Circular Advent Calendar

Ireland-based The Toy Library is a social entreprise helping recirculate toys within the community. Founded by researcher–and dear friend–Giorgia Anile, the circular economy organisation is supported by a range of public and private fundings. Since April 2024, I'm collaborating with Giorgia and the team to bring The Toy Library platform to the public, build momentum, and inspire positive behavioural change across society.

The year 2024 has been seing chains of events bringing The Toy Library forward at an exhilarating pace. Highlights include the platform’s public launch last June and the vibrant toy swap launch event in Carrigaline, the release of its first social impact report showcasing an impressive 75% achievement of end-of-year goals within just two months, and Giorgia’s feature on Oliver Callan’s podcast last November. Partnerships with local charities and direct provision centers have also taken root, bringing toys—and smiles—to children and families in need. Meanwhile, several educational programs have been drafted and start to be introduced in order to raise awareness about circular, sustainable practices, fostering environmental stewardship.

As I write this article and am about to hit publish, another piece just came out on RTÉ News, and The Toy Library gets ready to be on air today on RTÉ News2day (2'35). Wow, what a day!

As the Christmas season approached, The Toy Library has launched a Circular Christmas campaign, axed around three local events (all based in Cork, Ireland). Being myself based in France, I started to wonder: how to spread sustainable ideas for the holiday season to those who can't participate or are located elsewhere? The seed sprouted from a playful exchange during a brainstorming session:

"We should organize an online event."
"What did you just say? An advent?"

The Circular Advent Calendar was born

⏳ Daily at 11am
💌 Delivered straight to your inbox
🎄 For a greener Christmas

This exclusive mailing list delivers daily inspiration for eco-friendly alternatives to common festive practices, along with recipes, tutorials, and creative tips for a more sustainable and environmentally conscious holiday season.

Each email concludes with a personal touch: an anecdote, a memory, or a lesson drawn from my own experiences. Although the Circular Advent Calendar was conceived within the inspiring walls of The Toy Library—a place (or should I say a movement?) I’m endlessly grateful to be part of—it is, at its heart, a solo project I’ve taken on.

And I couldn’t be prouder.

Discovering Sustainability, One Email at a Time

Today is December 4th, and I’ve written and scheduled emails through December 8th. The remaining entries are outlined but unwritten, making this project as much a journey of discovery for me as for its readers. While the theory of ecological mindfulness is not new to me, the process of researching, experimenting, and documenting practical alternatives has been transformative.

I’m eager to see how this initiative impacts not only myself but also the subscribers and, ultimately, the broader community.

Choosing eco-responsible options during the holiday season creates a ripple effect. The small actions we take can inspire a series of joyful, impactful changes.

I can’t wait to see how far these ripples will spread.

Hello, I'm Simona, and this is my happy place on the web (more on that here). I am an Italian designer and illustrator based in France, my happy place on Earth.

Illugination is where I gather my thoughts on topics ranging from education and philosophy to animation, sustainability, and sometimes even physics. Here, you will also find projects I've worked on and creations I’ve brought to life.

Thanks for being here,
Simona