Ireland’s first toy sharing platform, The Toy Library, is encouraging people across the country to redistribute school equipment like bags and pencil cases to support the environment and the circular economy.
The Toy Library’s Back-To-School campaign also looks to relieve the financial pressures of what is considered one of the most expensive times of the year for parents.
The campaign invites families to donate pre-owned school bags and equipment that are in good condition by taking a picture of the item and sharing it on The Toy Library website, https://www.thetoylibrary.ie/p/back-to-school.
The initiative involves using the platform’s geo-location to find pre-loved school bags in a person’s locality or in locations across the country. The website is free and allows families to browse the library and request items for collection.
The campaign supports The Toy Library’s ongoing mission, which has seen 2,480 families across Ireland participate, with 2,282 toys recirculated since it was established in June 2024. Their annual social impact report shows that The Toy Library helped save 1,700 kg of plastic, which amounts to almost €37,000 worth of toys.
The social enterprise was established in Co. Cork to target the environmental impact of plastic toys, provide sustainable and affordable options for parents and offer accessible experiences for children.
The Toy Library also organises monthly Swap & Play events in locations across Ireland. The next event will take place in Co. Meath in Ashbourne Community Centre on August 9th from 11 am-2 pm.
Giorgia Anile, Founder of The Toy Library, said: “The cost of the back-to-school period is always challenging for parents. The Toy Library’s Back-To-School campaign offers a solution where families can donate pre-loved bags or pencil case,s which other children can choose from on our website.
“The success of The Toy Library this past year pushed me to look at new ways in which parents can save money and also contribute to saving the environment. Our mission has been to redefine consumption by providing sustainable and affordable practices. This approach saves money and encourages children to swap, borrow and reuse, which is a vitally important message for the future.”
For more information about The Toy Library and how to get involved, visit https://www.thetoylibrary.ie/p/back-to-school or follow The Toy Library on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Mastodon.