Plastic toys have always been attractive for ages. The bright colors, the low price, and readily availability make it the first choice of the parent. There are so many boisterous and conspicuous plastic toys accessible in the market.
However, as educated parents, have we ever wondered how hazardous these plastic toys are? What harmful effects does plastic cause on the health of our kids and the environment too?
Well, here is something we need to know on an immediate basis. We all want to leave a greener, well-off planet for the next generations. And for that, we do need to think about our planet, our environment and of course our health too.
Why is plastic so harmful?
1. Health hazards – Chemicals like lead, cadmium, and mercury are present in plastic toys. These toys are toxic and detrimental to our health. Not only the chemicals but the synthetic colors of the toys and Bisphenol-A (BPA) used to make these toys have harmful effects. Kids putting everything in their mouth are inevitable and when such things carry toxins then it could be a reason for chronic illness. Cancers, congenital disabilities, immune issues, and low development are some basic issues caused by the toxins present in plastic.
2. Environment Hazards– Plastic pollutes water, soil, and air. The toxins when contacted with the environment create fracking. Believe it or not, plastic could be a big reason for earthquakes.
Why consider only humans and the environment; plastic is equally dangerous and threatening for water bodies, marine species, and even birds and animals on land. Plastic is neither biodegradable nor digestible.
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Parental Responsibility
Now, we know enough how plastic is gradually affecting everything around us. Not only through this article but we are sure you are well aware of this through news, environmentalists, and other sources too. As a responsible parent and a human too, this is our duty to take some immediate actions for making the least use of this dangerous material- But how?
Have a look at some of the alternatives we thought of-
- Most of the things around us are made of plastic. But definitely, many of the manufacturers and environmentalists are coming up with alternate sources. So why can’t we opt for better toys? Buy sustainable and non-plastic toys. How about wooden ones? You can find eco-friendly toys on many online stores at reasonable prices. Go for it!
- And why is it that we always want new toys or consider them as a status symbol? Many of the websites offer pre-loved toys that are kept with a lot of care and are equivalent to new ones. Go for these toys that could at least reduce some limits to the environmental problem.
- The same idea can be used when your child is done with a particular toy. If that toy is also taken good care then resell it on some website or donate it. Let another child also enjoy the pre-loved toy.
- Apart from donating or buying second-hand toys, we can search for some innovative ideas to reuse or recycle these toys. For instance- Broken cars can be used as planters. Decorate the garden or home with some hand-crafted arts made of wasteful plastic.
- As a parent, let us not limit it to toys. Modern-day parents are well aware of the harmful effects of other plastic things as well. The most used is the plastic bottle. Avoid using plastic containers for filling and storing water especially for the kids. Use steel bottles or thermostat bottles for carrying or storing water.
- The same stands for the tiffin too. The hot stuff packed in the plastic tiffin immediately absorbs harmful chemicals from the box. And finally, are absorbed in the child’s body through food. The use of steel containers or glass ones is a better alternative.
However, the EU has defined some new regulations to manufacture the plastic items with certain limitations. This kind of plastic does not harm the ways, the normal one does. A mark of CE on toys and plastic accessories indicates that the item has been through rigorous regulations by EU standards. Still, better go for other alternatives and avoid plastic as much as we can.
Think
Apart from all these, a few things we normally use in plastic are shopping bags, pens, cutlery, and the list continues. Look for the better alternatives and go green. Green Parenting is a new style and a promise to our next generation for a better planet.
