Every parent knows the feeling: your child’s eyes light up at the sight of a new toy, and for a few days (or weeks), it’s the greatest thing in the world. But before long, it’s pushed aside, forgotten, or outgrown — and suddenly you’re left with shelves (and closets) full of toys that just don’t get played with.
But what happens when those toys leave our homes?
Here’s the hard truth: over 2 million toys end up in Canadian landfills every single year. Most of them are made from plastic that doesn’t break down, meaning they’ll sit there for hundreds of years.
That’s not only overwhelming for the planet — it’s overwhelming for families who feel stuck in the cycle of constantly buying more and more toys.
The Problem With “More” Toys
- Environmental impact: Plastic toys are rarely recyclable. Once broken or discarded, they almost always head straight to the landfill.
- Household clutter: Too many toys can actually decrease meaningful play, leaving kids overstimulated and parents frustrated.
- Financial strain: High-quality toys are expensive, and constantly buying new ones adds up fast.
A Better Way to Play
That’s where borrowing comes in. At St. Albert Toy Share, we make it possible for families to enjoy developmentally rich, high-quality toys without the waste, clutter, or expense.
Instead of buying a toy your child may only use for a short season, you can borrow it, enjoy it, and then swap it for something fresh and exciting.
- For kids: Play stays new, engaging, and developmentally appropriate.
- For parents: Less clutter, less guilt, and less pressure to constantly buy new.
- For the planet: Fewer toys in landfills, more toys being loved again and again.
Small Changes, Big Impact
Borrowing toys isn’t just about saving money — it’s about shifting how we think about play. Together, we can create a cycle where toys are used to their fullest potential, passed along to new families, and kept out of the landfill.