Passing on Toys: Reduce Waste, Spread Joy, and Protect our Planet
Toys for a Sustainable World: Help Reduce Waste and Shape a Better Future
As climate change accelerates, we’re seeing unexpected and extreme weather events. Snow falls out of season, severe floods wreak havoc, and disasters unfold unexpectedly. For instance, Spain recently experienced its worst flood in 30 years, while Mount Fuji in Japan experienced a delay in snow cover, with no snow during the expected season for the first time in 130 years. These events highlight the undeniable impacts of global warming and climate change—issues we must confront and address.
Waste: A Key Driver of Environmental Problems
Waste is one of the leading contributors to environmental issues, spanning food waste, plastic waste, electronic waste, and even toy waste. According to Yale Environment Review and Preety Sharma from News Decoder, “Nearly 80% of toys are disposed of through landfills, incineration, or end up in the ocean, accounting for almost 6% found in landfill plastics.”
The root causes include children outgrowing their toys, losing interest over time, or the toys breaking easily due to poor-quality materials. This cycle of constant disposal and replacement contributes significantly to the growing waste problem.
Isn’t it better if we change how we choose toys for the better?
We can help reduce waste and minimize environmental impact through simple actions like:
1. Choosing sustainable toys
Select toys made from durable, recyclable materials that have a smaller environmental footprint. For example, wooden toys tend to last longer than plastic ones, while non-battery toys help reduce electronic waste.
2. Opting for long-lasting toys
Choose toys that grow with your child or can be adapted for different purposes. For example, our Unit Plus series can be combined with other toys in the set to extend playtime, while our Push & Pull toys are perfect for walking practice and can later be used as pretend-play items.
3. Making toys from leftover materials
Get creative by crafting unique toys from items you already have at home. You can use toilet paper rolls, scrap paper, popsicle sticks, stones, leaves, or flowers to make fun, eco-friendly toys.
4. Passing on toys
When your child outgrows a toy, consider giving it a second life. Hand it down to someone else, sell it as a second-hand item, rent it out, or donate it to a good cause. These actions extend the life cycle of toys and reduce waste.
5. Renting or buying second-hand toys
If you prefer not to buy new toys, renting is a great option. After the rental period, you return the toy and try something new. Buying second-hand toys is another sustainable choice—just make sure to clean them thoroughly before use.
PlanToys and Its Commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals
At PlanToys, we strive to build a more sustainable world by creating eco-friendly toys and reducing our environmental footprint in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and we find some goals are directly related to this.
Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
Building a greener future starts with awareness. Our urban-themed toys, like the Green Dollhouse, Central Station, and Parking Garage, help children learn about sustainable living by featuring green buildings, public transport, and parks. Additionally, we actively engage communities through events and workshops—reaching over 28,689 participants in Bangkok and Trang in 2023—to inspire sustainable practices in everyday life.
Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
Promoting mindful production and resourceful habits: sustainable materials, eco-conscious design, encouraging repair and reuse and thoughtful packaging.
Goal 13: Climate Action
Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.
Holidays often bring new gifts, leaving older toys forgotten. Instead of discarding unused toys, we inspire families to pass them on—donate, sell, or share with others in need. This simple act reduces waste, supports the environment, and spreads happiness to new homes.
References:
PlanToys 2023 Sustainability Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1XXenFvIDkFS5fPjRQTZiJykxCWjIvuA9/view