Category — Green Playroom

I’m not gonna lie.  We have our share of plastic crap.  And some of it really and truly is beloved by my boys, especially that set of knights that our five year-old bought with his birthday money from his grandparents. But as a rule, we prefer toys and play things made from natural fibers and wood. A look around our play room revels two sets of wooden blocks, a wooden marble run, a wooden train set, Lincoln Logs (made from wood), a wood play kitchen with wood play food, and a basket full of silk scarves (which I dyed myself!).

So why do we pay a premium for wood (and natural fiber) toys when the plastic versions are so much cheaper? Here are five reasons our family (and lots of others) makes that choice:

1. Wood Toys Are Safer

Wood toys made in the U.S. and Europe are lead-free. Beyond local and European regulations about lead paint, a number of wood toy manufacturers have taken extra steps to ensure the safety of their creations — and their customers.  For example, many use vegetable dyes, non-toxic glues and mineral oil finishes.

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