Childhood is a phase full of discoveries for children, and toys play a key role in this playful universe. However, health and environmental experts have raised concerns about the potential risks of too many plastic toys to child development and the sustainability of planet Earth.
A recent survey by the “Programa Criança e Consumo”, carried out by Instituto Alana, revealed that the environmental impact generated by the excessive consumption of toys and their plastic packaging is the result of a complex cycle that begins in advertising for children, awakening the desire to own a certain toy, but without the proper perception of conscious consumption.
The overload of advertising exposure awakens in children the insatiability of having all kinds of novelties. In addition to the accumulation of plastics and batteries inside the house, there are also failures in disposal, which has had an impact on the disastrous accumulation of waste in the environment.
One of the main data of the research showed that 90% of the toys produced worldwide are made with some type of plastic that, according to the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), can remain in the environment for up to 500 years. Furthermore, only 9% of the plastic that is produced is actually recycled.
Consequences can be disastrous
In the slow decomposition process, plastic is transformed into microparticles that, in turn, may be ingested by fish intended for human consumption.
Therefore, these microplastics can later enter the bloodstream of humans who eat this type of meat.
To get an idea of the impact of this, just look at a recent study released by FAPESP (São Paulo State Research Support Foundation) which points out that around 3.44 million tons of plastic and Styrofoam are thrown into the seas off the Brazilian coast annually. The rampant consumption of plastic does not only impact the food security of human beings.
For sociologist and psychology master Alexandre Borges, the continuous and unlimited purchase of toys creates in the child’s imagination the feeling that everything is within reach, just ask the parents. This accumulation without conscience feeds in the subject, since childhood, a feeling of well-being associated with the action of “buying things” that are expendable in everyday life. This is the frantic rhythm of the industry that increasingly imposes consumption, through the creation of endless pseudo needs.
Solutions that can generate positive impact
To reduce the risks of plastic toys and encourage more conscious consumption, some paths can be followed such as actions to encourage playing in nature or even exchanging and donating toys.
A couple of parents, specialists in health and education, created the “Meu Nascimento” platform. Dr. Ana Jannuzzi is a doctor from UFRJ (Federal University of Rio de Janeiro) and has a postgraduate degree in Pediatrics, while Alexandre Giannico Borges is a sociologist and works as an educator and researcher at USP (University of São Paulo) in the area of human development psychology.
Gifts such as diapers, clothes and toys are bought by friends and family, but are not delivered in their physical format, as they are converted into cash in the child’s parents’ checking account. The platform, then, allows parents more autonomy and control over excessive spending on toys.
A warning about plastics in toys
Co-founder of the project, the doctor Ana Jannuzzi warns and points out that plastic toys are harmful to children’s health, since many are produced with PVC (polyvinyl chloride), PC (polycarbonate), Bisphenol A (BPA), Bisphenol S (BPS), Bisphenol F (BPF) and phthalates. Substances that are known to be toxic and can cause hormonal damage and even cancer in children.
Data from the TENDR Project, conducted by health professionals in the United States, revealed that the so-called phthalates – which are present in children’s toys – carry risks of attention and learning disorders and can alter children’s behavior.
“I believe that we have to reflect on whether, behind this unbridled consumption, there is an even bigger problem, which is material consumption to replace the presence of parents. That is, to make up for their absences, tutors end up doing their children’s will and surrendering to capitalism and children’s toy advertising. The Alana Institute research indicates that a good alternative to reduce this problem is to reduce the use of screens and devices, thus limiting the child’s contact with toy advertisements, which are very common on TVs and digital platforms”, concludes the doctor.
Mattel Barbies are made from ocean plastic
With the “barbiecore” trend on the rise, it’s important to remember that in 2021, Mattel released a new line of Barbies made from plastic that would otherwise become ocean waste. The collection was called “Barbie Loves the Ocean”.
The toy company has partnered with plastics recycling company Envision Plastics, a leading recycler of HDPE (high-density polyethylene plastic) products.
“Our sustainability efforts represent the next step in Barbie’s mission and social evolution,” Lisa McKnight, Mattel Senior Vice President (MAT) and global head of the company’s Barbie and Doll Portfolio, told CNN Business .
Source: CNN Brasil
I’m Robert Neff, a professional writer and editor. I specialize in the entertainment section, providing up-to-date coverage on the latest developments in film, television and music. My work has been featured on World Stock Market and other prominent publications.
