Most parents have witnessed the joy and excitement on their children’s faces as they dive into a world of creativity with wax crayons. These vibrant tools have provided hours of entertainment and a much-needed respite for parents. While crayons are generally considered safe for kids, it’s important to note that many contain ingredients that can be harmful if ingested in large quantities. Additionally, the environmental impact of traditional crayons, with their non-biodegradable components like pigments, paraffin wax, and petroleum, cannot be ignored.
A Sustainable Collaboration: Recognising the need for a safer and more eco-friendly alternative, Japanese company Mizuiro embarked on a mission to develop a sustainable solution. They joined forces with designer Naoko Kimura to create Oyasai Crayons; a groundbreaking innovation that utilises discarded food waste.
Oyasai Crayons derive their colours from a unique combination of natural sources. Leaves, husks, and pigments from apples, carrots, yams, onions, corn, cassis, and purple potatoes are carefully selected and blended with rice oil and wax to form the ten enchanting colours found in every pack. This ingenious approach not only breathes new life into food waste but also provides children with a safe and environmentally conscious medium for artistic expression.
The Global Food Waste Crisis: The significance of Oyasai Crayons extends beyond their sustainable composition. It addresses a pressing global issue: food waste. The statistics are staggering:
- Nearly one-third of the world’s food, equivalent to 1.3 billion tons per year, goes to waste.
- Every single minute, 1,000 tons of food are discarded.
- Up to 50% of food loss occurs during the production stage alone.
- An astonishing 1.6 billion tons of raw food never reaches those in need, exacerbating hunger and malnutrition worldwide.
- At present, approximately 8 million people suffer from hunger and malnutrition.
A Brand on a Mission: Oyasai Crayons not only provides a sustainable alternative to traditional crayons but also serves as an educational tool. By using these crayons, children and their parents can learn about natural, sustainable alternatives to existing products. They can also engage in conversations about the global food waste crisis and the urgent need for purpose-led innovation.
Towards a Worry-Free, Eco-Friendly Future: Oyasai Crayons are more than just a product; they represent a commitment to delivering the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By supporting this brand, consumers contribute to a triple win for kids, parents, and the planet. Children can unleash their creativity while parents gain peace of mind, knowing their children are using safe and sustainable materials. Moreover, the environment benefits from the reduction of non-biodegradable waste.
Oyasai Crayons exemplify the power of innovation and purpose. Through the transformation of food waste into a colourful tool of expression, this remarkable collaboration between Mizuiro and Naoko Kimura brings attention to the global food waste crisis while providing a practical solution. Let’s embrace this sustainable twist to colouring and educate ourselves and future generations about the potential for change. Together, we can create a world where creativity, environmental responsibility, and social progress harmoniously coexist.
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