What is a green toy?

Today everyone is concerned about the environment. That, of course, extends to our children who will inherit the world we leave them. So green toys have become a growing part of the toy industry. Many of the award programs are now giving out awards to companies that make "green toys."

But what makes a "green" toy? There are a lot of different definitions that you might not know exactly what they mean. A "green" company or toy may embrace some or all of these principals. Do your research so that you understand when you purchase a toy that is advertised to be "green" or "eco-friendly" you know what philosophies they are embracing.

Plan Toys, one the most eco-friendly toy manufacturers, divides their definition into three green materials, green manufacturing, and green attitude.

Here are some of the terms you will see people using when talking about "green" toys.

Natural Materials: The toy is manufactured with natural materials this may include natural wood or organic cotton. To be considered organic the cotton needs to be grown without pesticides or other chemicals.

Coatings: Toys that use non-toxic paint coatings. They may use vegetable dyes for coloring.

Phthalate-free: Toys that are Phthalate-Free. Phthalate is a chemical which is used to soften plastics. If you are purchasing a toy made with plastic you will want to look for a label that says "100% phthalate free"

Sustainable Materials: Toys manufactured from recycled, sustainable and renewable materials. This includes toys made with recycled wood, recycled plastic, rubberwood and bamboo.

Packaging: Toys that are package with the least amount materials that will be thrown out.

Alternative energy: Toys that do not use batteries, but run on an alternative source such as solar, wind, or a child's own energy. 5 billion batteries are purchased by Americans each year and these batteries leave behind 146,000 tons of battery waste.

Educational Toys: Toys that teach children about the environment and their place within the world.

Managed Forests: Companies that plant a new tree for every tree they use to make toys.

Socially responsible companies: Companies that donate back a portion of their profits to an environmental non-profit organization. Companies that ensure that all of their business practice are green. Does the company have a company-wide recycling program, do they encourage their employees to bike or car pool to work, are they reexamining the ways they manufacture and package their toys.

Using a combination of the thoughts above, you will be able to purchase wonderful ?green toys? for the children in your life.