Toy collecting is a beloved hobby for many people, but it's important to remember that our consumption habits can have a significant impact on the environment. As a collector, there are steps you can take to be more sustainable and reduce your carbon footprint. In this blog post, we'll discuss five ways to be a sustainable collector, plus three ways we've been doing our part.
1. Buy pre-owned collectables
Buying pre-owned collectible toys is an easy way to reduce waste and extend the life of toys. Look for second-hand shops, thrift stores, or online marketplaces to find pre-owned toys. One example is participating in Vault Drops, which re-release already discontinued Funko Pop! figures for the second hand market. Not only will you be scoring hard-to-find items, but you'll also be reducing the demand for new toys to be produced.
2. Choose sustainable materials
When buying new toys, choose items made from sustainable materials such as bamboo, organic cotton, or recycled plastic. Avoid toys made from non-biodegradable materials such as PVC or Styrofoam. Sometimes there's no getting around this, especially for lines that use materials like vinyl plastic in their toys, but even Funko produce Earth Day exclusives using recycled cardboard materials for their boxes. If you can't shop sustainable, consider only purchasing items you're likely to keep for a long time!
3. Avoid excessive packaging
Toy packaging often contains a lot of plastic and cardboard, which can contribute to waste. Look for toys with minimal packaging or packaging made from recyclable materials. Consider buying in bulk to reduce the amount of packaging per toy.
4. Repurpose and recycle
Rather than throwing away broken or outdated toys, look for ways to repurpose them. You can donate them to charity, give them to friends or family, or turn them into something new like a DIY toy storage unit. Also, recycle any packaging materials or broken toys that cannot be repurposed.
5. Display and store your collectables responsibly
When displaying and storing toys, be mindful of the materials you use. Avoid plastic storage containers and opt for natural materials like wood or fabric. Also, be sure to keep your toys in a cool, dry place to avoid damage and extend their lifespan.
It's not just collectors themselves who should strive to be more environmentally friendly. Here are 3 ways Ozzie Collectables are being sustainable in 2023.
1. Mother earth friendly packaging
We know our customers appreciate sustainability and convenience far more than they do being bombarded with Ozzie branding - all our orders are packed in brown shipping boxes and internally padded with true blue recycled Aussie newspapers. Unlike bubble wrap, this internal padding provides an extra-thick layer of protection that contours to the shape of every box, and is way less harmful to the environment.
2. Our "pay it back" philosophy
We're always giving back to our community - be that via charity, local clubs, or hosting free events to bring locals together to do something they enjoy. There's never been a better time to support local, so we're always trying to uplift the voices of local artists, creators, and enthusiasts.
3. Less plastic, more protection
Keeping the plastic film on pop protectors avoids scratches and cuts down massively on waste. We include free Pop Protectors with all standard sized Pop! Vinyl purchases without removing and discarding the protective film, which we recommend keeping intact to both cut down on waste and keep your items minty.
In conclusion, being a sustainable collector requires mindfulness and a commitment to reducing waste. By following these five tips, you can enjoy your hobby while also minimizing your environmental impact. Remember, small changes can make a big difference in creating a more sustainable future.