according to the EPA. I wasn’t angry, just fed up. That hasn’t happened and the U.S. lacks anything resembling those regulations embraced elsewhere. “There’s no reason why these chemicals need to be in these products, in children’s toys,” she says. Could your dog’s favorite toy actually be poisoning him? 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. It … 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. One of the biggest concerns around choosing plastic toys is that they easily break, thus leaving sharp edges that may harm your child. The problem is, plastic essentially never decomposes. 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. Wednesday 18 April 2018 14:25. What do you want the president to prioritize in the next four years? MCDONALD'S is making major changes to its Happy Meal toy options. 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. 2021 Bustle Digital Group. 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. All rights reserved. Another factor contributing to why plastics are bad is when they’re directly ingested by animals thinking that they’ve been lucky to find a tasty morsel. Not only are they. Testing has found that polyvinyl chloride (PVC) goods – a form of plastic used in many rubberized toys,... Dibutylphthalate Release. 'Dune' Toys Are Already For Sale — But Where's My Giant F*cking Sandworm Toy? That advice may sound extreme, but these are not benign chemicals. Sign up for the Fatherly newsletter to get original articles and expert advice about parenting, fitness, gear, and more in your inbox every day. Please contact. Pretending that it was only because of my environmental concerns , I asked that any gifted toys be limited to wood or recycled plastic. 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. They can also optimize sustainable types and quantities of materials used. Oops! “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. The reasons why plastic is awesome are almost too numerous to count, but here are five that really resonate for us: 1. As shootings dominate the news month after month, pretend gun play has never been more unpopular with parents, Katie Morse, LCSW, a psychotherapist in private practice in Seattle, says. PVC Toxicity. But plastic toys just felt so, well, childish. Within a child’s early years, plastic is seen everywhere — an abundance of color and toys that light up, make sounds and move — but many of the toys have limited play options. Often times, things like plastic bags floating in the water can easily be mistaken as a wandering jellyfish. The European Union recently cracked down on recycled materials that contain OctaBDE and DecaBDE, and Guzzonato says this is a crucial step. 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. 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. And PVC can be pretty common in toys. There is a reason plastic is slowly disappearing. 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. Our exclusive interview with Mike Schade about our children's plastic toys that are toxic. There is no straightforward answer to “how long does it take plastic to fully decompose?” “From a chemical manufacturing perspective it’s a cheap stream of plastics and, on the surface, recycling sounds like a good thing,” Pamela Miller, co-chair of the International Persistent Organic Pollutants Elimination Network, explains. Regulation, however, is only one piece of the puzzle. So he gave lots away to other kids. 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. Something went wrong. But that takes work and requiring it might end up hampering recycling efforts without proving effective. 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. Plastic toys can often only be used for their purpose and can restrict children’s thinking skills. 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