Toys are available everywhere nowadays . Whether online or in the shop , the choice is huge . The ever-present advertising in the media leads to children developing numerous wishes that want to be fulfilled .

Another problem is that children have no more interest in toys as they get older . Then inventiveness is called for , because although old toys can be simply thrown into the rubbish bin , this is not particularly sustainable . So what can you do in this case to avoid harming the already stricken environment even more ? Are there sustainable solutions for old toys ?

Yes , there are . Either the toys are designed right from the start for simple recycling later , but this rests solely in the hands of the industry and can hardly be considered by the man on the street , or old toys are simply used to make new ones . In this case you can also help and play your part towards a sustainable lifestyle .

What about trikes made of bamboo , for example ? This grasslike raw material is very environment-friendly

because it can be renewed faster than wood . The first stalks can be harvested after as little as 3 – 5 years . Bamboo is also very suitable for those suffering from allergies . No forests need to be cleared for growing it . The grass is nevertheless very robust and also light , which makes it suitable for children ’ s toys . Bamboo is also the epitome of sustainability and not least for this reason has already been used for many years particularly in Asia .

Another possibility is to make children ’ s furniture completely of corrugated cardboard . This offers the robustness and stability needed for furniture in children ’ s rooms . Or you buy model cars of paper , which is also a possible way of ensuring the sustainability of toys from the very beginning .

Old materials can also be recycled and used to make new toys . Cuddly animals of PET bottles , for example . These certainly don ’ t look like bottles , on the contrary . The plush animals are even very cuddly and soft , just like a cuddly animal should be .

Creativity also runs wild at makedo . The Australian manufacturer supplies sets with many plug-in connections and pins that can naturally be used again . It is now the kids ’ job to collect materials from everyday life and build new toys with them . For example , old boxes , CDs and plastic crockery are used to make a car with room for a child to sit in . The sets can be bought all over the world .

The Toys Company cooperation project in Germany has found a completely different solution . Old toys are collected in boxes at several locations , processed and then given to needy people or charitable organizations . The project also benefits the community , because many young jobless and long-term unemployed people also work for Toys Company . This gives them the chance to regain a foothold in the job market or improve their chances of getting a job in a company .

So in addition to attempting to make children happy , it is also important nowadays not to lose sight of the environment . With the new possibilities for toys ,

you can make it clear to even the youngest children what sustainability means .

The Indian toy manufacturers , realising the importance of going green and in order to maintain competitiveness , are rapidly

adopting modern technology and upgrading infrastructure with an aim to promote sustainability .

The seminar at the upcoming event Kids India 2013 will also feature topics such as “ Toys Go Green ”.