National Recycling Week: Celebrating Sustainable Choices in Early Learning

As National Recycling Week Australia shines a spotlight on the importance of rethinking waste, it’s a timely reminder that sustainability begins with thoughtful choices – in our homes, communities, and learning environments.

At Step4, we believe that every early learning space can play a role in shaping a more sustainable future. As leaders in the early childhood education sector, we’re passionate about sourcing eco-conscious products that not only nurture creativity and exploration, but also protect our planet for generations to come.

This week, we’re celebrating National Recycling Week by highlighting some of our favourite sustainable early learning resources – thoughtfully designed ranges made from recycled materials or fully recyclable components. Each one reflects our ongoing commitment to creating functional, nurturing, and creative spaces that feel like home, while supporting environmentally responsible play across Australia.

Build-A-Venture Sets

Big ideas start with bold building!
Our NEW Build-A-Venture Sets invite children to explore open-ended construction with lightweight, washable, and 100% recyclable pieces. Available in two calming colour-ways, these innovative building sets are designed to inspire curiosity and creativity, while offering a sustainable and long-lasting play experience. A perfect example of eco-friendly educational resources that are kind to both children and the environment.
Explore our NEW Build-A-Ventures Sets

Dantoy Pastels

From waste to play.
Beautifully designed in soft, calming tones, the Dantoy Pastels range is crafted from recycled materials and certified with the Nordic Swan Ecolabel – one of the world’s most trusted environmental standards. The light-coloured plastic is collected in a closed loop, cleaned, and reprocessed into durable, sustainable play resources that inspire gentle exploration and care for the planet. A truly sustainable choice for early learning environments that value responsible resourcing.
Explore the NEW Dantoy Pastels Range

Wonder Play

Sustainable play made simple.
Made from sustainable soft foam that’s fully recyclable, washable, and non-toxic, the Wonder Play range encourages creative, active, and sensory play in safe and eco-friendly ways. These versatile resources invite children to build, balance, and explore freely – supporting both movement and imagination, while modelling sustainable practices within the early learning space.
Explore our NEW range of Wonder Play

MODU Foam Block Sets

Designed for sustainable play.
MODU is an age-adapting system designed for sustainable, long-lasting play. Made in Europe from 100% recyclable materials and free from harmful chemicals, these soft foam block sets evolve with children as they grow – ensuring years of movement, creativity, and learning. With its durable design and timeless play value, MODU represents a planet-friendly choice for Australian early learning centres committed to quality and sustainability.
Explore the different MODU Sets

Dantoy Blue Marine

Protecting our oceans through play.
The Dantoy Blue Marine Collection is made from recycled maritime materials – including discarded nets, trawls, and ropes – collected from the fishing and shipping industries. By giving these materials new life, Dantoy helps reduce ocean plastic waste and promotes a healthier marine environment. Each piece proudly carries the Nordic Swan Ecolabel, ensuring it meets the world’s strictest environmental and safety standards. Designed and made in Denmark, and available through Step4 across Australia, this collection truly embodies eco-conscious play for early childhood education.
Explore the Blue Marine Collection

Choosing Sustainable Resources Matters

Choosing sustainable and recyclable educational resources helps children learn through example – showing them that caring for the environment begins with small, meaningful choices. As leaders in the early childhood education industry, we believe that when educators choose eco-friendly materials, they are helping children develop a lifelong respect for the world around them.

This National Recycling Week 10-16 November 2025, we’re proud to continue empowering early learning centres across Australia to embrace eco-friendly educational toys, sustainable play resources, and thoughtfully designed learning environments. Together, we can create spaces that nurture curiosity, inspire care, and protect the planet – one play experience at a time.

Written by the Step4 Early Learning Team

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