Wooden Baby Toys
The Dirty Details
All this chatter about toys made from “sustainable wood” … so just what does this mean , exactly?
There is no clear cut definition of what sustainability is. The World Commission has broadly defined sustainability as “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”
When it comes to wood and forestry, the definition of sustainability is much more clear:
“the capacity of forests, ranging from stands to eco-regions, to maintain their health, productivity, diversity, and overall integrity, in the long run, in the context of human activity and use.”
In other words: trees should not be cut down faster than what is necessary to keep the earth safe and habitable for humans.
When shopping the variety of wooden baby toys on the market, take a moment to inquire about the wood source. And, while we’re on the subject, you may also want to ask about the material used to color the toys. Many wooden baby toys are made using non-toxic dyes instead of paint that may chip off and end up in a baby’s mouth. Wood is better than plastic ~ and sustainable sourcing and all natural materials are best. For your baby and the environment.
Examples of sustainable woods include:
- Bamboo – Grown on immense plantations in China, Vietnam, other Asian countries and is over 1/8 of the forests in India. This fast-growing wood is ready to harvest in 4-6 years! Due to its fast rate of growth, it utilizes much less fertilizers and pesticides. Technically it’s grass and not wood, but is more durable than many hardwoods due to its pore structure. Its light in color like ash or maple.
- Cane – Like bamboo, it is a grass, but is stronger and more flexible. It is indigenous to the Phillipines and like bamboo it is also 100% sustainable.
- Mango – Mango trees provide fruit for 15 years, after that, they stop. So the wood is harvested and new trees are planted.
- Maple – It is a relatively fast growing tree; growing 18” or more per year.
What are the worst woods to buy?
Obviously, buying wood from endangered species is not a good idea. Luckily, in the US it is prohibited so your chances are very slim. Stay away from slow growing trees such as Oak, Redwood, Beech and Colorado Spruce (unless, of course, you are planning to landscape your home). Medium growth rate trees such as red oak, birch and red-bud have medium growth rates and should be okay when purchased from sustainable resources.
Also, in general, wood is a more eco-friendly choice than say… plastic. Carbon dioxide (CO2) is the leading gas contributing to the greenhouse effect. Trees “breathe” CO2. They store the carbon and release the oxygen. Most cubic meters of wood have about 0.8 to 0.9 tonnes of CO2 (about the volume of a 3 bedroom house). On average 1.1 tonnes CO2 emissions would be produced for each cubic meter of a manufactured material such as plastic. Therefore, by selecting wood over plastic you are essentially saving 2 tonnes of CO2 from being released into the atmosphere. In addition, if you select wood from a sustainable source then you know that it is being replaced by new growth.
The Forest Stewardship Council is an international not-for-profit organization that has created a set of standards that finds solutions for existing bad forestry practices and promotes responsible management of the world’s forests. By purchasing products with their label, you are supporting environmentally responsible management of the world’s forests.
