As part of our series on sustainability, we turn our attention to something that has touched all our lives — toys. The ones we’ve loved, longed for, or lost; the ones that sparked imagination and taught us early lessons about the world. But as we look back with nostalgia, it’s worth asking how the toys we buy, use, and discard affect our planet.

The global toy industry, worth billions of pounds each year, is driven by mass production, plastics, and batteries — a mix that raises serious sustainability concerns. An estimated 90% of toys today are made from plastic, most of it derived from fossil fuels and largely non-recyclable. Many toys break easily or are simply outgrown, destined for landfill or incineration. Electronic toys, with their batteries and circuit boards, add to the growing mountain of e-waste.

This production and disposal cycle leaves a heavy carbon footprint. Most toys are manufactured far from where they’re sold, adding emissions from global shipping. Packaging — often plastic-heavy and non-recyclable — only adds to the waste problem.

There are positive signs of change. Sustainable materials such as wood, bamboo, and organic cotton are making a welcome comeback. These renewable, biodegradable alternatives are often more durable too. Some companies are experimenting with recycled plastics, including ocean-bound materials, while others are investing in plant-based bioplastics made from sugarcane or cornstarch.

Yet, sustainability goes beyond materials. Design matters — toys should be built to last, be repairable, and even passed down across generations. A longer lifespan means fewer new toys need to be made, and less waste overall.

Beyond production, how we use toys also has a huge impact. Toy libraries and rental schemes allow families to borrow rather than buy, giving children variety without the clutter or cost. Second-hand markets, swaps, charity shops, and online resale platforms extend the life of toys that might otherwise be discarded. And simple repairs — tightening a screw, replacing a part — can give a toy a whole new lease of life.

Recycling toys remains tricky due to the mix of materials used, but some major manufacturers, including LEGO, Mattel, and Hasbro, have pledged to reduce their environmental impact. They’re exploring recycled and bio-based materials and aiming for carbon-neutral production in the coming years.

Toys bring joy, creativity, and discovery — but they also come with hidden environmental costs (and often, a hit to our wallets). By rethinking how toys are made, used, and valued, we can ensure that play remains fun while being kinder to the planet.

Here are a few questions to consider before buying or discarding toys:

• Are new toys really wanted — or truly needed?

• Could a broken toy be repaired? (Your local Repair Café might be able to help!)

• If a toy can’t be repaired or donated, check for recycling programs or take-back schemes offered by toy companies.

• Can outgrown toys be passed on, sold, or donated to others?

• Could the new toy you want be bought second-hand — online, at a charity shop, or a car boot sale?

• When buying new, choose brands with a strong sustainability ethos.

• Look for toys made from wood, organic cotton, or recycled plastics.

• And a final thought — could we rethink the traditional kids’ party bag? Perhaps we can keep the fun while cutting out single-use plastics.

Everyone can play a part — however small. Making toys more sustainable isn’t about removing joy from playtime, but about ensuring that joy lasts, for our children and for the planet they’ll inherit.