Jordanian activist creates eco-friendly toys for sustainable future

AMMAN — UNICEF Jordan is inspiring a young Jordanian to take significant steps toward a more sustainable world with her innovative eco-friendly toy project.

This initiative aims to provide children with smart and sustainable fun.

Rahaf Abu Mayyaleh, a 21-year-old community youth activist and climate leader, embarked on her climate action journey approximately three years ago. Her dedication has led to numerous accomplishments in the field.

Having worked as a child health coach for nearly four years, Abu Mayyaleh recognised a community need for children’s toys that not only promote cognitive development but are also crafted from carefully selected materials to minimise their environmental impact.

In early 2023, Abu Mayyaleh launched her project, “4Health Edu”, a fully Jordanian eco-conscious toy brand.

The project’s motto is to bring joy and creativity to children while prioritising eco-friendly materials.

Taking an environmentally conscious approach, the “4Health Edu” products currently in development are made from sustainable materials. They are designed to be both durable and safe for children and the environment, as Abu Mayyaleh explained in an interview with The Jordan Times.

Abu Mayyaleh emphasised that the toy industry presents an opportunity to combat climate change, noting that this industry contributes to environmental issues and exacerbates climate change due to its heavy reliance on plastic materials and single-use products.

“As young people, we do not wait for governments to act or find solutions to climate-related problems,” Abu Mayyaleh asserted. 

“Instead, we strive to effect necessary changes.”

Since joining UNICEF’s Sawn programme, Abu Mayyaleh has utilised her skills to empower youth in the Balqa region.

She advocates for environmental awareness, garners support for environmental causes and contributes to policies aimed at reducing environmental impact, according to a UNICEF statement shared with The Jordan Times.

“Sawn”, translating to “Preservation” in English, is a youth-led climate action initiative in partnership with the Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Youth, and Generations For Peace.

The programme aims to equip youth from all governorates in the Kingdom with the skills to lead climate action and advocate for a more sustainable future.

Abu Mayyaleh has also founded an innovative environmental project called “E-Waste Bank” in Ash-Shunah Al Janubiyah, to reduce waste accumulation and toxic emissions.