Toys are important in child development, stimulating imagination and creativity. However, toys and toy packaging are one of the worst offenders in waste going to landfill as stated in the RSA Design Brief.
For my project, the brief asked to design a toy and its packaging to minimise waste, whilst creating a new play experience. This is how I came up with the E-Pod, an eco-friendly form of toy packaging, where the packaging becomes the toy itself.
Inspired by "Grow your Own" the E-Pod allows children to grow their own herbs by repurposing the packaging. The base is lined with a cotton pad, impregnated with seeds, so the child can grow herbs without the need for soil. The E-Pod comes with a water squeeze toy, enabling the child to water their herbs through a set dosage, and in a fun playful way.
The E-Pod is made from a starch based PLA Bio-Plastic, a renewable source that is recyclable, and also offers more opportunities for achieving zero-waste, without harming the environment.
