We are very passionate about protecting the natural environment and are continuously working with our suppliers to make sure we source sustainable products wherever possible. Children are the new generation of gardeners and explorers so here are a few of our Children’s Toy ranges to get your children excited to play outdoors – lookout for them in-store. You can also see our other sustainable news post that has more products that we have on offer.
Willsow – The First Ever Plantable Children’s Books
This is a family printing business, currently run by the 4th generation. They have created a range of plantable eco-friendly children’s books. Paper used is from postconsumer waste, bound with 100% natural cotton and printed with veg-based inks. Each story features a character, afterwards, you can plant the book and grow your very own character.
There is a range of 5 books – Carrot, Basil, Lettuce, and two new lines Dill and Parsley.
Le Toy Van
Le Toy Van are ethically made wooden toys using repurposed Rubberwood trees that have reached the end of their natural latex-producing lives. The company is very green focussed with a strong sustainability policy – they are involved in conservation projects including ‘One Tree Planted’, their London HQ energy supply is now 100% renewable sources and they have a plastic-free policy which aims for 100% plastic-free packaging by the end of next year. The majority of their products are already compliant with this.
We have chosen products from 3 ranges which include:
- Petilou range (educational and baby) – Many of the designs are focused on flowers/gardens/vegetables. Hand-painted in bright colours.
- Honeybake (roleplay) – Items range from tea sets, food sets, kitchen equipment, and doctor sets.
- Trains, Cars & construction
The Den Kit Company
The whole ethos of this company is to encourage children to get closer to nature and enjoy free, imaginative outdoor play. The company was created by two former forest school teachers. There is no single-use plastic, no batteries, and no complicated instructions, just bags of fun!
The kits we stock are:
- The Original Den Kit
- Pattern in Nature mini kit
- Bug Spotter mini kit
- Flower Press Kit
- Portable Potion Kit
- Make a Pizza for the birds kit
The Puppet Company
NEW for 2022 is The Puppet Company’s collection of ECO Cuddlies, made from 100% recycled materials! They have re-used plastic bottles to create a collection of super soft and cuddly toys so you can help save the planet whilst having a huge amount of fun! Every single thing in each toy, from the thread used to the stuffing has been recycled and re-used.
Green Toys
Green Toys make their toys using milk jugs, just like the ones in your fridge. They sometimes integrate other types of recycled plastic (think yogurt cups!) when needed to ensure they’re creating the best products possible. All the plastic is collected by waste management, cleaned, shredded into flakes, reprocessed into raw material, and mixed with food-safe, mineral-based colouring.
Clockwork Soldier
Clockwork Soldier uses minimal waste and FSC Certified card and paper for their products that are recycled or sourced from sustainably managed forests. They are currently working on becoming fully plastic-free and are always looking for ways to make their products more environmentally friendly.
Paper Engine
Paper Engine creates amazing build your own toys made using eco-friendly materials. Build your own toys encourages children to immerse themselves in the fun world of science and exploration, helping to reduce screen time and bring families together.
