We have a small extended family and DD was not given much plastic at all. I joined a toy library to get variety if needed and so that we did not have to store heaps of stuff. I found, and it is still true to an extent, that dd played with something for a few days and then was not interested. I totally agree with the article and think it is possible to do. DD is 7 now and her faves are a teddy bear she made herself and a giant box that we bought a new appliance in and she insists on keeping in her room as a cubby.