PVC Free Outdoor Play

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We’ve spent the last three weeks enjoying the sunshine outdoors and I’ve realized that it’s time to get some new outdoor toys for my (almost!) 3 year old.  She keeps hijacking the neighbor’s toys and that can only last for so long!  Many of the outdoor toys on the market are made of plastic and contain PVC, which I’m trying to avoid, if possible.

GreenToys has a couple outdoor toys this year, the Ecosaucer Flying Disc ($6) and Sand Play Set ($15).  The Ecosaucer (a.k.a. Frisbee) is made in the USA with 100% recycled plastic milk containers.  Mass retailers such as Target and Toys ‘R’ Us carry GreenToys or you can order them online at Amazon.com

Who doesn’t have fond childhood memories of their Radio Flyer wagon?  Well Radio Flyer has not only metal and wood wagons but they have now have a ‘green’ Radio Flyer ( literally ), the Earth Flyer.  Made from 100% recycled plastic milk jugs, each wagon diverts 230 milk jugs from landfills. ($130)

Sprig Toys is dedicated to manufacturing toys using earth-friendly materials including recycled wood and reclaimed plastic.   Their Hollow Dunebug’s Sand Truck Playset is designed to be played with in the water, sand or dirt. ($15)

This brilliant mother designs clothesline tents out of felt (made from 100% recycled plastic bottles) for use outside on clotheslines.  Throw it over a clothesline and secure with 4 tent stakes.  After play, you can throw it in the wash if needed.  A large window on one side and three flower sky light windows on the other side provide great views for cloud watching and breezes blowing through. Large appliques add charm so your tent looks great in your yard or in your house. You can customize the house ( my favorite thing about products on Etsy! ).  I LOVE this idea so much that I’m already thinking about getting myself a clothesline!  Brilliant! ($70)

Now for the granddaddy of outdoor toys, a swingset.  I like CedarWorks because the wood used in their playsets is naturally splinter-free and naturally rot-resistant, so there is no need to add chemicals (like arsenic) by staining, painting or pressure-treating the wood.

KIDDIE POOLS – The best kiddie pool option that I stumbled upon is a hard one made from #2 plastic and sold at Toys ‘R’s Us – make sure to check the bottom of the pool when buying it, it should have a #2 on it.  For reasons NOT to buy a soft plastic pool, check Grist’s commentary.

If you can’t find a PVC free alternative to an item you really want, your next best bet is to buy used because the toy has already off-gassed.  Find a list of places to find used goods here.

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