#LittleFreeLibraries are turning into '#LittleBeeLibraries' to give #pollinators a cozy place to rest

May 28, 2026

"Rachael Harms Mahlandt specializes in 'sidewalk joy.'

"For years, the #PortlandOR artist, who goes by @pdxdinorama on social media, has been helping her neighbors transform ordinary walkways, curb gardens, and front yards into colorful, interactive art installations.

"Through the Worldwide Sidewalk Joy Map, Harms Mahlandt encourages artists around the world to 'add whimsy' to their own neighborhoods with tiny #PuzzleLibraries, #WishingTrees, #ToySwaps, miniature #ArtMuseums, #PlantExchanges, #DinoDioramas — and, of course, little #FreeLibraries.

"And one of her latest additions to the list isn’t just sparking joy; it’s helping the pollinators in her neighborhood thrive.

"On May 5, Manlandt shared a video of a Little Bee Library, a #bookbox that had been transformed into a miniature garden for local pollinators to rest and recharge."

Read more:
https://www.goodgoodgood.co/articles/little-free-libraries-bees-book-boxes

#SolarPunkSunday #PDX #PortlandOR #GardeningForPollinators #BeeLibraries #FreeLibraries #BuildingCommunity

#Australia - #ToySwaps!

Toy Swaps are happening across Australia in all year round​

- Melbourne
- Perth
- Sydney
- Wollongong

"Toy Swap Australia is an initiative by the Joy of Giving Network, created to spark a movement around swapping. It's about rethinking how we utilise resources like toys, fostering community connections, and minimising our impact on the planet.

​Toy Swap brings families and children together to exchange preloved toys, share stories, and enjoy the joy of giving. Each swap is more than just fun — it helps keep toys out of landfill, saves resources, and teaches kids the value of reuse and caring for the environment.

Everyone can be part of it. Whether you're a school, local council, community group, or a parent who wants to make a difference, you can host your own Toy Swap. We’re here to help with ideas, tools, and support.

Join the Toy Swap movement and help build a future where sharing is normal, waste is reduced, and every toy gets a second life."

FMI:
https://www.toyswap.com.au/

#SolarPunkSunday #ToySwap #ToySwapsAustralia #CircularToyEconomy #ReduceWaste #SharingToys

#Ireland - #SwapAndPlay Events

"Local Authorities and Conscious Corporations from all over the Republic of Ireland, together with The #ToyLibrary, are offering their communities the space and the time to adopt a new consumption paradigm: the #CircularEconomy.

Our Impact So Far

The global social impact we achieved with Swap&Play in-person events alone, and their equivalents.

♥️ Participants - 3,032
🧸 Rehomed Toys - 5,982"

Learn more:
https://www.thetoylibrary.ie/p/events

#SolarPunkSunday #RehomedToys #ToySwaps #ToyLibraries #CircularToyEconomy

#ToySwaps and the #CircularToyEconomy: How to Raise Waste-Free Kids

Ash Gregg, July 24, 2025

"Kids outgrow toys fast — sometimes faster than we can recycle the packaging. What starts as a sweet moment of play often ends up as clutter, then waste.

Behind those bright colors and fun shapes lies a hidden environmental truth: the toy industry is one of the most wasteful in the world. Most toys are made of plastic. Few are designed to last. And almost none are built with end-of-life reuse in mind.

But there’s a better way — and it doesn’t mean denying kids joy or imagination. In fact, it can inspire more of both.

Welcome to the circular toy economy: a movement built on #sharing, #reusing, #fixing, and reimagining play. It’s not just good for the planet — it’s good for your home, your budget, and your children’s values."

1. The Hidden Impact of the Toy Industry
2. What Is the Circular Toy Economy?
3. Host or Join a #ToySwap
4. Create a #ToyLibrary or #BorrowingCloset
5. Embrace #ToyRotation (Minimalist Parenting Hack)
6. Choose #Sustainable, Open-Ended Toys
7. #Repair or #Repurpose Before You Recycle
8. Talk to Kids About Waste and Sharing
Final Thoughts: Raising Planet-Protectors

Read more:
https://uberartisan.com/zero-waste/toy-swaps-and-the-circular-toy-economy-how-to-raise-waste-free-kids/

#SolarPunkSunday #CircularEconomy #ToySharing #ReduceReuseRecycle

Ooooh... I just found the date for the next #RipeForRepair meetup in #PortlandME, and also some cool events at the #PortlandPublicLibrary (building #Habitat, #SeedSwaps, etc). What #SolarPunk related events are happening where you are? The #SolarPunkSunday team wants to know!!!

#RepairCafes #ToolLibraries #ToySwaps #ClothingSwap #Mending #Workshops #CircularEconomy #Sharing #BuildingCommunity #PracticalSolarPunk