"Let Your Heart Speak": a chance to give a second life to old toys
November 12, 2024: Eco-organizations ecosystem and Ecomaison join forces with 66 local authorities to organize a nationwide used toy collection campaign. From November 16 to December 9, nearly 700 collection points will be available for the French to drop off all their unused toys for reuse or, failing that, recycling. This operation, which has become an annual event, enables young and old alike to make a gesture of solidarity and benefit for the environment, on the occasion of the European Week for Waste Reduction.
How to get involved
All unused toys from French households are accepted, whether electric, electronic, wooden, construction, board or fabric. And don't forget costumes, puzzles, dolls, etc., which are also welcome as part of the collection.
All donations will be entrusted to 90 charitable associations, including branches of the Red Cross, Emmaüs, Restos du Cœur, Secours Catholique, Secours Populaire and independent structures (full list of associations available on the operation website). They will then be tasked with sorting, completing, testing, cleaning and refurbishing the toys and games, with a view to offering them to low-income families or reselling them at solidarity prices in the run-up to the festive season.
Collection points equipped with hoods are located in 430 communes in France. Collection and opening dates may vary from one département to another, so before you go, check out the practical information on the www.laisseparlertoncoeur.org website.
Give toys and games a second chance:
The "Laisse Parler ton Coeur" toy drive celebrates its 15th anniversary in 2024. Organized throughout France, previous editions have collected more than 18,650 hoods, the equivalent of 292 tons of toys and games.
An initiative of the eco-organizations ecosystem and Ecomaison, in charge of the second life of toys and games, this operation also aims to raise awareness among French people of all ages of the gesture of solidarity donation, reuse and recycling.
Environmental awareness is also, and above all, a matter of everyday gestures, accessible to young and old alike. Giving a second life to toys that remain unused in the home not only helps families on a tight budget, but also reuses the materials contained in the products, which are then recycled. Electric and electronic toys that cannot be reconditioned will be taken care of by ecosystem, while other categories of toys will be entrusted to Ecomaison, to be recycled in strict compliance with environmental standards.
" Created by ecosystem 15 years ago, the "Laisse Parler ton Coeur" operation is a grassroots event that mobilizes local communities and residents in support of local organizations. It is an example of the circular economy on a regional scale. Our mission, which is to extend the lifespan of electrical equipment, includes the development of initiatives to reduce the environmental impact of electric toys".
comments Laura Chech, spokesperson for the operation at ecosystem.
" Every year, over 100,000 tonnes of non-electric toys are thrown away in France. Ecomaison is mobilizing to demonstrate to the general public that a second life is possible for these millions of toys. Naturally, we joined ecosystem in the "Laisse Parler ton Coeur" operation to encourage the French to opt for solidarity donations when they wish to dispose of their unused toys and games."
adds Matthieu Goutti, Ecomaison's Toys Sector Manager.