Many parents agree that raising children in an eco-conscious environment keeps them healthy and teaches them to live responsibly. Having a playground with rubber mulch flooring is just one more way to show children how important it is to live safely and responsibly. Actions speak louder than words; there are many ways to incorporate green and healthy living into daily routines that will infuse children with the importance of this concept.
Recycle
It sounds so simple, but many people don’t do it. In order to teach children to recycle it is important to have a separate trash can for recyclable objects, with different colored bags or some other obvious differentiation. One of the milestones that are part of growing up is learning to throw garbage into the trash can. In the same vein, children can be taught to differentiate between regular garbage and recyclable objects, and place them in the right can. Children should also be taught to throw out less and try to reuse more. Using recycled rubber mulch in playgrounds is a great way to show them that parents practice what they preach.
Eco-Friendly Wrapping Paper
Using wrapping paper that gets torn and thrown away is a great way to practice in conspicuous consumption. There are many other options that are inexpensive and practical. Reusable shopping bags, like the ChicoBag is one alternative, as well as a new product by Cascades, of Canada. The new wrapping paper is 100% recycled and comes in a variety of colors and designs. One of its best features is that the paper is not rolled around a cardboard tube in the center, making it entirely eco-friendly. Due to the absence of the tube the roll looks smaller, but it provides the same amount of paper as a regular roll. The wrapping paper sells for $12 for three rolls, a fair price.
Eco-Friendly Toys
The eco-friendly toy industry is an entire entity, with many companies vying for parents’ attention, but it’s often hard to distinguish between toys that sound eco-conscious and the ones that really are. Plan Toys is one of the few companies that are trustworthy. The toys are made in Thailand, out of kiln-dried rubberwood. They may not be as fancy as the generic toy brands, but they aren’t plastic, and they offer the same educational value.
Outdoor Play
It is a good idea to get eco-friendly toys for the kids, but an even better method is to let them play outside. Rather than sitting with computers and video games, the healthiest way for kids to play is by enjoying the outdoors and mulch-floored playgrounds in a truly natural and healthy fashion.
Governments around the world are becoming aware and, in turn, making others aware of the necessity of recycling and going green. A large push is made annually in the weeks after Christmas, when thousands of homes house dying Christmas trees. In days of old, people just left their trees out with the trash. In today’s day and age, however, local and state governments are urging homeowners to recycle their trees and keep the planet healthy.
Right after Christmas New York held their annual Mulchfest, where people were able to drop their trees off at numerous parks around the city and have them ground into mulch chips. Other states and counties are following suit. The Coloradoan reports that January 17 is the deadline for homeowners to recycle trees. Residents are asked to remove all ornaments, lights, strings, wires, fake snow etc. before taking the tree to one of the drop-off points. The city will process the trees into mulch for gardening and landscaping purposes, which will be free for the public in the spring at Larimer County Landfill. At the Hamilton-Wenham Green, one dollar from each tree recycled will go to help local charities, a way to pass on the goodwill.
Old Christmas trees are turned into wood mulch for gardening, but using rubber mulch is also an eco-friendly way to garden and floor playgrounds. Rubber tire mulch is made from tires that have breathed their last breaths. Another form of recycling, rubber mulch has many excellent uses, and is just as eco-friendly as the wood chips that are made out of Christmas trees.
While the majority of the government sponsored programs that recycle used Christmas trees turn them into mulch, some cities have other ideas. In St. Louis, for example, the trees are drowned in marked areas of lakes. The trees on the bottoms of the lakes become homes for thousands of fish for years to come, providing protection from predators and a gathering place for fish to feed and spawn. Since state laws a few years back prohibited counties from throwing trees into landfills, different municipalities have come up with creative solutions. Like other cities, the trees that are not thrown into lakes are turned into landscape mulch.
On a whole the number of recycled trees has dipped over the years, but some counties say that the worsened economy may have attributed to the figures because as the prices of fresh-cut trees rise, more people turn to artificial trees.
By recycling their Christmas trees, people have a chance to let Christmas live on, by giving the gifts of health and life to planet earth.
There are some parents who are fans of vitamins and some who aren’t. It is something that lies with personal preference. Even those who are skeptical of vitamins give their child the necessary vitamin D and other supplements, but then there are mothers who refuse vaccines and reach for herbal remedies at every turn. This becomes a problem when information is withheld from the child’s pediatrician. Recent studies have shown a problem specifically with Melatonin, a supplement given to help children sleep.
Many parents struggle with bedtimes, as children plead to stay up. Children with ADHD or other behavioral issues who are on medication may require Melatonin to help them sleep at night. However, the average child does not need sleep supplements. Many parents think that melatonin is harmless because it is a natural hormone secreted by the body to establish sleep patterns, so the supplement is just that, a supplement. However, many physicians think otherwise, and are concerned with its use. Very little research has been done as of yet on melatonin tablets, and it is being sold without approval from the Food and Drug Administration. Some children have complained of constant nightmares while on Melatonin, while others wake up feeling hungover, with slower reaction times.
It is every parent’s responsibility to okay with their pediatrician anything they give to their children. While doctors are not sure about the benefits of melatonin, there is a sure way to keep kids safe – rubber mulch. Rubber mulch provides optimum playground safety, and will reduce the severity of injuries even if your child does stumble due to drowsiness. You can think of the rubber mulch flooring as the safety net for tired, clumsy children. The rubber material has a bounce and shock absorbency that makes playtime fun and safer than ever. This is a fact that has been proven.
Any mother of an infant knows that babies grow at an extremely fast pace. You’ve finally finished putting together their wardrobe for the season, when nothing fits anymore, and you have to start again. With crawling babies that job is even harder, as everything is always dirty, and the knees of pants are always worn out. A small consolation is that a baby who crawls in the winter is indoors. Babies who crawl in the summer will be even dirtier, and tear their pants even more. When choosing playground flooring, rubber mulch is a great option in this situation.
As opposed to grass which leaves grass stains and wood chips which leave splinters and black streaks, rubber mulch flooring leaves no splinters or stains on clothes. Playsafer Rubber mulch comes in a variety of colors, none of which leave marks on clothing. Rubber is also easier on babies’ hands and knees as it is pliable, and it is odor free.
Playgrounds may be floored with rubber mulch chips or rubber bond. The chips are usually in an enclosed area that is surrounded by rubber curbs. Rubber bond is created by spreading a thick layer of mulch chips which is then covered by a layer of rubber that has a high polyurethane bond. The effect is a smooth, clean surface that retains the characteristics of rubber mulch chips. This option will be better for crawling babies, but it is more expensive than rubber mulch chips. Rubber bond also provides a safe surface for kids to play hopscotch, jump rope, ball, or anything that suits their fancy. Each family must weigh the pros and cons for their specific situation.
Rubber playground flooring offers exasperated mothers a simple solution to constant grass and mud stains and splinters. It is the finishing touch on a perfect playground.
Public parks are meant for children to play in, and it’s a real pity when they’re left to rot. The Daily News reports that for the past three years, Community District 18, which consists of Canarsie, Platlands, Mill Basin, Bergen Beach, and Marine Park, has earned the distinction of being lowest in cleanliness and general conditions. This data is compiled by the city’s Parks Inspection Program, which rates city parks based on litter, graffiti, playground equipment, and general conditions. Aside for being unsanitary, parks that earn low marks can also pose danger hazards for the children playing in them.
In cities especially, where grass is hard to come by, children spend lots of their time in city parks, and are subject to the conditions there. A growing awareness is being made of the need for rubber mulch flooring. Aside for aesthetics, rubber mulch is a necessary part of any commercial playground that is serious about playground safety.
Playsafer rubber mulch is used in the White House playground, an example that cities should follow. Available in different forms including rubber chips, rubber bond surfacing, rubber wearmats, and rubber curbs, the rubber flooring for playgrounds suits any need. A major consideration in any city or commercial expenditure is budgeting. Rubber mulch shows high returns, with little maintenance required and a long life span. An investment in rubber mulch is an investment for the future.
Rubber surfacing is recommended for city playgrounds because its high shock absorbency makes it a safer option, helping to prevent injuries in children. It is also entirely eco-friendly, made from recycled rubber and other sustainable materials. The use of rubber mulch satisfies all the concerns faced by a city, namely, safety, budget, and eco concerns.
When visiting homes or schools for special children, there is often interesting equipment and apparatus meant to help the children develop. One thing that is universal is rubber mulch flooring in their playgrounds. The reason that rubber mulch is so popular in these areas is because the tire mulch has an extra spring, absorbing the impact from falls and preventing injuries. Children who are uncoordinated and stumble easily are protected with rubber mulch flooring.
While rubber mulch is especially necessary in schools for special children, it can be a safety feature in any home. Even the most coordinated and athletic child can stumble when running and hurt themselves. Rubber mulch should be a main consideration for private and commercial playgrounds.
Schools for special children combine a variety of recycled rubber products for the ultimate in playground safety. The playgrounds are floored in either rubber mulch chips that are surrounded by rubber curbs, or are paved with Playsafer rubber bond. In the case of special children, rubber bond is often the better choice because there are no particles to be thrown around or trip over. The rubber bond is created by spreading a thick layer of Playsafer rubber mulch chips that is then covered with a layer of rubber that is combined with a high quality polyurethane bond. The result is a floor that is soft and springy, yet smooth and sleek.
Another important component of a safe playground are rubber wearmats in areas of high impact. The mats are simply for added absorption at the bottoms of slides or other areas where children tend to land with impact.
While these safety precautions are considered a necessity for special children, they can also help the average child play more easily, and with less risk. Consider a variety of Rubberecycle rubber mulch products for your playground.
When people plan their playgrounds or landscaping, often the last thing that comes to mind is the curbs that will be used to surround landscaping, playground equipment, or sandboxes. However, this is something vital, and if not done correctly, the curbs can break and allow mulch or sand to leak, creating a mess out of carefully planned spaces.
Often the best curbs are rubber, for a variety of reasons. Rubber curbs are more pliable than wood, and don’t weather the way wood does. They can be bent to fit any shape with little effort. Rubber playground borders are also more resilient than wood, and eliminate the danger of splinters in children. The neutral brown tone of Playsafer rubber curbs make them compatible with any playground or area, and they come in many lengths. An added perk of rubber curbs is that they are interlocking and stackable.
While wood curbs require expert installation, rubber curbs and rubber wearmats are easy to install and come with safety caps and spikes. After spending a pretty penny on a new playground, saving on installation is always welcome. Rubber curbs also benefit the grass, mulch, or sand they are surrounding because they dry and drain quickly after rainfall. It is a known fact that wood curbs decompose over time, allowing weeds to trample them and drive them into the ground until all signs of their existence are gone. Rubber, as a synthetic material, does not decompose, and will have a longer life span, proudly guarding the sandbox.
When children visit a new playground, all they see is the gleaming new slide towering above them, and they don’t stop to think about all that goes into a beautiful playground. Be sure to install rubber curbs so that your playground will retain its neat, shiny new look for years to come.
The Make a Wish foundation is renowned for the abundance of good it does in providing sick children with their wishes. They have again brought light into the life of a child with a home playground for Owen Payton, a five-year-old with congenital heart defects. Owen has had multiple surgeries on his heart, and is plagued with a number of medical maladies. He loves to play in the park, and when the foundation called, that was his request. Owen’s parents are also offered a measure of peace of mind with their new home playground, as Owen can now play by himself in the backyard with his friends, and they can rest assured of the playground safety, as well as the fact that he is nearby in case of emergency.
No playground is complete without a rubber mulch floor. Especially in this case, where Owen’s body is fragile, a rubber mulch playground surface would help ensure safety from injuries. This is because synthetic mulch flooring has extra absorbency, preventing injuries from falls. It also comes in a variety of colors that are sure to cheer up any child. The wish that the Make a Wish foundation granted in this case is unique in that it is a lasting one, unlike a vacation. A rubber mulch floor needs no costly maintenance, the finishing touch on the fulfillment of a child’s dream.
Rubber mulch comes to serve added benefits to playgrounds everywhere, with better protection, an odor free nature, and no residue or dirt left on children while they play. Parents also enjoy the financial freedom of a floor that lasts. Many children dream of their own personal playgrounds, where they rule. A rubber mulch floor is the finishing touch.
A committee of donors has shown the importance of rubber mulch in playgrounds for child safety. In the last eighteen months, the group has raised fifty thousand dollars for a new piece of playground equipment in Memorial Park, in Hillsboro, New Jersey. The elaborate three tiered structure features a climbing wall, twisting tube slide, shorter open slide, and other exciting features. Most important is the landing zone around the structure, which uses soft and shock absorbent rubber mulch, as opposed to the previously used sand. Although this has been a great accomplishment, the volunteers are hoping to raise money for another piece of new equipment, and rubber mulch landing pads around the older structures.
Rubber mulch is rising as the latest and greatest in playground safety. It comes in the form of rubber chips, rubber curbs, and rubber wear mats for high impact areas. The playground surface is soft and spongy, preventing injuries, and facilitating children’s play. Playsafer rubber mulch comes in many colors for a cheerful look, and leaves no residue, resulting in clean children. Although it is a costly expenditure, rubber flooring for playgrounds pays itself off quickly, as it requires no maintenance or replenishing for years.
Memorial Park in Hillsboro is just one commercial playground among many that is recognizing the benefits of rubber mulch, both financially, and for the safety of children.
The Metro West Daily News reported this morning that starting this week, students at Warren School in Ashland will not be able to enjoy the brisk autumn air during recess because the playground was closed Friday. This came after playgrounds around the district were inspected last week, and Warren School’s did not uphold basic standards of playground safety.
Melanie Lewis, a parent of two Warren School students, confirmed this. She said that children on the playground were swinging a 12-foot metal chain last week after the end came free from rotten wood. Officials inspecting the playground found cracking and rotting in many areas, as well as a hole in the slide. Parents testify that they have to watch their children extra carefully when the play in the playground after soccer games. It was a disaster waiting to happen.
It is unfortunate that the playground is closed, but this situation is one familiar to many schools, where no action is taken until it is too late. Playground safety is of upmost importance. In many commercial playgrounds and schools, the playground equipment is sadly out of date and falling apart, but schools choose to spend on textbooks and other education related supplies, rather than the playground.
Many of the schools that are vigilant about their playgrounds are choosing rubber mulch for the playground surface. This innovative new flooring provides the highest standards of playground safety, with extra shock absorbency. It also comes in all colors for a look that is pleasing to the eye.
Playground equipment does not have to be fancy, but it must be safe. Rubber mulch is just that, as well as economically smart because the mulch does not weather or disintegrate, needing minimal maintenance. School superintendents and principals have a responsibility to ensure that their playgrounds are safe in every way.
