Bamboo
Beach Toys

Turning bamboo into playful objects that give ocean plastic a way out.


The Excellent Award Wooden Educational Toy Creation Competition, hosted by the Social Affairs Bureau of the New Taipei City Government in Taiwan.


Duration
January 2026 (1 week)

Skills
CAD modeling (SolidWorks) , 3D printing (Bambu Lab), soldering

Materials
PLA & PETG (3D printing), screws, magnets, multimeter






Beach toys are one of the most common single-use plastics found on Taiwan's coastlines, often abandoned after a single afternoon of play. This project reimagines the classic beach toy set — shovel, rake, sieve, bucket, watering can — in bamboo, a material Taiwan has in oversupply. Fast-growing and fully biodegradable, bamboo offers the durability needed for rough beach play while breaking down naturally if lost to the sea, unlike plastic, which persists for decades. 

By pairing an everyday product with a locally abundant, renewable material, the project turns a small moment — a kid playing in the sand — into a chance to cut down on ocean plastic at the source.
















Redesigning Play to Protect the Ocean

Marine waste is not only unsightly—it also poses serious threats to ecosystems and human health. Plastic waste, in particular, breaks down into microplastics that enter the food chain. As an island nation, Taiwan faces increasing challenges with marine pollution.

By redesigning beach toys using natural materials, we aim to shift the perception of beach cleanups into something more positive and educational. Every year, over 8,000 volunteers in Taiwan join these efforts, often with their children. Ironically, plastic beach toys are sometimes left behind, becoming part of the problem. This led us to ask: why not replace them with sustainable toys made from bamboo?

With bamboo beach toys, we hope to reduce plastic waste while giving children a playful, hands-on way to connect with environmental protection.


Why Bamboo?

Abundant Resources in Taiwan
Taiwan cultivates over 20 bamboo species. It’s renewable, local, and affordable.

Strong and Durable
Lightweight yet sturdy—perfect for outdoor tools and toys.

Eco-Friendly
Bamboo decomposes naturally and has a much lower environmental impact than plastic.

Easy to Work With
Can be cut, shaped, and assembled with basic tools—ideal for small-scale or DIY production.


SWOT Analysis of the Bamboo Toy Set

Strengths
  • Eco-friendly and sustainable
  • Encourages hands-on learning and play

Weaknesses
  • Less durable than plastic long-term
  • Not waterproof

Opportunities
  • Ties into cultural storytelling
  • Supports marine and environmental education

Threats
  • Less familiar to the general public
  • May be less visually appealing than colorful plastic toys