It's playtime

Collectively each year, parents in the UK are spending around �8bn a year on toys and games for their children. Ruth Rosselson asks what the other costs are.
NB This text first appeared in Ethical Consumer 103, November/December 2006

Progress?

By the time it reaches the age of sixteen, it's estimated that a child in the UK will have owned £11,000 worth of toys.(1) Film and TV merchandise take a lot of our cash, meaning that toys are going in and out of fashion quicker than ever before. These tie-ins help to to create a consume and throwaway mentality from an early age. As a result of such attitudes we're now discarding over 44 million working toys in the UK each year.(2) In addition, a large majority of today's toys have a batter-powered element placing a further burden on the environment.
As with the last time Ethical Consumer covered toys, the majority are made in the far east - mainly China. There has, however, been some progress made by the industry in terms of addressing workers' rights. As ever, though, there is still much more to be done.
Finally, since we last looked at this area, there seems to be a greater availability of ethical and environmental alternatives, partly as a result of the popularity of shopping over the internet. We have included just a few of these ethical brands on this table. As ever, there are more smaller companies providing ethical alternatives than we have the resources and space to cover. Whether or not parents can persuade their children to resist the messages to consume and own the most popular toys is a different matter.

Human rights issues

The majority of toys produced outside of Europe are now manufactured in China where working conditions leave a lot to be desired. In addition, the seasonality of toy products affects job stability, resulting in irregular and fragmented work, unstable employment and a lack of long term benefits.(3) Furthermore, peak production seasons are associated with excessive working hours that are damaging to the health and safety of workers.(3) Since we last covered toys, there has been some progress in terms of the conditions of a number of factories in China, according to Jonas Astrup of the International Council of Toy Industries (ICTI).(4) "I'm not saying that you couldn't find a bad factory" he concedes "but i would be very surprised if you could find anything on the scale that you would have found two or three years ago".
Campaigners, however, tell a different story. In September 2005, a report detailing conditions in eleven randomly chosen factories in China producing toys for companies including Mattel and Hasbro found that that despite the adoption of company codes of conduct, the abuse of toy workers' rights were still occuring.(5) Violations found included work schedules of more than eighty hours per week, pay rates as low as 59% of the local minimum wage and overcrowded dormitaries. Of the eleven sites looked at, only one was abiding by Chinese laws on work time and pay regulations.(5) A 2004 report published by the Swedish Fair Trade Centre found similar violations, with 14 hour days, seven days a week not uncommon during peak seasons.(6)
Astrup asserts that such reports are out of date. "I guarantee you that things have changed since then and this report doesn't reflect reality now". Kristina Bjurling of Swedwatch, co-authors of the 2004 report, agrees that "of course hopefully some things have improved since then, but these working conditions won't change so quickly". She said 2005 research had found little change in factory conditions and that a journalist in China earlier this year found similar problems including excessive overtime, health and safety hazards and no overtime compensation.(7) She claims that one of the reasons that such problems are persisting is that retailers and manufacturers still refuse to pay for the costs of their ethical demands. Demand for shorter delivery times and low prices, makes meeting demands for good working conditions difficult, if not impossible, to achieve, she argues.

Codes of Conduct and the ICTI
Most of the companies in our report are members of the British Toy & Hobby Association (BTHA), which is itself a member of the International Council of Toy Industries. All BTHA members must sign up to the ICTI Code of Conduct for workers at supplier factories. In addition, many BTHA members have also signed up to the ICTI "Date Certain Database" which means that they will ONLY source from factories that have been independently audited by an ICTI approved auditor from a fixed date. Most companies in this report have specified a date of 1st January 2006.
The ICTI code was set up in 2001 and failed our own criteria on three main areas:

• Firstly, the maximum working week (including overtime) was 66 hours. ECRA considers, using ETI guidelines, a reasonable working week to be 48 hours plus 12 hours voluntary overtime. In addition, there are occasions - such as high seasons - where workers may be permitted to work as much as 72 hours per week within the ICTI code.(8)
  
• ECRA's minimum standards for a high scoring code sets the minimum working age of 15, and the ICTI code allows a minimum age of 14 in certain circumstances.
  
• Finally, the ICTI Code, like many of the company's own codes, fails in terms of commitments to paying what campaigners describe as a 'living wage'. Labour Behind the Label argues that statements such as agreeing to pay wages based on "national legal standards or industry benchmark standards" are inadequate given that, in countries like China, neither national legal standards, nor industry benchmark standards "come close to meeting basic needs".(9) Reports into the garment industry have consistently concluded that legal minimum wages are "insufficient, even to cover the needs of a single worker".(10) It's unlikely that the situation for workers in the toy industry is much different. Campaigners almost universally agree that the key to improving conditions for workers is for them to be able to bargain collectively through trade unions. Labour Behind the Label says that unions "offer the most effective and legitimate way to ensure that workers get a fair wage by allowing them to stand together to negotiate it with their management".(9) Although most codes of conduct, including the ICTI code do allow for freedom of assocation, few go into detail about how they would facilitate this. In addition, free independent trade unions are still illegal in China.

Audits at the ICTI
Another fundamental problem with company codes of conduct and the ICTI process is the difficulty of ensuring that codes are enforced. Kristina Bjurling at Swedwatch argues that it is a very "conservative system" based on "classical check box compliance" which, to date, has not brought much change for workers.(11) Although audits may be carried out, NGO investigations into factories are increasingly finding out that factories and suppliers are 'cheating' the auditors. "The sophistication of monitoring efforts is often matched by the sophistication of falsifying documents.... Thus even where companies that seek to implement stronger CSR initiatives have invited auditors to their factories, violations may go underdocumented and remain unaddressed".(3) Tactics include keeping two sets of records and coaching and intimidating workers to say the 'right' thing in any interviews. Campaigners argue that workers' participation in the process is essential. Bjurling argues that the ICTI needs to help educate workers in their labour rights and to involve them more in the process of auditing. It's also worth noting that so far, only a small percentage of Chinese factories have been audited and approved by the ICTI. Out of around 10,000 toy factories, only 450 are currently on the ICTI databse, although another 400 are currently in the process. One of the other obstacles is the fact that supplier factories themselves have to pay for certification. Smaller factories, therefore might find costs prohibitive.

Our ratings
The only companies receiving a top rating for 'supply chain policy" are those either sourcing exclusively from EU countries or those promoting fair trade policies. We have rewarded companies signed up to the ICTI Date certain database with a half rating. Although Golden Bear is a signatory of the ICTI code, it has not signed up to the "date certain database" and so receives a worst rating. We would also like to see greater transparency by the companies themselves rather than relying on their industry membership to reassure consumers that they're doing their bit to improve conditions. So far, the most progress in the area of transparency has been made by Mattel, which was the only company we could find publically making available the audits on its Asian factories. However its own code also failed our criteria in a number of areas.
Despite the fact that no mainstream company receives our top rating, it is still important to acknowledge the positive steps that the industry has been making. Such improvements, Jonas Astrup argues, is not just down to the brands but also pressure from retailers, NGOs and from consumers themselves. So while it may not be possible to avoid toys made in China altogether, it is still important to let companies know that you consider workers' rights in their supplier factories an important area for them to improve on.

Environmental issues
Plastics
There are a number of environmental areas to consider when looking at toys. Firstly, we need to consider the type of materials used in their manufacture. While plastics may be durable, they are of concern to environmental campaigners for a number of reasons. They are costly in environmental terms, because they use non-renewable resources in their manufacture. PVC is particularly problematic because its production creates and releases toxic chemicals known as dioxins.(12) Plastics also pose problems in their disposal as incineration (again, especially of PVC) releases more noxious chemicals and further contaminates the environment. Plastics and PVC are also difficult to recycle, meaning that much of it ends up in landfills, and here, chemicals can leach out into the soil over time.

The chemicals that many plastics contain are also of concern during the product's lifetime. A Greenpeace survey in 2005 found some toys contained high levels of harmful phthalates and other 'underdesirable chemicals' such as organotins and nonylphenol.(13) Testing has shown that children can ingest hazardous chemicals from PVC toys if they put them in their mouths.(12) Of most concern are a group of chemicals known as phthalates which are often used to make PVC soft. Some of these have been linked to hormone disruption in animals and humans and are known to persist in our bodies and in the environment.(12) Other potential health problems include kidney and liver damage, reproductive problems and asthma.(12)

After a great deal of debate, a number of phthalates will be banned from January 2007 in the EU in any toys and childcare products in concentrations of more than 0.1% while another three phthalates should not be used in similar concentrations in toys which "can be placed in the mouth by children". Martin Hojsik from Greenpeace Europe criticises these guidelines as "irresponsible" because "children try to put almost everything into their mouths".(14) He argues that the precautionary principle should be used, banning these three phthalates altogether in all toys. He also points out that the current ban does not ban PVC use altogether, allowing producers to replace banned phthalates with non-banned ones. Producers should instead, he argues, be committed to phasing PVC out altogether.(14) Nadia Haiama-Neurohr of Greenpeace's European Unit warns parents that if they want to be sure to protect their children, they should avoid all products made from PVC or vinyl.(13) All of the companies on the table producing toys incorporating plastics receive a pollution and toxics mark except for those with a no PVC policy. Playmobil(15) and Lego(15) both have such a policy, as do some of the smaller ethical alternatives. Early Learning Centre is looking at reducing a number of hazardous chemicals in its products.(16) Bandai(17) and Chicco(18) are also looking at reducing PVC use.

Wood
Although wood may be preferable because it is a natural material, it's important that it comes from sustainable sources. There are a number of companies in our report using wood from FSC-certified sources or from sustainably managed forests. These products receive 'positive product ratings' on our tables and an additional ethiscore point. There are also a number of companies producing toys made from Rubberwood and we have positively rated these products too. The rubber tree produces latex, but after around 25 years yields drop dramatically.(19) Planters fell these trees and plant new ones, and this wood can then be used. Although some wooden toys may be painted with harmful substances and lacquers, the wooden toy companies we've looked at all claim to be using non-toxic and water-based dyes and paints and natural finishes, such as linseed.

Environmentally friendly fabrics
There are different environmental considerations when looking at soft toys and fabric toys. Although there aren't a wealth of organic cotton products available, the WWF plush toys are OKOtex certified which means that harmful chemicals have not been used in their manufacture.

Technology
It's becoming increasingly rare to find toys which don't incorporate some kind of technological element which requires batteries. What this means in terms of environmental impact is that there is an increase in energy consumption in manufacture and in use. The use of technology may also shorten the product's life as inevitable breakdowns occur, and the cost of repair may be higher than the cost of replacing the toy. Additionally, some toys make it virtually impossible to replace batteries, such as some cuddly toys which speak. Toys incorporating technology also have higher environmental impacts because batteries are difficult to dispose of safely.

Disposable toys
Children will naturally grow out of a number of their toys as they mature in age. However, today's culture encourages a much more disposable attitude to our purchases. This replace, upgrade and disposal culture starts young as toys are subject to the same fashion and fads as most other consumer goods. According to research from Envirowise, children receive more toys each year than ever before.(2) Over three-quarters of under twelves receive more than ten toys per year, equating to around 65 million toys every year in total, yet research also shows that 67% of those toys are discarded while still in working order, and many of these are just thrown in the bin, creating a huge landfill burden.(2) Dr Martin Gibson, Envirowise Director says that while it's encouraging that many people do try to reuse toys, "13 million relatively new toys going into the bin every year is a huge problem".(2) He urges parents to view "repair and share" as the responsible way of dealing with toys that are broken or outgrown.(2) Encouraging your children to adopt a reuse, recycle and repair attitude with their toys may also help install such important values early in life.

TV, film and cartoon tie-ins
The majority of toys on the shelves of our toy shops are characters inspired by tv shows or films. Some products are licensed before they are introduced which means that a film character is made into a toy, a video game, a board game, and a clothing line almost simultaneously with a film's release, making what was previously seen as entertainment, an extended advertisement for merchandising.
The licensing of such characters is an extremely lucrative business and also a complicated one. A Disney toy is not necessarily itself manufactured by Disney. For this reason, we have only parented Disney to the soft toys found in the company's own shops. If unsure, who is behind a toy, check the label. As well as turning our children into mini-consumers, these character products are also highly vulnerable to fashion changes and to ending up in the dustbin as the next film or tv character becomes popular.

Sixty Second Green Guide

• Investigate your local toy library. See Links for details.
  
• Avoid toys made from plastic
  
• Encourage imaginative and creative play - dressing up, role and creative play doesn't always require specific toys
  
• Choose wooden toys with non-toxic, water-based paints and natural finishes such as linseed.
  
• If buying wooden toys, check that they're from FSC certified sources or an equivalent guarantor of managed forests
  
• Avoid toys using excess packaging
  
• Construction toys made from metal are a good choice and also beneficial to your child's development
  
• Encourage your children to adopt repair, reuse and recycle principles
  
• Buy toys manufactured in Europe or under Fairtrade Principles
  
• Donate old toys to toy libraries, charities, playschemes or hospitals rather than throwing them away.
  
• Buy second-hand toys from charity shops and jumble sales
  
• Avoid 'unnecessary' technology wherever you can

Links
National Assocation of Toy & Leisure Libraries www.natll.org.uk/ 68 Churchway, London, NW1 1LT Tel: 020 7255 4600 to find one local to you.

Download the 2005 China Labor Watch report on toy factories from http://www.chinalaborwatch.org/en/web/article.php?article_id=50285

Find out more about toy recycling initiatives at: www.toys-to-you.co.uk/acatalog/ToyRecycling.html
Greenpeace chemicals campaign www.greenpeace.org.uk/
WWF's chemicals campaign is at : http://detox.panda.org/

---

References
1 Guardian 10/6/05 Survey by Egg
2 Envirowise press release, May 2005. www.envirowise.gov.uk
3 The Other Toy Story: Workers' rights in China. China Rights Forum, No 4 2004 available from www.hrichina.org/public/index
4 Conversation with Jonas Astrup, September 2006
5 The Toy Industry in China: Undermining Workers' Rights and Rule of Law, September 2005. China Labor Watch http://www.chinalaborwatch.org/en/web/article.php?article_id=50285
6 Easy to Manage, A report on Chinese Toy workers and the responsibility of the companies, 2004, Swedwatch
7 Email from Kristina Bjurling, 14/9/06
8 ICTI Code of conduct and appendixes, found at www.toy-icti.org 9 Labour Behind the Label, Let's Clean Up Fashion report, September 2006 www.labourbehindthelabel.org/
10 Wearing Thin: The State of Pay in the Fashion Industry, Labour Behind the Label, 2000
11 Email from Kirstina Bjurling 5/9/05
12 Greenpeace info on PVC www.greenpeace.org/international/campaigns/toxics/polyvinyl-chloride/ 13 Greenpeace Toxic Toy Story Greenpeace wins battle to ban toxic chemicals in plastic toys 05-07-2005 www.greenpeace.org
14 Email from Martin Hojsik Greenpeace, 13/9/06 15 Greenpeace chemical home www.greenpeace.org.uk/Products/Toxics/briefing.cfm accessed 9/06
16 Early Learning Centre Safer Chemicals Report 2006/7
17 Bandai website, www.bandai.com Sept 06
18 Greenpeace business February 2005
19 http://www.plantoys.com/naturalmat.asp,
www.wonderworldtoy.com http://www.pintoys.com/ all Sept 06

---