Eco Baby Gear’s Blog

Why We Love PlanToys

Thursday, February 2nd, 2012 | Uncategorized | No Comments

As the store’s buyer, it’s my responsibility to maintain the integrity we’ve established over the past few years. Since opening our doors, customers have trusted us that the products we sell and brands we promote are good for their homes and the earth. Before we bring in a new product, I have to learn just how “eco” it really is. If it’s not made in America, I need to know that the manufacturer treats its employees as ethically as it treats the planet. Upholding those standards is a challenge, but it happens easily with one of our most trusted brands. We’ve carried PlanToys since our beginning, and we’ll probably carry them forever because they’re such an upstanding business.

Thousands of companies have begun to implement practices that combat deforestation. Many have switched to using recycled paper; some have transferred all of their information onto a digital platform. That’s all great, but it doesn’t address all of the problems related to conservation, because lumberyards and paper mills aren’t the only culprits. Rubber manufacturers just use rubber trees for a few years. Once they stop producing latex, they’re burned—not even turned into magazines or IKEA chairs. Hearing that inspired the founder of PlanToys to make a difference. He built factories in Thailand that rescued the trees from destruction by transforming them into toys. That’s eco in itself, but the company continues to innovate its manufacturing and shipping methods to leave as minimal a carbon footprint as possible.

When I browse through distributor’s sites and online catalogs, it’s clear what companies truly care about the earth and which ones just use the word “green” to boost their sales. I’ve never had any sense from PlanToys that they’re just in this for the money. The company wins awards for treating its employees so well; the production plants are always looking for new renewable energy sources; and every toy is ensured to contain no dangerous or toxic components. Aside from all that, PlanToys just makes great products. Parents love them because they promote creative and mental development, and kids love them because they’re rugged, cute, and fun. We have a lot of things in our store that I consider great products, but our wooden toys from Thailand are some of the best.

-posted by Rieke