Toy libraries can let us play it forward...

Volunteer-led facility cuts plastic waste & costs

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SHARING IS CARING Volunteer Laura McCormack at Carrickmacross Toy Library

IT'S a couple of weeks now since Christmas and many homes across Ireland will still have plenty of shiny new toys strewn across every surface.

However, it’s important to remember in these climate-conscious times that toys are one of the biggest generators of plastic waste on the planet.

In fact, it is estimated that as many as 80% of toys end up in landfill, incinerators, or the ocean once they are discarded.

Step forward Toy Libraries Ireland, a national association launched last year to help raise the profile of existing toy libraries in Ireland and assist individuals, groups and local authorities wishing to set up toy lending services in their own communities.

Toy libraries are a relatively new concept in Ireland and there are only a handful across the island - including Carrickmacross, Banbridge, Derry, Rosses Point, Clonmel, Cashel and Ballincollig.