Squishy toys have increased in popularity worldwide, and their production has also grown, making them more accessible to people. Unfortunately, the production of squishy toys is not always ethical, and many of them are manufactured in conditions that are harmful to human health and the environment. If you’re concerned about the production of squishy toys, this blog post will provide you with tips on how to choose toys that were made ethically.
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Look for ethical certifications
One way to ensure that squishy toys are made ethically is to look for ethical certifications on the packaging. Certifications such as Fair Trade Certified or Green America verify that the manufacturer has met specific social and environmental standards. These certifications ensure that workers have been treated fairly, and the manufacturing process has occurred in an environmentally responsible way.
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Research the manufacturer
Before purchasing squishy toys, research the manufacturer to learn more about their production process. Check the company’s website, social media, and review sites for information about their production methods. Look for any red flags, such as low wages, unsustainable production practices, or child labor.
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Choose sustainable materials
Choose squishy toys made from sustainable materials such as organic cotton or recycled materials. These materials are often produced in a way that minimizes environmental harm or waste. Additionally, these materials tend to be less harmful to human health than synthetic materials such as plastic or vinyl.
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Buy from ethical retailers
Choose to buy squishy toys from ethical retailers that prioritize fair labor practices and eco-friendly production methods. Doing so ensures that the toys have been produced according to fair standards, and the workers involved in their production have been treated justly. Check for the retailer’s environmental and labor policies on their website and select one that aligns with your values.
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Support local businesses
Supporting local businesses that produce and sell squishy toys can be a great way to choose ethical toys. When buying from a local business, it’s often easier to verify that the product has been produced ethically. Additionally, supporting local businesses can help the local economy, reduce transportation emissions, and create a stronger sense of community.
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Avoid unnecessary purchases
Lastly, one of the most important ways to choose ethical squishy toys is to avoid unnecessary purchases. Try to limit your consumption of squishy toys to those that meet your needs, rather than buying them on impulse or as a novelty item. By doing so, you can reduce your impact on the environment and support ethical manufacturers who prioritize sustainable production practices.
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Avoid toys with excessive packaging
Excessive packaging is both wasteful and harmful to the environment. When selecting a squishy toy, opt for options with minimal packaging. Apart from wastefulness and environmental harm, excessive packaging adds to the cost of production and raises the price of the product for the consumer.
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Check for recalls
As with any toy purchase, it’s essential to check for recalls before buying. This step ensures that the product you are purchasing is safe and has passed any relevant safety standards. An ethical manufacturer should preemptively recall products that are found to be defective to prevent consumer harm.
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Stop buying counterfeit products
Counterfeit toys can be unsafe and undermine ethical production standards. These products are also illegal, and their production conditions are often not monitored for fair labor practices and environmental standards. It’s essential to buy from legitimate sources to ensure that squishy toys meet quality and ethical standards.
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Look for eco-friendly production methods
Opt for squishy toys that are produced using eco-friendly methods such as those with low waste, recyclable materials, and minimal energy use. Such products support sustainable production processes that reduce environmental harm and promote conservation efforts.
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Consider the long-term value
While squishy toys are cute and fun to play with, consider the long-term value of the purchase. It’s essential to choose squishy toys that offer long-lasting value, are durable, and will not quickly lose their appeal or functionality. Selecting toys with high long-term value can increase the life of the toy and reduce waste.
In conclusion, choosing ethical squishy toys requires due diligence, but it is an essential step in creating a sustainable and just world. The tips above will help you make informed purchasing decisions, ensuring that the toys you buy are made ethically and sustainably. Supporting ethical manufacturers promotes fair labor practices and environmental conservation efforts, contributing to a better future for us all.
