Six of the ten worse environmental toxins are directly related to the plastics industry, including dioxin, which has been linked to breast cancer and other major health problems. And my second reason goes along with Waldorf philosophy. When children play with natural toys their imaginations are being awakened. They are creating their play, from simple materials that are readily available. A simple stick has become a magic wand, or a sword to fight the dragon, or a giant mixing spoon for the pot of soup.
Little stones transform into yummy treats, little buildings or pets.
When a child is left with only his or her imagination that is when the REAL play begins. A baby gets to know its environment by touching, feeling, tasting and seeing, which is why we pay particular attention to those needs. Hands, eyes, ears, mouth and nose all play a part in children's discovery of play learning. We should not be indifferent to the materials that surround our child. It is important, I think, that beauty should be one of a toys attributes, however simple that might be.