Now that the word is out, Toys R Us is going green, it’s time perhaps to look a little harder at exactly what is being offered to parents looking for more safer, healthier toys for their children. After last year’s, lead paint/ phthalate/magnet scares, it’s no wonder Toys R Us is announcing a whole new line of eco friendly toys available in stores in time for Earth Day, April 22, 2008
But…they’re still made in China.
OK – that’s not completely true. Toys R Us plans to offer a collection of natural and organic toys in three categories:
Organic Cotton Dolls priced at $14.99, manufactured in Egypt
Natural Wooden toys including trucks, trains and blocks, ranging in price from – $9.99 – 14.99 but, made in China
Natural Cotton Plush Animals, including a bear, a lamb and a monkey, also made in China
I spoke to a company representative yesterday, who filled me in on manufacturing locations for their new line which, to my surprise, included that what has become a catch phrase with parents, “Made in China”. Which makes me wonder a bit what exactly Toys R Us is trying to accomplish?
I guess the answer is, Toys R Us is jumping on the environmentally friendly – “good for the planet” bandwagon while ignoring (OK that’s a bit harsh) – the “good for the child” part. So, what’s more important? What are parents’ primary concerns, health and safety or saving the planet?
And…let’s not even go there on the use of the word, “natural”. More or less unregulated, any company, with a semi clear conscious can use the term, natural to describe their product, as long as it is made primarily of natural materials.
So, until additional information is available, I’m going to be a bit skeptical. I’m hoping the folks at Toys R Us are going to send some samples over to Toy Tips, the fanatically independent testing group, for analysis, as well as to our friends at Consumer Reports.
While certainly not all products made in China are unsafe and toys labeled natural often are, parental perceptions may play a big part in how successful these new toys are. Transparency will rule the day.
Related Posts: Toys R Us Goes Green but, Questions Remain, Natural Means Nothing
I agree it’s a weird ploy at being green, but the Made in China issue is silly. Most mass produced items have to be made in China in order for Americans to get low low prices. We have been so spoiled with China’s ability to supply us with cheap labor.
Although I do not agree with their politics, China is enjoying the benefits of their industrial revolution, and it is our responsibility to make sure we manufacture with them responsibly, not just blame an entire country when mistakes are made or something gets overlooked.
my thought when i heard about this was… why aren’t these toys made of sustainable bamboo??
There is a wonderful non-toxic building toy from France called Kapla. Check it out on their website http://www.kapla.com Kapla is arguably the most creative-inspiring toy made!!
Why do you assume that Made in China = “not environmentally friendly”? I am no fan of TRU, but much better question would be where does the wood come from, and under what conditions are the toys made. Wood is natural, but non-sustainable harvests are extremely damaging. “Unnatural wood” made from recycled products might actually be much more environmentally friendly than natural wood! I spent most of my career studying the impacts of rapid environmental change on ecosystems, and I understand why people are confused. It’s easy to mislead well-minded consumers who want to do right. My suggestion? Shop at locally owned stores, such as http://www.playfairtoys.com, and ask lots of questions.
Great point, Marilyn,
I’m making no assumptions – my concern is that Toys R Us is not addressing the obvious question. From a PR standpoint, it makes sense to address concerns that consumers might have…i.e. many parents are turned off by toys made in China..it will come up – they should consider addressing it before it becomes an issue.
I just thought I’d bring it up and see what the response would be…thanks for starting the discussion!
It’s good there is more attention on natural toys. There are good brands out there who are committed to safety and quality. Check out http://www.childtrek.com to see a selection of non-toxic, educational toys.
I saw the wooden toys when they first came out at Toysrus and the first thing I did as a mother of a two year old, was turn the box over and see where it was made. It said made in china, so I sat it back down and walked away.
ban all chnese products
The Strictly For Kids line, over at http://www.kidfurnitureworld.com is made in the USA and non-toxic. They are a model for what can be made right here in the states.