Reviving Traditional Wooden Toys in Light of Sustainability: A Case for Eco-Design and Sustainable Manufacturing
摘要
There has been a growing call for sustainability in recent years, rising from concerns regarding the impact of non-biodegradable materials on the environment. As consumers strive to shift from plastics to biodegradable materials, the children’s toy sector has often been overlooked. The toy industry is one of the leading consumers of plastic, using about 40 tonnes of it each year. This neglect occurred due to several factors, such as inexpensive prices and the ease of mass production. The handicraft sector stands to gain much from this societal shift. It is well-known that traditional handicrafts typically use natural materials, especially in the Indian context. This sector offers a great replacement for plastic toys in the form of hand-crafted conventional wooden toys. The commonly used raw materials in such crafts are locally cultivated woods and eco-friendly dyes, such as in Kondapalli toys, Channapatna toys and more. The benefits of shifting from plastic to wooden toys are multi-faceted. They offer a great alternative to imported Chinese plastic toys and can boost the Indian economy by making it a global supplier of eco-friendly toys as well as providing livelihood to many. Wood is also light in weight and is also pocket-friendly. Though the initial price may be high, they are more durable. There are myriad political, economic and social advantages to these toys, also facilitating a better developmental journey for children, especially those with developmental limitations. With modern manufacturing methods, wooden toys can be produced in a great variety–static, dynamic and even battery-operated toys. It is important to harness technology while taking a step towards sustainability as we revive our traditional handicrafts in a new fashion. Toys are one of the earliest teaching tools provided to children, hence, we must make an effort to hand the right toys to our younger generations.