Sustainability in the Playground

When people hear the words “recycled” and “playground” in one sentence, the first thought that comes to mind is an old tire tied to a tree branch. Others may think of old playground sets being recycled or reused. While not completely wrong, the two ideas presented are just “the tip of the iceberg”, so to speak, in terms of recycling. Many don’t even realize that a lot of park and playground equipment are made from recycled materials.

Beyond the old tire

Old tires are classics. Most of us have a childhood experience of spending time swinging idly on one. Our children might even be doing that at this very moment. Some argue of the potential health risk involved in using these but studies have shown that the risk is minimal. But in terms of recycling, they only have a small impact on overall recycling needs considering that these tires are mostly scrap.

The growing trend with playground and park amenity manufacturers today is that their products are mostly made from used steel, recycled rubber mulch, and plastic wastes such as used milk jugs.

The Benefits of Recycled Play Sets

Recycled playground and park sets aren’t just economical. They’re significantly environmentally friendly. They require less energy during the production process and are made from materials that are more readily available than their “brand new” counterparts. This means less usage of resources and lesser waste materials. Some companies have even reported to keep 1.5 million jugs from U.S. landfills per year.

Safety and Durability

Most parents are concerned over how safe and durable these recycled sets are, especially the commercial ones. But testing done by manufacturers confirms they are stronger and safer than the regular commercial playground. These plastic play sets are PVC-free. They also inhibit the growth of bacteria more effectively than traditional steel or wood sets.

Playground manufacturers adhere to strict guidelines by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). Recycled commercial sets last twice as longer and are more durable and sturdier in structure than traditional ones. But when it comes to durability, perhaps nothing will beat the playground in Netherlands that was made from a recycled windmill.

Recycling doesn’t have to mean a poorer standard. Perhaps it’s only a thought that advertisers have ingrained in consumers that brand new equal’s quality. In fact, there’s much proof that anything recycled is generally better. It’s not only better for usage, it’s also better for the environment and for the future of our children.

True with the concept of contemporary design, less is indeed more.