I am huge on living an eco-conscious lifestyle, so it only makes sense that I purchase a lot of toys from eco-friendly toy brands.
What Living an “Eco-Conscious” Lifestyle Means to Me
I think living an eco-friendly lifestyle is a giant spectrum. Everyone is on their own journey and some things mean more to some than they do to others.
I like to think that I am a pretty laid back, scrunchy, eco-conscious mama. For me, that means limiting waste where ever it makes sense.
I dive pretty deep into it inside of this post about easy ways to dive into an eco-friendly lifestyle, but essentially I start with the “key four” (explained below) and keep those as my bare-minimums. From there, I add in what makes sense for my family.
How to Start Living a Low Waste Lifestyle
There is a concept of focusing on the “big four” that I think is a great stepping stone to moving towards living a low waste lifestyle:
- To-go cups
- Plastic straws
- Plastic bags
- Water bottles.
Cutting these are a great first step and relatively easy for most!
After starting with the big four, you might be able to see where else you can cut waste.
Now when I say I do “what makes sense” for my family, I just mean I don’t hold SO much pressure over myself for living absoutely waste free.
We still order dinner from time to time (uh, hello. I have three young boys and only so much time in the day!) but an example of something that makes sense for me is putting a request in that no plastic-wear, napkins, condiments, or even sometimes bags be added to my order.
Little things like that truly DO add up. Toys are just another one of those small things that can make a BIG impact!
My Favorite Eco-Friendly Toy Brands
When it comes to eco-friendly toy brands, I have a few that I love more than others.
B Toys
B Toys gets a lot of press so I imagine you’ve already been introduced to their eco-friendly toys BUT I still have to mention them in this eco-friendly toy round up! They are probably the most colorful eco-conscious toys out there, but I love that most of B Toys toys have some sort of purpose. Like their assortment of musical instruments for example. I love that the play instruments have helped introduce music to my boys in a fun & playful way!
Shop B Toys
Green Toys
Another one of the popular eco-friendly toy brands that I must include but they are one of my all-time faves! I am huge on keeping traditional gender roles out of the toy bin and love that most all Green Toys are meant for just that. Everyone! Regardless of gender.
Shop Green Toys
EcoKids
EcoKids is a new fave that I came across on Amazon! I first found their eco-friendly “playdoh” and of course had to browse through everything else they offer. I love that they have a coloring-grass growing combo kit. That is on my list for the boys this year!
Shop EcoKids
Hape
Honestly, Hape isn’t an all time favorite eco-friendly toy brand for me in comparison to all of the others on this list, but they are still one that you need to know about! They are another brand that does not label their toys by the assumed gender playing with them and I LOVE that about them. Their toys themselves just don’t stand out as much to me in comparison to the others!
Shop Hape
Janod
Okay these are probably the most aesthetically pleasing toys you’re going to come across. I seriously love them. Not that the aesthetic appeal of toys is what matters to kids, but they do make for a pretty playroom!
Shop Janod
Lovevery
Ahhhh Lovevery. A recent favorite of mine! I wrote about them a few weeks ago after they offered to send over one of their boxes for the boys and oh man did I fall in love! The toys they include inside of the boxes are not only made with sustainable practices in mind, but each box is crafted with toys focused on helping your littles developmentally. They offer toys themselves and then boxes geared towards certain age groups as well. Check them out here or…
Read More About Lovevery Here!
Shop the Best of Eco-Friendly Toy Brands
Looking for More Gift Ideas?
I have a ton of gift guides from over the years, including more ideas for sustainable living!
Julie Nelson says
Hello Shannon! Such an enlightening post. I also love to use eco-friendly things in my daily life in order to keep our environment safe & healthy. I have been looking to buy some eco-friendly toys for my 2 years old boy for a long time. Thank you for sharing these sustainable and eco-friendly toy brands in your post. It’s really helpful for me to buy something interesting for my little one. Keep posting!!