Hanoi (VNS/VNA) - After a hard day atwork, Luu Chung Nghia from Vong La commune on the outskirts ofHanoi returns home to his favourite hobby: creating toys from trash.

In his skillful hands, used cans, cardboard,plastic bags and foam boxes are turned into colourful toy insectsand animals that children love.

Making toys has been a hobby since childhoodfor this 29-year-old, but the idea of using recyclable materialsfirst came to him after a visit to the northern province of Lang Son threeyears ago when he saw an old man making a funny looking toy from usedplastic bottles.

As someone concerned about protecting theenvironment and the excessive disposal of plastic items, Nghia started to learnhow to recycle things on the internet.

So he started off by creating simpletoy animals like mice, pigs and bees out of plastic bottles or cans.

“You don't see many people in Vietnam makingtoys from plastic bottles. I've asked my relatives and friends to stopthrowing recyclable rubbish away and instead give it to me,” he said.

Nghia also collects plastic rubbishand rubber tyres from the roadside on the way home after work, whichhe cleans thoroughly to use for his creations.

The toy maker said his first items were mademainly from soft drink cans. After that, he gradually started using avariety of plastic bottles as well, most of which were daily items likeshampoo or cosmetic bottles.

Nghia has created hundreds of toys made fromwaste material, each of which takes him around 15 to 30 minutes to finish.His more sophisticated designs might take up to weeks, like a locustmade from used cans or a crocodile made from cardboard. The inspirations forhis creations are mainly taken from cinemas and his experiences.

“I start making toys after dinner. New ideascome to me every day so sometimes I create something beyondthe imagination.

My neighbours' children like my toys so I'vestarted showing them how to make them by themselvesusing recyclable materials, I want to teach them about environmentalprotection and how to create their favourite toys,” Nghia said.

He has also made jewellery and home décor itemsfrom waste materials.

“I recently created a set of jewellery from usedcans, plastic bottles and other materials which I was so happy with I gaveit to a friend as a gift,” he adds.

Besides giving gifts to friends, he has alsodonated his toys to several charity programmes dedicated to disadvantagedchildren. His toys might be small and simple but they contain a meaningfulmessage about environmental protection.

“Through my creations, I hope to contributeto raising people’s awareness and appeal to them to reduce their useof single-use plastics.”

However, Nghia has no plans to promote hiscreations for commercial purposes. His main job is running his own business,and the toys are just as a way for him to relax.

“I make toys to satisfy mypassion, not for money. However, if someone asks for one, I use my freetime to make it for them for free.

“Some companies have asked me tocollaborate with them on projects but I’m still thinking about it becauseif my toys are mass produced, my initial purpose will be misunderstood,” headds.

The toy maker has recently launched his ownYouTube channel – Nghia Odin – giving instructions on how to make simpletoys from discarded materials, which he hopes will teach childrenabout environmental protection.

More of Nghia’s products can be seen onFacebook page Nghia Odin Crafts./.