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5 Ways to Create a Healthy Play Area

Find eco-friendly options for improving your kids' play space.

By Elizabeth Weiss McGolerick

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Ready to go green in your home? Find out how to improve your kids' play area and ensure their health and wellness at the same time with these environmentally friendly design tips.

Fix the flooring. Carpeting is common in play areas, but it's not always the best choice because of allergy causing compounds, says Mina Fies, CEO of Synergy Design & Construction. Natural linoleum (marmoleum) is easy on the environment, available in a multitude of colors, low-toxic, anti-microbial, stain-resistant and durable – it can last up to 40 years! Another safe, non-allergenic option is cork; it's comfortable, naturally warm, resists fire and moisture, radiates warmth and absorbs sound. Not looking to replace carpet? Vacuum at least twice a week and schedule regular deep cleanings. Fies recommends seeking out companies that utilize child-safe cleaners like Pro Choice's Element 8.

Go paint safe. Freshening up the walls of the playroom? Opening windows and ventilating a space when painting isn't enough to protect your kids, says Fies. Paint releases volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the home – using low or no-VOC paint greatly reduces this effect as they're free of mercury, lead, cadmium and other harmful chemicals. Check out Benjamin Moore Natura or Olympic Premium Interior Paints – you'll notice a huge difference in paint odor.

Light the way. Natural light is the best choice for play rooms, but if you're short on windows, Fies suggests adding a skylight or solar tube to bring in direct light. "Daylight sources should be indirect, bright and white so as to mimic natural light," she explains. "In the evening, shift to warmer light directed at the task at hand – it gives the eyes a rest and creates a more soothing atmosphere." And try to add a dimmer to make the light easier on your kids' eyes while also saving energy and prolonging the life of the bulb.

Opt for built-ins. Not only are they aesthetically pleasing and a space-saver in kids' play areas, built-ins are a much safer storage option for toys and books. "Most cabinetry and furniture pieces consist of particleboard and medium density fiberboard (MDF) which are made with formaldehyde adhesives and other known carcinogens," says Fies. "Choose cabinetry or shelving made from solid wood and/or formaldehyde-free MDF. Also look for the FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certification seal indicating the plywood and boards are both environmentally friendly and free of formaldehyde."

Improve air flow. Using the right materials in a playroom like those mentioned above is the first step to improving indoor air quality. "Simple steps – like leaving shoes at the door, damp-wiping surfaces and vacuuming regularly – can also have a huge impact," says Fies, who recommends creating as much ventilation as possible in and around your kids's play area by opening windows or purchasing a portable room air cleaner.

And remember, nothing is greener or healthier than playing outside, so be sure to move the fun into the back yard as often as possible. Instead of stocking up on plastic play sets, consider the newest development from Box Creations; this company has taken what's often a child's favorite toy (boxes) and used recycled materials to create eco-friendly cardboard play huts that can be enjoyed outdoors or indoors.

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