How To Choose The Best Sustainable Outdoor Play Equipment: 4 Key Steps
As the environmental responsibility of organisations gains prominence, it’s more important than ever to bring sustainable practices into playground design. For schools, nurseries, local authorities, business owners, and other community planners, choosing eco-friendly outdoor play equipment addresses green concerns, offers long-term cost benefits, and enhances safety.
This guide covers everything you need to know for making smart choices in successfully setting up a sustainable playground.
STEP 1: Understand Why Sustainable Playground Equipment Matters
Making good decisions about environmentally friendly playground equipment is only possible with an understanding of why sustainability is important. By recognising why you’re doing it, you will have the foundational knowledge necessary for choosing the best options.
- Environmental Benefits: Sustainable materials reduce waste, lower carbon emissions, and conserve natural resources. By opting for eco-friendly playground solutions, you support the circular economy and contribute to a healthier planet.
- Long-Term Cost Savings: Investing in high-quality sustainable playground equipment can reduce maintenance and expansion costs over time, particularly if they’re modular designs – more on that later.
- Enhanced Health & Safety: Eco-friendly playgrounds use non-toxic materials and finishes, ensuring a safer environment for users. Sustainable surfacing materials like recycled rubber provide superior shock absorption, reducing risks of injury.
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Did You Know?
Government targets require most companies to be operating at Net Zero carbon emissions by 2050 – and that means only working with other companies and organisations who are doing the same. An industry leader in this area, Creative Play are racing towards achieving Net Zero a whole 5 years before the deadline!
STEP 2: Evaluate Key Materials Of Equipment For Durability And Environmental Impact
Assessing the components used in outdoor play equipment is crucial because it directly impacts both the potential environmental benefits and longevity of the playground. Choosing the right materials ensures the play area is eco-friendly, durable, and safe for long-term use. High-Quality sustainable outdoor play equipment should consist of the following:
Sustainable Wood
- Why It Matters: Timber from certified forests supports sustainable forestry practices and helps preserve ecosystems.
- What to Look For: Verify that the wood is sourced from FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified forests and ensure it has been treated for durability and safety.
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Did You Know?
Creative Play have been using FSC suppliers for decades, guaranteeing that their primary construction material is as environmentally friendly as possible.
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Recycled Plastics
- Why It Matters: Highly durable and weather-resistant, recycled plastics help divert waste from landfill and reduce the need for new materials.
- What to Look For: Ensure the equipment is made from PCR (post-consumer recycled) plastic.
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Did You Know?
Since 2023 Creative Play have prioritised the use of 80% PCR plastics which are 100% recyclable, contributing to the circular economy.
Recycled Rubber
- Why It Matters: By repurposing waste materials, mostly old tires, recycled rubber offers excellent shock absorption ideal for playground surfacing.
- What to Look For: Rubber safety surfacing should be laid thick enough to accommodate fall impacts from the regular use height of the equipment it is supporting, meeting BSEN 1177 safety standard requirements.
STEP 3: Assess Equipment Design and Functionality For Optimal Performance
Well-designed playgrounds help minimise waste and reduce environmental impact. By selecting durable, adaptable structures, you ensure a longer lifespan and a more responsible use of resources.
Adaptable Play Solutions: Flexible Designs For Reducing Waste
- Why It Matters: Adjustable play structures allow for easy updates and expansions, reducing the need for complete replacements, which minimises waste.
- What to Look For: Select playground structures with adaptive components that can be reconfigured or added to as community needs evolve.
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Did You Know?
Less waste, less cost, less fuss. Creative Play’s modular Jigsaw Range is an industry leader in adaptive playground design, revolutionising the ease at which pieces can be added / replaced.
Durability and Maintenance: Long-Term Investment With Minimum Upkeep
- Why It Matters: Sustainable playground equipment should be able to withstand heavy use and harsh weather conditions, reducing the need for frequent repairs or replacements.
- What to Look For: Check material specifications, product warranties, and customer reviews which indicate long-term durability and maintenance.
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Did You Know?
With their comprehensive 2-year guarantee on all products, followed by longer-term guarantees by the individual material manufacturers, Creative Play facilitates some of the longest product guarantees in the industry. Their main timber uprights are covered from rot and infestation for 20 years!
STEP 4: Consider Environmental and Community Benefits
By prioritising eco-friendly practices and involving users / stakeholders in the design process, you can create engaging spaces complementary of the environment and reflective of the needs of the community.
Impact on Local Ecosystems: Equipment That Doesn’t Negatively Affect Biodiversity
- Why It Matters: Green spaces are important to local ecosystems and wildlife, so outdoor play equipment needs to adhere to environmentally friendly practices.
- What to Look For: Playground materials should be non-toxic and play spaces ideally include features such as plant and wildlife habitats.
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Did You Know?
For several decades Creative Play have been offering planters, miniature gardens, bug hotels, bird habitats, compost wormeries, and squirrel feeder mazes – all made from timber!
Community Engagement: Playground Providers Giving People What They Want
- Why It Matters: Engaging with the community ensures that the play area meets the needs of those who will use it. If a playground is in regular use, then it is never a waste!
- What to Look For: Partner with a company that provides consultation and good communication throughout a project, taking on board community members and stakeholders input, and incorporating it into designs.
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Did You Know?
Providing free consultations to schools, local authorities and the leisure and tourism sector since 1991, Creative Play are outdoor play experts with a reputation for giving great advice on play variety, age-appropriateness of equipment, safety, accessibility and personalisation of playgrounds.
Have You Been Thinking Of Installing A Sustainable Playground?
Sustainable playground equipment is an investment in the future, benefiting both the environment and your community. By carefully assessing materials, evaluating designs, and considering the broader impact, you can choose equipment to create a play space that is as eco-friendly as it is functional.
Want a play area that doesn’t cost the Earth? Creative Play offer flexible solutions to bring your vision to life, suiting any budget.
Explore Case Studies to see the impact you can make, or contact Creative Play today for a free sustainable playground consultation.
