Over a third of kids don't know whether their plastic toys are recyclable

20 September 2023 , 13:54

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Over half of youngsters are keen to get their hands on the latest toys and games - no matter what they are made of (Image: PinPep)

Nearly six in ten children (57%) are eager to get their hands on the latest games and toys – but 19% are unaware of how much damage their plastic playthings cause to the environment, research has found.

LEGO, toy vehicles, and water pistols are among the top favourite toys that kids aged six to 12 currently own – with three-quarters (76%), of the 750 youngsters polled in this age group, admitting they have asked their parents for such items.

But despite seven in ten claiming they worry about the future of the planet, just 40% feel they understand what global warming is – and (35%) are unsure whether their plastic toys are recyclable.

As a result, 78% of parents, of the children polled, believe their little ones should be taught more about plastic pollution and other environmental issues at school.

The research was commissioned by Hyundai in partnership with Healthy Seas, to welcome the charity as a partner on its Great British School Trip programme.

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The scheme aims to highlight the younger generation’s knowledge gap when it comes to real-time issues in the natural environment, through dedication to protecting the marine ecosystem and the circular economy.

But more than a third are unaware whether their plastic toys can be recycled (PinPep)

Ashley Andrew, president of Hyundai Motor UK, said: “The fact our research has shown children are surprised to hear plastic toys can be harmful to the environment is important to note.

“Through our partnership with Healthy Seas, we want to help educate children on the natural environment and marine ecosystem – to ensure we’re preserving the inhabitants and our beaches for many years to come. This is also important for Hyundai and our vision for a more sustainable future.’’

It comes after a poll of the parents of the six- to 12-year-olds found six in ten hate how many plastic toys their kids have – with books, clothes, and board games suggested as alternatives. However, half admitted their children still ask for plastic toys.

Veronika Mikos, director of Healthy Seas, said: “It’s not surprising that children know so little about the issues affecting marine life, as it’s not something that can always be visually explained within the four walls of a classroom.

“However, seeing the future generation’s enthusiasm around the impact of plastic on the planet is exactly why we do this.”

The Great British School Trip initiative will support the curriculum by covering important subjects and, through partnerships, will allow youngsters to learn more outside the four walls of a classroom.

TOP 10 PLASTIC TOYS KIDS CURRENTLY OWN:

1. LEGO
2. Water pistols
3. Toy vehicles
4. Kid's plastic tablets
5. Action figures
6. Rubik's Cube
7. Toy weapons, like NERF guns or bows and arrows
8. Dolls
9. Toy race tracks
10. Plastic play sets, like Batman's Bat Cave or similar

Martin Winter