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.
Think about the readings. What cause and effect relationships have to do with sustainability? Explain how the relationships might be helpful or harmful to the environment. Make connections among the facts to show these relationships. Give facts from the texts in your answer. Also tell what you may already know about sustainability.

Answer 1

The reading highlights several cause-and-effect relationships associated with sustainability, particularly in the context of toy manufacturing and broader practices in various sectors. Below are key relationships and their implications for the environment:

1. Cause: Increased Demand for Sustainable Toys

   • Effect: Growth in Production of Green Toys
   • The 2022 toy fair showcased a variety of toys made from sustainable materials, reflecting a growing consumer interest. The 2011 survey indicated that many people are willing to pay more for these products. This demand has encouraged manufacturers, like Green Toys Inc., to create toys from recycled materials (e.g., recycled milk jugs).
   • Environmental Implication: As production shifts towards sustainable materials, there could be a significant reduction in the environmental impact associated with toy manufacturing, such as lower carbon emissions and less plastic waste.

2. Cause: Awareness of Toy Safety

   • Effect: Preference for Green Toys among Parents
   • Parents are increasingly concerned about the materials used in children's toys due to fears of harmful substances commonly found in non-sustainable plastics. This awareness drives parents, like Stacy Lu, to seek environmentally friendly options that are safer for their children.
   • Environmental Implication: When parents prioritize safe, sustainable toys, it pressures manufacturers to adopt greener practices and materials, promoting a general shift towards sustainability in the toy industry.

3. Cause: Sustainable Agriculture and Forestry Practices

   • Effect: Conservation of Resources and Biodiversity
   • Organic farmers avoid synthetic fertilizers and use natural alternatives, while foresters aim to balance timber production with conservation efforts. These practices help preserve ecosystems and maintain biodiversity.
   • Environmental Implication: Such sustainable practices lead to healthier soil, reduced pollution, and the conservation of wildlife habitats, creating a more resilient environment.

4. Cause: Development of Alternative Energies

   • Effect: Reduction in Fossil Fuel Dependency
   • Energy companies are exploring renewable energy sources, which diversify energy portfolios away from fossil fuels.
   • Environmental Implication: The transition to alternative energy forms decreases greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to combating climate change and reducing air pollution.

5. Cause: Children Learning about Energy Consumption

   • Effect: Future Generations Being More Environmentally Conscious
   • By playing with green toys that illustrate concepts like renewable energy and resource conservation, children may develop a greater understanding of environmental issues and sustainability practices.
   • Environmental Implication: Educating children about sustainability can lead to more responsible future consumers and innovators, fostering a culture of environmental stewardship.

In summary, the relationships between increased awareness, demand for sustainable practices, and the shift toward greener production methods hold significant potential to positively impact the environment. However, if sustainability is ignored, such as through continued reliance on non-renewable resources and unsafe materials, the adverse effects could lead to resource depletion, environmental degradation, and long-term health risks for communities. By connecting the facts presented in the readings, we see how individual choices, corporate responsibility, and educational initiatives can collectively pave the way for a more sustainable future.