People think about making changes but they hardly take any action towards it. One day Charlotte Liebling was volunteering in a charity shop when she realized that soft toys, which is the most common toy used by kids, end up in landfills. Teddies that get dirty or even have an eye missing, do not even go to the sales floor.
She also felt that with soft toys, kids have attachment and throwing them into the bin after using them does not feel right. Therefore for unwanted soft toys she set up Loved Before: A social enterprise adoption agency. The company was established in 2019. All the donations that are made are washed, restored and finally photographed and added to the website. Most of the soft toys are priced very low. They accept all kinds of soft toys, whether they have missing limbs, missing eyes or worn out from the use.
Each soft toy goes through a process which is called ‘spa process’. The company uses biodegradable or recyclable packaging. The company has also donated 50% of its profits to charity. The company currently has more than 10,000 toys which are in hope of finding a new home. The aim of the company is that fewer toys should end up in the landwill and create a sustainable environment.
She also said that this is just one step towards making a change. Younger generation will also learn what sustainability is and how it can positively impact the environment. Her idea is unique and amazing. She is an inspiration for everyone who wants to live a sustainable life. Similar projects should be started in each country so that less toys end up in landfills.