The verdict
Is Submarine worth it?
Yes — Submarine is one of the stronger picks we track in toys & games. It holds 2 verified certifications (Global Recycled Standard, B Corp). Priced in the $ band.
- Cruelty-freeUnverified
- VeganUnverified
- Plastic-free packagingUnverified
- Recyclable / compostableYes
- Palm-oil safeUnverified
- Certified organicUnverified
- Fair labourYes
Green Toys
Submarine
Ethics Score
Composite of certifications, ingredient analysis, and sustainability practices.
Certifications
Buy From
* Affiliate links help support EthiCompare's mission.
Customer Rating
Best for
Bath time and water play for toddlers aged 6 months and up.
AI Ethics Review
A classic bath toy made entirely from 100% recycled plastic milk jugs, free from BPA, phthalates, and external coatings.
Gallery
Claim-by-claim check
The questions shoppers ask most about Submarine, answered from certifications, tags and sourcing notes on file.
- Is Submarine cruelty-free?
- Unverified — no third-party cruelty-free certification is recorded for Submarine in our database.
- Is Submarine vegan?
- Unverified — Submarine has no certified vegan claim on file; check the ingredient notes below.
- Is Submarine plastic-free?
- Unverified — we have no plastic-free packaging claim on record for Submarine.
- Is Submarine recyclable or compostable?
- Yes — Submarine is described as recyclable, refillable, compostable or biodegradable.
- Does Submarine avoid problem palm oil?
- Unverified — no palm-oil policy is recorded for Submarine.
- Is Submarine certified organic?
- Unverified — no organic certification is on file for Submarine.
- Is Submarine fairly made?
- Yes — Submarine is backed by a labour or fair-trade standard.
Ethics Breakdown
Each pillar is independently scored from public certifications, ingredient/material sourcing, and brand disclosures, then averaged into the composite Ethics Score above.
How it compares in Toys & Games
Benchmarked against 3 other published products in the same category.
0%
of compared products score lower
-10
points vs the category average
2
verified certifications on file
In-Depth Review
Turning Waste into Wonder
Green Toys is a pioneer in the 'closed-loop' manufacturing movement. Their Submarine is manufactured in the USA from 100% post-consumer recycled plastic — specifically high-density polyethylene (HDPE) derived from milk jugs. By diverting plastic from landfills and oceans and repurposing it into durable playthings, Green Toys significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption compared to traditional toy manufacturing processes.
Safety First Design
Unlike many imported plastic toys, the Green Toys Submarine contains no BPA, phthalates, or PVC. It also avoids the use of external paints or coatings, which means there is no risk of lead paint chipping off during vigorous play. The design is simple, robust, and dishwasher safe, addressing a common pain point for parents: mold buildup in bath toys. The open-top design allows for easy cleaning and drying.
| Feature | Eco-Impact |
|---|---|
| Material | 100% Recycled Milk Jugs |
| Carbon Footprint | Reduced by 55% vs Virgin Plastic |
| Manufacturing | Domestic (USA) |
"Our mission is to prove that 'eco-friendly' doesn't mean a sacrifice in fun or durability." - Green Toys Management
- Features a spinning rear propeller and flat bottom for stability.
- The handle allows for easy scooping and pouring water.
- Packaged in 100% recyclable cardboard with soy-based inks.
- Meets FDA food contact standards, making it exceptionally safe for toddlers.
From an ethical labor standpoint, Green Toys keeps its supply chain extremely short. By manufacturing in California, they ensure compliance with strict US labor laws and environmental regulations. This domestic focus also minimizes the carbon footprint associated with international shipping and logistics. The result is a toy that is safe for the child, the worker who made it, and the planet.
Pros
- ✓Extremely durable and virtually indestructible
- ✓Easy to clean and prevents mold
- ✓Affordable entry point for ethical toys
Cons
- ✗Basic functionality might bore older kids
- ✗Color options are limited
Key Facts
- Brand
- Green Toys
- Category
- Toys & Games
- Ethics Score
- 88/100
- Price Range
- $ (≈ $14.99)
- Avg Rating
- 4.8/5 (8500 reviews)
- Origin
- Made in USA
- Material
- Recycled Plastic
- Age Range
- 6 Months+
- Dishwasher Safe
- Yes
- Certifications
- Global Recycled Standard, B Corp
🌱 Sustainability
Fully recyclable at end-of-life; local manufacturing reduces transport emissions.
🧪 Ingredients & Materials
100% post-consumer recycled HDPE plastic; soy-based ink on packaging.
Price & where to buy
Typically around $14.99 — prices change often, so check the live listing.
Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. It never affects the ethics score.
What Reviewers Say
"I love that it's made from milk jugs! It's our favorite bath toy."
"Super sturdy. My son has dropped it countless times and not a scratch."
"Finally, a bath toy that doesn't get moldy inside!"
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Submarine by Green Toys ethically made?+
Yes. Submarine earns an EthiCompare ethics score of 88/100, backed by third-party certifications including Global Recycled Standard, B Corp. A classic bath toy made entirely from 100% recycled plastic milk jugs, free from BPA, phthalates, and external coatings.
Is Submarine worth buying?+
Submarine scores 88/100 on our ethics rating. That puts it in the upper band of the products we track, so it is a defensible buy on ethics grounds.
Is Submarine cruelty-free?+
We have not verified a third-party cruelty-free certification for Submarine. See our Green Toys verdict page for the brand's full animal-testing position.
Is Submarine vegan?+
Submarine does not carry a certified vegan claim in our database. Check the ingredient notes above and the brand's own disclosure before buying.
What are the best alternatives to Submarine?+
We list higher-scoring toys & games products from other brands on this page, and a full set of ethical alternatives to Green Toys on its alternatives page.
What certifications does Submarine hold?+
Submarine holds the following certifications: Global Recycled Standard, B Corp. These independent verifications cover sourcing, animal welfare, environmental impact, and ingredient safety.
How sustainable is Submarine?+
Fully recyclable at end-of-life; local manufacturing reduces transport emissions.
What are the key ingredients or materials in Submarine?+
100% post-consumer recycled HDPE plastic; soy-based ink on packaging.
How much does Submarine cost?+
Submarine is priced in the $ range for toys & games. Visit the retailer links above for current pricing.
Where can I buy Submarine?+
Submarine is available from the brand's official website and major retailers. The product page above lists every verified retailer we track.
Is Submarine plastic-free?+
Unverified — we have no plastic-free packaging claim on record for Submarine.
Is Submarine recyclable or compostable?+
Yes — Submarine is described as recyclable, refillable, compostable or biodegradable.
Does Submarine avoid problem palm oil?+
Unverified — no palm-oil policy is recorded for Submarine.
Is Submarine certified organic?+
Unverified — no organic certification is on file for Submarine.
Is Submarine fairly made?+
Yes — Submarine is backed by a labour or fair-trade standard.
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