Our Environmental Responsibilty
The earth belongs to a vast family of which many have passed on, few are living, but countless are still unborn. – What will we leave them? ANONYMOUS
In 2010, in association with Carbon.org.nz, The Wooden Toy Box planted 15 Oak Trees as its contribution to the environment and to achieve carbon neutrality.
Oaks are slow growing trees, with a lifespan of 150 years. Their hard wood and long life span means the carbon they sequester stays locked up for a long time. The intention in 150 years is for the timber to be used in community building projects, thus locking the carbon in for the extended period of the buildings life.
In addition, Oaks are deciduous, losing their leaves over winter.
Fallen leaves help build soil, host birds and insects and increase the fertility of he immediate area.These trees have a carbon equivalent of 2 tonnes each.
This outline image is a visual interpretation of what a single tonne looks like.
On our part, this is a simple and small effort, with an immediate and on-going benefit.
In 2011 we planted 30 Red Alder trees. These too are deciduous but are faster growing, lighter trees. Alder are a ‘pioneer’ species that colonise grasslands and help prepare the soil for future generations of larger and more permanent trees. Alder trees are harvested in a sustainable manner for use in building, or as fence posts, and do not require the standard treatment of toxic chemicals. The cut stumps naturally re-sprout to form new trees.
These Red Alder trees have a carbon equivalent of 1.5 tonnes each with a lifespan of 100 years.
We also carefully select our suppliers with the environment in mind. We assess the products they provide and materials they use, along with their environmental contributions and procedures, in order to have the least impact on the environment.
The ranges we select are manufactured with long lasting durability and sustainability in mind. Therefore most of our toys are made from Rubberwood, Pine or Bamboo.
