Comments on: Ecotronic Wind-up Toys: Beeping without Batteries

By: Stacey

Stacey — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 03:14:20 +0000

First question that comes to mind is what plastic are they made of? I really try to limit the contact that my toddlers have with plastic…since they chew on everything.

By: AJ

AJ — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 18:12:25 +0000

Electronic devices are generally toxic because they have circuit boards and such. Eliminating batteries from electronic devices removes one of the two toxics from the equation.

Rechargeable batteries are toxic too, so a battery-free device is superior to one that uses rechargeables.

By: Gregory

Gregory — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 16:28:43 +0000

Hmm, the elimination of batteries is a green step, but the device is still banned from California landfills. From the page AJ linked: “Electronic devices. Includes computers, printers, VCRs, cell phones, telephones, radios, and microwave ovens.” If radios are on that list, I’m sure the duck or phone would have toxic elements in the electronic parts. You would be just as “green” if you used rechargeable batteries and made sure you properly disposed of electronics and worn-out batteries.

By: Cindi Hoppes

Cindi Hoppes — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 22:34:07 +0000

Happy Monday! Is the only “eco” part the non-use of batteries? I think eventually the toys would stop working if they need shaking all of the time! I will be waiting to read your reviews! Thanks,Cindi

By: Allison (CodeCrafter)

Allison (CodeCrafter) — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 18:42:59 +0000

The duck and the phone don't seem all that interesting to me since they aren't toys I would buy for my son anyway. A regular unplugged phone will amuse him just fine and we already have a number of toys with buttons that make random noises.

I am however very interested in the radio for older kids. Is it a real radio? Did I see on the website that you can also use the radio to charge a cellphone?! That would be great not just as a toy but for emergencies and for camping.

By: Erica

Erica — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 17:39:26 +0000

The wind-up thing is a bother to me, because these seem geared toward toddlers, but a lot of toddlers don’t have the ability to wind up the dumb things. Enter frustrated Mom and Dad. But my 2 1/2 year old daughter would love the squeeze penguin flashlight (she wants to be a penguin when she grows up…) and the microphone (American Idol, here we come?). Interesting concept and toys, but I think I’m still on the fence.

By: AJ

AJ — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 17:24:39 +0000

I just updated the article with a second duck photo and additional details.

MBR, batteries are definitely an environmental issue. In California they are classified as hazardous waste and cannot legally be disposed of in your trash can. I save them up and take them to a recycling center that accepts them (for special disposal). But of course, the world would be better off if our electronic devices didn't need batteries.

http://www.ciwmb.ca.gov/WPIE/Batteries/

By: Kelly

Kelly — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 17:24:29 +0000

Where's the off switch? A toy with batteries is a toy that can be silenced. I try to avoid all toys that make noise and don't have an off switch.

If they are so concerned with being green why make electronic toys at all?

By: zana

zana — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 14:57:20 +0000

I can’t find on the site any suggested ages. My child is too young for the manual dexterity to wind toys, but are the buttons too stiff for a two year old?

By: My Boaz's Ruth

My Boaz's Ruth — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 14:36:26 +0000

I'm with you. I don't get the duck.

I don't see the environmental part. They are still plastic right? I've never really heard people complaining about batteries as a big problem (other than expense to keep replacing them)