Toys That Teach

Question

Life Science Studies: Engineering Design

"Toys Go Green" was the idea behind a 2022 toy fair. It was held in Germany. Many toys at the fair were made with sustainable materials. These are called "green" toys. This was not the first time the fair showed these toys. It showed them as far back as 2011.

Today toymakers want to make kids think about where energy comes from. They want kids to think about how much energy they use. Toymakers also want kids to know about renewable energy. Some green toys teach about this.

The 2011 toy fair had many green toys. There were toy cars powered by water. There were dollhouses with wind turbines. The dollhouses showed how to use the wind to create electricity. Other dollhouses had rainwater catchers. Those showed how to use rain for water.

More and more people want sustainable toys. That's even though these toys can cost a lot. They cost more than other toys. It costs more to make them. That's because organic and sustainable materials cost more. Yet a 2011 survey found that many people would pay more for these toys.

Rainer Weisskirch said green toys are worth the money. He worked for TÜV Rheinland. This group tests products for safety. He said that sustainable toys are well made. They last longer than other toys.

Robert von Goeben agreed. He started Green Toys Inc. His company makes toys from recycled milk jugs. The company has done well. "There [are] clearly [many people] that will pay a little more for environmentally friendly toys," he said.

He noted that some people worry about toy safety. Some plastic toys have dangerous materials. Parents care about what goes into their kids' toys.

Stacy Lu is a parent. She said she is always looking for environmentally friendly toys. She likes toys that make kids think about the planet's future.

Von Goeben believes that more parents will make the same choices. He thinks they will want more environmentally friendly toys. "Parents are smart," he said. "They want information about what's in the product."

Information for this story came from AP.

Dig Deeper
Children can take care of Earth. How? They can think about how energy is made. They can think about how much energy they use. Children can also play with "green" toys. These toys conserve resources. They also protect the environment.

People are becoming more interested in sustainable practices. Toy makers and other companies are, too. How can we practice sustainability? We can reduce resource use. We can create less waste. We can also develop new technologies. Many resources are limited. Some businesses are practicing sustainability. Some governments are, too.

Organic farmers don't use fertilizers made from fossil fuels. They use natural fertilizers. The U.S. has both timber and conservation needs. Foresters try to balance these. They work to conserve soil and water. They work to preserve wildlife and biodiversity as well.

Energy companies also promote sustainability. Many have developed alternative energies. These don't come from fossil fuels. Alternative energy takes on different forms. Not every type can be found in all places.

Wind farms are built in large open areas with steady winds. Wind energy is converted into electricity. Wind turbines do this.
The Sun's energy can be captured. How? By using panels of solar cells. The panels can be placed on roofs. They change sunlight into electricity. They help heat water.
Molten rock inside Earth is hot. Geothermal power plants turn this heat into electricity.
Hydroelectric power plants make electricity. They use falling or flowing water.
After Reading
Now that you have read the article, indicate whether you agree or disagree with this statement.

Even young children can help take care of the planet.

Agree
Disagree

Explain why you voted the way you did. Then read and respond to what others have to say.

Answer 1

I Agree

Even young children can help take care of the planet for several reasons:

1. Understanding and Awareness: Children can be taught from a young age about the importance of taking care of the environment. By providing them with "green" toys that incorporate concepts like renewable energy and resource conservation, children learn valuable lessons about sustainability while they play.

2. Simple Actions: Kids can engage in simple sustainable practices, such as recycling, conserving water, or turning off lights when they leave a room. These actions, while small, can contribute to a culture of sustainability.

3. Role Models: Children often emulate the behaviors and values of adults around them. By prioritizing environmental responsibility and sustainability in their own lives, parents and caregivers can instill these values in children.

4. Influencing Choices: As children grow, their preferences can influence what products their families purchase. If children express interest in eco-friendly toys or practices, parents may be more inclined to support those choices.

5. Future Leaders: Teaching children about the planet's needs sets the stage for them to become informed adults who advocate for environmental protection and sustainability as they mature.

In conclusion, even though young children may not be able to take on large environmental initiatives, the foundation for caring for the planet can be laid through education, simple practices, and positive reinforcement from adults.