06/01/2026
There's something that's been concerning me for sometime. And, the situation isn't getting any better.
Across nurseries and schools, there is a growing movement towards natural materials, neutral decor and a reduction in plastic. Wooden toys replace brightly coloured plastic ones, wicker baskets take the place of plastic tubs and classrooms are redesigned to feel calmer, more “organic,” and closer to nature. There is much to celebrate in this shift — but there is also an important conversation that must not be overlooked.
Natural materials offer clear benefits in early years and school settings. Wood, metal, fabric, stone and cork provide rich sensory experiences, are often more aesthetically calming and can encourage open-ended play. They tend to age gracefully, developing character rather than looking “worn out,” and many educators feel they help create environments that are less overstimulating and more conducive to focus, creativity and wellbeing. There is also an understandable desire to move away from the throwaway culture associated with cheap, single-use plastic items.
Single-use plastic is undeniably harmful. Items designed to be used once and discarded place an enormous burden on the planet, breaking down into microplastics that pollute ecosystems and enter food chains. Reducing our reliance on these products is essential.
However, not all plastic is the same — and this is where nuance matters.
Durable plastic resources, furniture and toys are designed to last for decades. They do not biodegrade, which is precisely why throwing them away is such a serious issue. When we “ditch” plastic items before the end of their usable life, they do not simply disappear. There is no such thing as “away.” They are transported elsewhere, buried in landfill, shipped overseas or broken down into smaller environmental problems that future generations must deal with.
This raises an uncomfortable but necessary question: if plastic is going to be around forever, do we not have a responsibility to use it fully?
Plastic is a valuable material. Many everyday items we rely on — from medical equipment to safety gear, storage solutions and accessibility tools — would not exist without it. Treating all plastic as inherently bad oversimplifies a complex issue and risks teaching children the wrong lesson: that sustainability is about appearances rather than responsibility.
What example are we setting if we preach environmental care while filling skips with perfectly usable furniture, toys and classroom resources?
It is deeply concerning to see schools and early years settings undergoing “aesthetic” transformations that result in skips full of coloured chairs, storage units, role play equipment and learning resources. This is not environmentalism — it is waste. And children are watching.
We have a moral duty to take responsibility for what we buy, consume and discard. Teaching children about sustainability means showing them how to care for resources, repair items, reuse materials and make thoughtful decisions — not simply replacing one trend with another.
If your school or setting is transitioning towards natural materials and a more neutral environment, this can be done responsibly:
Rehome items by donating to other settings, childminders, community groups, charities or families.
Upcycle furniture and resources through creative projects involving staff, parents or children.
Reuse where possible, blending natural and plastic materials rather than enforcing an all-or-nothing approach.
Buy less, buy better, focusing on longevity rather than aesthetics.
Have honest conversations with children about materials, waste and why using things fully matters.
Loving natural materials and caring for the planet are not at odds with responsible plastic use. The goal should not be to “go plastic-free” at any cost, but to move away from unnecessary, disposable consumption while respecting the lifespan of the resources we already have.
We don’t need to throw the baby out with the bathwater. Sustainability is not about perfection or trends — it’s about responsibility, balance and teaching the next generation to value what they have.
And that lesson may be the most important one of all.
