THE TOY LIBRARY HELPS SAVE 1,700 KG OF PLASTIC IN ITS FIRST YEAR
Almost 2,500 families join the toy sharing platform with 2,282 toys recirculated
The Toy Library, the country’s first toy sharing platform, has saved 1,700 kg of plastic in its first year, the equivalent of €36,985 worth of toys.
The initiative was set up in Co Cork in June 2024 and 2,480 families from all around the country have been involved on the toy sharing platform, with 2,282 toys recirculated since it was launched.
The Toy Library was set up to address the environmental impact of plastic and electronic toys while providing a sustainable and accessible play experience for children.
The technology is free and easy for people to use. It allows users to quickly snap a photo of the toy they want to give away and upload it to the website. Families who are looking for a toy can easily browse the library and request a specific toy for collection.
The platform is geo-located, and will show the toys available around the user’s location. This is to give the interaction a local dimension and encourage a sustainable connection to the community.
The Toy Library also organises Swap and Play events in locations around the country throughout the year, and promotes the circular economy with tailored campaigns for back-to-school, Halloween, Christmas and New Year. It is supported by organisations such as Rethink Ireland and Community Foundation Ireland.
Giorgia Anile, Founder of The Toy Library said: “Nine out of ten toys are made of plastic, and can easily be discarded as children lose interest. Overall, toys are difficult to recycle as they can contain materials that cannot be easily separated and which inflict high environmental impact.”
Ms Anile added: “It is really encouraging to see how much of a social impact The Toy Library has had in its first year of existence. Our mission is to redefine toy consumption by encouraging borrowing, swapping and reusing and it’s heartening to see so many families coming on board to help achieve this goal. The circular approach reduces waste, saves money and strengthens community connections and we look forward to welcoming more people to join us in the year ahead.”
For more information about The Toy Library and how to get involved, visit www.thetoylibrary.ie or follow The Toy Library on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Mastodon.
