These Sad Stuffed Animals Are Designed To Teach Kids About Plastic Pollution

Pollutoys look like regular stuffed animals, but they've been filled with plastic items to educate kids about the effects of unsustainable choices.

Did you know? Over the last ten years, humans have produced more plastic than during the whole of the last century. And, 80% of the plastic that is tossed into landfills ends up in the oceans, where it collects in giant convergences, slowly breaking down and oftentimes hurting or killing wildlife.

Clearly, the Earth needs our help. Educating adults about the effects of unsustainable living isn’t enough, however. Children, as well, need to learn that every action has a consequence. After all, the next generation(s) will inherit the mess previous generations created.

Fortunately, there is now a new line of stuffed animals that educates children about the effects of plastic pollution. Developed by the NGO Sea Shepherd and a team of independent contractors, the toys look quite normal on the outside but are actually stuffed with plastic items that animals tend to eat in nature.

Jean-Baptiste Le Divelec introduced the concept on Bored Panda, writing:

“We made them with the help of Andrea Vida (a very talented independent designer from Hungary) and early childhood teachers. All of them are hand-sewn using responsible materials. Then we contacted different early childhood organizations to implement these toys in their educational program. Special thanks to Xuan Pham, Sonali Ranjit and Andrea Vida.”

It is estimated that by 2050, 99% of the birds on the planet will have plastic debris in their gut. Let’s educate more children and adults about the importance of recycling, reusing, and cutting down on waste in all forms so future generations may thrive, not just survive.