In Australia, approximately 27 million toys are discarded each year, contributing to an alarming 87,000 tonnes of waste sent to landfills. Research from the Australian Toy Association and Sustainability Victoria reveals that over half of the new toys sold are discarded within a year. Disposing of toys presents challenges, as many are hard to recycle, and emotional attachments make throwing them away difficult.
One effective solution is reusing toys through charities, toy libraries, and community swaps. Jenna Condie, a social scientist in the Blue Mountains, has been running a children’s clothing and toy swap since 2022, encouraging families to exchange items they no longer need. This initiative has gained popularity, featuring 85 families at its latest gathering.
After becoming a parent post the catastrophic Black Summer bushfires, Condie sought avenues for climate action and now engages with the advocacy group Parents for Climate. She emphasized the need for collective resistance against our consumer-driven society when raising children.
The swap event not only facilitates the reduction of landfill waste—averaging 250 kg of clothing and 50 to 100 kg of toys redistributed each time—but also serves as a social gathering space for families during financially stressful times. It introduces children to ideas of exchange and reuse in a fun, engaging manner.
Sydney is set to host its first citywide toy swap from 1 to 14 September, bringing together various community-led events across the region, led by organiser Jacky Lo of Joy of Giving. Lo has been involved in running swaps since 2019 and aims for the event to promote joy and community care, alongside environmental responsibility.
In addition to local swaps, the Big Toy Swap in Melbourne, scheduled for 2 October, underscores a growing national movement focused on sustainable practices. Participation in a toy swap is open to everyone, as long as toys are clean and in good condition—ranging from small collectibles to larger items.
For those unable to find a swap nearby, numerous toy libraries across Australia offer a variety of toys for lending at a minor fee. Additionally, Big W provides a toy recycling program at its 179 stores, ensuring unwanted or unfit toys are repurposed through donations or recycling methods.
Condie highlights the importance of communal action over individual efforts in battling environmental issues. The movement encourages a greater focus on sustainability and care within communities, aiming to foster a new generation that prioritises reuse over wasteful consumption.