Cork toy sharing app saves 1,700kg of plastic in 12 months

Cork’s Toy Library, Ireland’s first toy sharing platform, has saved 1,700kg of plastic in its first year, the equivalent of €36,985 worth of toys.

The Toy Library was set up in June 2024 to address the environmental impact of plastic and electronic toys, while providing a sustainable and accessible play experience for children.

Since then, almost 2,500 families from across the country have been involved in the platform — with 2,282 toys recirculated.

Carrigaline-based mum Giorgia Anile, who is originally from Italy but who has been living in Ireland since 2011, set up the initiative after she decided to clear her attic of all the baby toys and items she had accumulated since her daughter Sophia was born in 2016. The technology is free and allows users to quickly snap a photo of the toy they want to give away and upload it to the website at www.thetoylibrary.ie.

Geo-located 

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 to give the interaction a local dimension and encourage a sustainable connection to the community.

In addition, the Toy Library also organises Swap and Play events throughout the year, and runs tailored campaigns for back-to-school, Halloween, Christmas, and New Year.

It is supported by Rethink Ireland and Community Foundation Ireland. Ms Anile said nine out of 10 toys are made of plastic, and can easily be discarded as children lose interest.

Environmental impact 

“Overall, toys are difficult to recycle as they can contain materials that cannot be easily separated and which inflict high environmental impact,” she said.

“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,” Ms Anile added.