What Is an Eco-Friendly Baby Toy?

Manufacturers Give Specifics

By Justina Huddleston
April 2011

“One hundred percent of the scrap wood from the timber made into toys and/or furniture is used to heat our buildings [in Germany].” — Lea Culliton, HABA USA

“Green” has been a hot trend in the toy market ever since the lead-paint scares in 2007. Parents are especially concerned about infant and toddler toys, since they so often find their ways into kids’ mouths.

Most manufacturers claim to have eco-friendly baby toys. But TDmonthly Magazine wanted to know —what does that really mean for kids and the environment?

"We’ve always used natural wood products and non-toxic paint, and as much natural raw material as possible," Robin Lehnert of Hape International told TDmonthly. "One of the strengths that HaPe has is our expertise in working with bamboo, which is highly sustainable," she added.

The German-based company HABA has long been known for its wooden infant and toddler toys, decorated with nontoxic, lead-free paints. It’s now gone a step further in sustainable production: At Habermaas' new facility in Germany, “Geo-Thermal energy is built into the building so all of our heating and cooling is done naturally deep underground,” said Lea Culliton, president of HABA USA.

“In addition, all rainwater is collected and filtered and used for the secondary water usage (restrooms, etc),” she continued. “One hundred percent of the scrap wood from the timber made into toys and/or furniture is used to heat our buildings, and in fact the leftovers are then distributed to employees and the community to heat their homes.”

Newer companies are also ensuring that their baby and infant toys are not only safe, but sustainable.

"Eco-friendly materials can be the same quality but be safer, and the materials are becoming cheaper and becoming more affordable for everyone," said Mario Ramirez-Gurria, whose Marai Toys LLC began producing last year. "For each of our toys, the Treefies, a tree is planted in honor of the owner.”

"We use a proprietary material we call Sprigwood, which is made from reclaimed wood and recycled plastic, all of which is sourced in the USA," Justin Discoe, vp of sales at Sprig Toys, told TDmonthly. Using FSC certified wood, water-based paint, soy-based inks for packaging and recycled materials for shipping were cited by many of the companies we spoke with as ways to be green.

Cathleen Cimino, co-creator and designer for Fink Forest Friends, mentioned that their toys are “comprised of eco-fi felt made in the USA — a high-quality polyester fiber made from 100% certified recycled plastic PET bottles.”

Less obvious green practices included "Calculat[ing] our carbon footprint from corporate activities, manufacturing, and transportation of our products,” then giving back to green energy sources to offset it, Ramirez-Gurria told us.

Sprig Toys shared one of their energy saving techniques: "because we offset the amount of recycled plastic we use with reclaimed wood, we are able to injection-mold at lower temperatures,” saving 20% more energy than traditional practices.

But really, what is the most important thing to consider when creating eco-friendly toys for infants and toddlers? “Play-value,” Driscoe concluded.

See the newest green products from these companies below.

Sorting Box Animals by HABA USA/HABERMAASS CORP.

What is the favorite food of the cat, dog, and sheep? Little explorers will soon find this out as only the right food will fit through the corresponding holes of the sorting box. The big wooden pieces stimulate the curiosity of little ones, fosters their senses and train motor skills. Material: Naturally colored birch wood, 6 colored pieces of beech wood and 2 birch plywood templates printed on both sides. Launch date: 2011. ( Watch Video) 3/4/2011 (MSRP: $17.95; Age: 1 and Up)

Moose by FINK FOREST FRIENDS

Moose by FINK FOREST FRIENDS The Fink Forest Friends eco-friendly plush toy line is based on the Fred Rogers Memorial Scholarship award-winning characters. Moose consists of Eco-fi Felt, polyester fiber made from 100% recycled bottles, and is one of a kind and 100% handmade in Los Feliz, California. Moose measures 16" x 18" x 7." 9/14/2010 (MSRP: $45.00; Age: 4 and Up)

Treefies by MARAI TOYS LLC

Treefies by MARAI TOYS LLC A tree will be planted for every collectible, plush Treefie that is registered online. Because children are so interested in doing their part, this line is geared toward educating them about our world, giving them the opportunity to plant a tree, and keeping them interested in the environment. Treefies combine the classic offline play and collecting possibilities of a plush toy with the modern twist of access to the internet. The line includes the following animals: monkey, elephant, eagle, frog, brown bear, lion, panda, shark, leopard, and ferret. 3/16/2011 (MSRP: $5.99)

E-Moto by HAPE

E-Moto by HAPE This Italian-designed motorcycle is made of bamboo, with just a bit of rubber and metal for the wheels. The body is lightweight and durable, making the E-Moto easy and safe for young children to maneuver. These toys are made primarily of bamboo, an eco-friendly source material that is quick-growing, natural, and renewable. 4/8/2011 (MSRP: $24.95; Age: 3 and Up)

Cone Stacker by SPRIG TOYS, INC.

Cone Stacker by SPRIG TOYS, INC. This cone eliminates the central ring from the stacking toy. Sprig toys are molded using Sprigwood, a durable, child safe, bio-composite material made from recycled wood and reclaimed plastic. 2/22/2011 (MSRP: $14.99; Age: 0 and Up)

Captain Owen's Dolphin Explorer Boat by SPRIG TOYS, INC.

Join Captain Owen on the open seas! Our rugged boat playset is great for the bathtub, beach, and pool. A complete playset. It includes an 2 boats - Explorer Boat and Rescue Boat, a Life Preserver, two Dolphins - Mother and Baby, an Adventure Guide - Captain Owen, an Adventure Hat (interchangeable with other characters), and a Backpack Accessory. 2010 TOTY Award Winner. 2/15/2010 (Age: 3 and Up)

Eco-Friendly Wooden Double Sided Domino by BOIKIDO

This environmental friendly wooden Double Sided Domino is made of wood from FSC-monitored source, painted with water-based paints, packaged in a box made of recycled materials, and printed with soy-bean ink. It's designed for preschoolers to learn numbers, counting and matching, plus develop motor and cognitive skills. The pieces can be stored in the sturdy drawer box that comes with the toy. It's been tested to meet European and U.S. safety standards.
Awards: 2011 Parents' Choice Recommended Award 12/29/2010 (MSRP: $24.99; Age: 2 and Up)

Eco-Friendly Wooden Rainbow Numbers by BOIKIDO

This environmental friendly wooden Rainbow Numbers Game is made of wood from FSC-monitored source, painted with water-based paints, packaged in a box made of recycled materials, and printed with soy-bean ink. Kids can learn counting and numbers. Color coded matching provides helpful hints to minimize frustration. The game helps develop motor and cognitive skills. Store the pieces in the nice and sturdy drawer box which comes with the toy. Tested to meet European and U.S. safety standards. ( Watch Video) 12/29/2010 (MSRP: $24.99; Age: 3 and Up)