For many kids growing up in working class and low income families, the free plastic toy they received with a Happy meal or fast food kids meal is something very special and cherished.

Many adults today have fond memories of summers spent playing with the hamburglar, Ronald McDonald, Disney characters, Star Wars, Hot wheels, Barbie or Pokémon toys from fast food restaurants.

These toys weren't just thrown away. Today many are sought after as a nostalgic part of pop culture and history.

I personally have a loft full of happy meal toys cherished by my brother and I growing up.

We understand there is environmental concern regarding the use of plastics, but primarily this is with single use plastics entering the environment and not toys.

We propose McDonalds reverse their decision to remove hard plastic toys. Recognise that for a huge demographic of impoverished families, especially now that have been hit hard by the economic impact of covid, a happy meal toy isn't just a moment, it's a part of childhood.

We propose McDonalds create a recycling program for happy meal toys, through colourful return bins - where kids are encouraged; when/if done playing with toys, to recycle or donate them to impoverished kids globally - many of whom have no access to toys of their own that feed their imagination as a result of war and poverty.

Middle-class children and families with many toys, may not appreciate or understand what its like to be excited by a free toy.

But we ask both McDonalds UK and Burger King UK to think of every child's right to play regardless of family income or background.

And how they have played an important role in that journey and should continues to do so, whilst finding imaginative solutions to climate change. Explore bioplastics - Recycle, re-use, redistribute.

One toy can have many lives.