At Montessori Toys we find it important that toys are not only fun and educational for children, but that they are also produced sustainably. Sustainable means with respect and attention for nature and life. Child labor is absolutely not part of this, for example, but neither is the depletion of our valuable nature. In order to use wood, it is necessary to cut down trees. Yet wood is seen as a sustainable raw material. How does that work exactly? We would like to explain that in this article. We also discuss quality marks, legislation and the use of paint, glue or varnish.
What makes wood sustainable?
We all know that trees are vital to life, because they provide us with oxygen. Without trees, there is no life. So how is it possible that wood is considered a sustainable resource? After all, to use wood, we have to cut down trees. There are a number of reasons for this:
1. The stock is inexhaustible if properly managed
If you compare wood with fossil resources or ore, the difference is that a tree matures in twenty to one hundred and twenty years, while fossil fuels (such as oil) and ores sometimes take centuries to form. Recovery after harvesting these resources takes much longer, which means there is a high risk of depletion. By replanting sufficiently and in good time after felling trees, the supply of wood will not run out. It is therefore important that forests intended for wood production are managed well. Only then can wood be a sustainable resource.
2. Trees reduce CO₂ emissions
Trees remove CO₂ from the air and give us oxygen in return. In this way, they help to reduce CO₂ emissions, which is good for the climate and therefore for all life. In addition, less energy is needed to extract wood than for fossil raw materials, ores, plastic or concrete. This also contributes to lower CO₂ emissions. In addition, wood is a natural product and does not release any harmful substances.
3. Wood is easily biodegradable
Biodegradable means that fungi and bacteria can break down a material without leaving any harmful residues. Wood can take years to completely break down, but that’s not a problem as long as no harmful substances are released. Compared to plastic, which takes hundreds of years to decompose and often contains toxic substances, wood is a more environmentally friendly alternative.
4. Wood is easily recyclable
There are several ways to reuse wood. Think of firewood for power plants, wood stoves or fireplaces, charcoal for barbecues or sketches, and producing chipboard or furniture from recycled wood.
In summary: why is wood sustainable?
✔ Provided that the wood is harvested in sustainably managed forests, the wood supply is inexhaustible.
✔ Using wood helps reduce CO₂ emissions.
✔ Wood is biodegradable and leaves no harmful substances behind.
✔ Wood is easy to recycle.
For these reasons we choose children's toys made from sustainable wood. Wood is 100% future-proof!
Quality mark for sustainable wood
How do you know that our wooden toys are sustainable and that the wood comes from responsibly managed forests? There is a quality mark for that: FSC .
FSC stands for Forest Stewardship Council . FSC's mission is to protect and restore forests. If you choose FSC-certified wood, you support forest managers in their sustainable approach and prevent deforestation by, for example, palm oil, soy or cattle farming. After all, forests are the lungs of the earth.
Our wooden toys are made from FSC-certified wood. FSC is a global non-profit organisation and an FSC certificate guarantees sustainable and responsibly produced wood. This applies not only to nature, but also to people. Social and economic aspects play a role, so that local communities also benefit. You can recognise the FSC quality mark by this logo:
European legislation for children's toys
There is strict European legislation for toys, including wooden toys. The European Toy Safety Directive contains all the safety requirements that toys must meet. This includes the ban on harmful substances in glue, paint, varnish and impregnating agents.
If you buy children's toys from a Dutch or European store or webshop, this falls under European legislation and you can assume that it is safe for your child.
Which types of wood are suitable for children's toys?
Not all types of wood are suitable for making toys. Some types of wood can splinter and cause injuries. The best toy wood is wood that does not splinter or hardly splinters and that can withstand a knock. Common types of wood for toys are:
✔ Beech wood
✔ Pine wood
✔ MDF
✔ Multiplex
✔ Rubberwood
Child-friendly fabrics
Sustainable wood alone is not enough. The paint, varnish and glue used must also be safe. Children often put toys in their mouths, so it is important that they do not contain any toxic substances. Fortunately, there are many child-friendly varnishes, paints and glues on the market today.
Wood is also often impregnated to prevent moisture problems. Fortunately, environmentally friendly impregnating agents are now available.
At Montessori Toys we only sell wooden toys that comply with European legislation. Safe, sustainable and child-friendly!
Conclusion
Wooden toys are a sustainable and safe choice, provided the wood comes from responsibly managed forests and is treated with child-friendly products. By choosing FSC-certified wood and safe paint and glue, we ensure that our children can play responsibly.
Do you want to make a conscious choice? Then choose Montessori Toys! 🌿🌍💚