Green toys
Find makers and retailers of green toys in Australia.
Plastic toys plastic contain a range of potentially toxic synthetic chemicals, which can be harmful especially if a child is in the habit of sucking toy or putting them in her mouth. Plastic toys are softened with a type of chemical called phthlates, which can cause liver damage, birth defects and damage to the reproductive system at low exposure levels. Phthalates bio-accumulate and have been found in body tissue and breast milk.
In addition, vinyl chloride, the chemical used to make PVC, is a known human carcinogen. Also, additives such as lead and cadmium are sometimes added to PVC to keep it from breaking down; these additives can be particularly dangerous in children's toys.
And as any parent knows, cheap plastic toys also tend to break quickly and are impossible to repair or recycle. Wooden toys can be a better alternative. Rag dolls and soft toys made from organic cotton or wool are a good alternative to plastic dolls.
Consider avoiding or limiting the number of toys which require batteries, often just an unnecessary waste of energy. In any case, children often end up returning more regularly to less mechanised toys that don't do everything for them, but instead leave something to the imagination. Wooden or cardboard puzzles, building blocks and so on challenge and stimulate children.
Children outgrow toys quickly. Frequent garage sales and opportunity shops to find second-hand toys at a fraction of the price of buying new toys all the time. And find a good home for toys your kids have finished with by passing them on to friends or taking them to second-hand stores.
You will also find a few toys with environmental messages that can help make your children think about environmental issues or engage with nature and the environment.
Ethical Gifts
www.ethicalgifts.net.auArtisan made, eco friendly, fair trade products and gifts from around the world.
Flying Penguin
www.flyingpenguin.com.auExtraordinary educational toys and games for all ages, nappies and baby care.
Livos Australia Pty Ltd
www.livos.com.auPlant based flooring oils for interior and exterior, waxes, paints, tints & cleaners. Plant based finger/face paints.
Indigo Inspirations
www.indigoinspirations.net.auEco friendly toys and hand painted wool & wool felt.
Thinking Toys
www.thinkingtoys.com.auEco friendly, educational toys, puzzles and games.
Tikidibou
www.tikidibou.comFairtrade and organic cotton clothes and toys.
Tree Frog Toys
www.treefrogtoys.com.auEco-friendly, locally handcrafted and fair trade toys.
Little Minds Learning
Fair trade educational resources and toys for children.
The Play Hive
Wooden, fair trade & educational toys, games, puzzles & books.

















