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ICON DECODER

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Note: Ratings are based on company record, including parent companies. They are not a comment on the product itself.
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Dolls

The Guide > Toys > Toys > Dolls 

Toys & China

Many toys are produced in factories operating under sweatshop-like conditions. Despite protests, the industry continues to source toys from factories with documented labour and human rights violations.

Three-quarters of the world's toys are made in China. Working conditions have been improving, but serious labour violations continue. Toy workers have to work long days in the peak season without appropriate pay ' often for more than 80 hours a week ' well above China's legal limit. Many factories impose fines for refusing and other 'misdemeanours', such as missing a day's work or spending too long on a toilet break. The ICTI CARE Process is the toy industry's ethical manufacturing program aimed at ensuring safe and humane workplace environments for toy factory workers worldwide. However, this process has been criticised by labour rights organisations.   [The Guardian (Dec 2016)]
  • Toys last a lot longer than kids' interest in them so keep them moving around. Pass them on to family and friends (and tell everyone you're happy to get hand-me-downs as presents), join your local Freecycle, seek out used toy fairs, buy and sell used toys online or join a local toy library.
  • Choose Australian made toys, available at websites such as www.playtolearn.com.au, www.ecotoys.com.au, www.entropy.com.au, www.woodentoysaustralia.com.au   [More links ...]
  • Choose 'China-free' toys from companies such as Playmobil and Lego, who manufacture most of their products in Europe.

Alternatives beyond the mainstream

Kenana Knitters  [more info]
Features: Handmade in Kenya. Organic.
Kenana Knitters produce hand knitted toys, made by Kenyan mums. All in hand spun, hand dyed wool, and organic cotton. Dedicated to the empowerment of African women.
Manufacturer: Kenana Down Under
About these listings
Find farmers' markets, food coops, farm gate products at Local Harvest
BRAND COMPANY OWNED RATING
Dream Collection  Gigo Toy   CHN  No rating3
Seedlings  Goldberger Co.   USA  No rating3
Lots to Cuddle Babies  JC Toys   USA  No rating3
Lots to Love Babies  JC Toys   USA  No rating3
Missy Kissy  JC Toys   USA  No rating3
Tinkerbell  Playmates Toys   HKG  No rating3
Uglydoll  Pretty Ugly   USA  No rating3
Uneeda  Uneeda Doll Co   USA  No rating3
Baby Alive  Hasbro Australia   (Hasbro) USA  Praises, some criticism4
Disney Princess  Hasbro Australia   (Hasbro) USA  Praises, some criticism4
furReal  Hasbro Australia   (Hasbro) USA  Praises, some criticism4
Littlest Pet Shop  Hasbro Australia   (Hasbro) USA  Praises, some criticism4
My Little Pony  Hasbro Australia   (Hasbro) USA  Praises, some criticism4
Our Generation  Battat   CAN  Criticism, some praise5
Cabbage Patch Kids  Jakks Pacific   USA  Criticism, some praise5
Tinkerbell  Jakks Pacific   USA  Criticism, some praise5
American Girl  Mattel Australia   (Mattel) USA  Criticisms6
Barbie  Mattel Australia   (Mattel) USA  Criticisms6
Creatable World  Mattel Australia   (Mattel) USA  Criticisms6
Enchantimals  Mattel Australia   (Mattel) USA  Criticisms6
Monster High  Mattel Australia   (Mattel) USA  Criticisms6
Polly Pocket  Mattel Australia   (Mattel) USA  Criticisms6
Bratz  MGA Entertainment   USA  Criticisms6
Lalaloopsy  MGA Entertainment   USA  Criticisms6
Moxie Girlz  MGA Entertainment   USA  Criticisms6
Baby Born  Zapf Creation   (MGA Entertainment)
Distributor: Toys 'R' Us ANZ  
USA  Criticisms6



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