Plastic Toys Buying Guide
Legos
- PVC-free plastic
- Options for kids of all ages
- Collections can be easily expanded to maintain interest
Recycled Plastic Radio Flyer Earth Wagon
- Made from 100 percent post-consumer recycled HDPE plastic
- Over 230 milk jugs are diverted from landfills to make each Earth Wagon
- Ages 3 and up
Other Guide Information
See our full product comparison for more details.
Did You Know: All products reviewed by The Green Guide and available for purchase through Evo.com are independently chosen, researched and reviewed by The Green Guide editors. Evo is not informed in advance of publication which products The Green Guide editors are choosing to review, nor are suggestions for products or product categories transmitted from the Evo staff to The Green Guide editors. The Green Guide does not accept or receive payment or consideration by product manufacturers. Because we list manufacturer sugested retail prices, these may differ from prices found at individual retail sites.
What to Look For
With mounting concerns over lead in toys, added to worries about hormone-disrupting chemicals in plastic, parents are understandably questioning the seemingly innocent toys they use to educate and entertain their kids.
Look for plastics made without PVC. It's usually identifiable by the number 3, often with the letters "PVC" or the word "vinyl" next to the recycling symbol. You can also use the "smell test"; plastics made with vinyl usually have a plasticky smell, similar to that of a new shower curtain. If you aren't sure whether a product contains PVC or PVC parts, call the manufacturer.
Shopping Tips
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When in doubt, smell it! Toxic softeners in plastics can give them that new smell. Strong fragrances and perfumes used on scented dolls can provoke allergies or asthmatic reactions.
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See www.veganpeace.com for a list of some toy companies that provide sweatshop-free toys.
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Look for toys that are welcome hand-me-downs that will last for several generations.
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Look for toys with minimal packaging.
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