Barbie is taking over – quite literally!
So, the Barbie Movie with Margot Robbie just dropped today, and honestly, we’re beyond stoked to catch it. Here’s to reliving a bit of our childhood magic!
The movie is definitely shaping up to be a fun watch, we’re diving into fun but also some seriously modern topics. But in the midst of all the Barbie buzz and the trends that have flooded our feeds in recent months, a little thought has been bouncing around our minds.
Why haven’t we met a Sustainable Barbie yet?
Here’s the scoop: Mattel’s got this cool initiative for a Green Barbie. They’ve teamed up with the Jane Goodall Institute, giving us the Dr. Jane Goodall Doll – she’s made from a whopping 90% recycled ocean-bound plastic. That’s a big thumbs-up for their goal to hit a full 100% of their toys being recycled.
“We are proud to unveil our first sustainable Barbie Inspiring Women and Career of the Year Eco-Leadership team dolls, which further demonstrate our shared commitment to creating a more sustainable future,” said Lisa McKnight, Executive Vice President and Global Head of Barbie and Dolls, Mattel.
But let’s dive into the other side of the coin. You know, the not-so-eco-friendly stuff that’s tied up with the Barbie Movie hype. This movie’s unleashed a wave of short-lived fashion trends that’s got eco-conscious fashion experts and groups raising their eyebrows.
Life in plastic is not fantastic
Guess what?
The movie’s marketing cost is in the range of $100 million! That means there’s gonna be a ton more merch, collaborations, and all sorts of pink-themed stuff flooding the scene. But, and here’s the thing, a chunk of that stuff might just end up in the trash once the excitement wears off.
They’ve lined up over 100 brand partnerships, even roping in the big fast-fashion names like Forever 21, Zara, and Boohoo. Here’s the hitch though – many of these merch and products are made from not-so-environmentally-friendly materials like plastic and polyester.
The bummer is a lot of this is headed straight for the incinerator or landfill. (ay! Dios mio!)
Now, let’s chat about that TikTok trend where people are dressing head-to-toe in pink just to watch the movie. It’s all fun and games, but the thing with such trends is that they’re kind of a planet’s nightmare. They’re not exactly the most sustainable, and they change faster than you can say “Barbie.”
Oh, and did you know that about 60% of clothes are made from plastic? With the pink mania in full swing, we’re looking at more dye being used and a lot more water going down the drain. Don’t forget, the fashion world’s already responsible for 3% of the world’s CO2 emissions and 20% of global water pollution. With the whole go-pink movement, those numbers might just double!
But what if we imagine a world where Barbie was all about sustainability?
Would Barbie still be iconic? I think…Yes!
So we introduce you to our new Sustainable Barbie!…
What is our Sustainable Barbie wearing?
How could Barbie bring change for a better world?
Repurposing Barbie: Instead of tossing Barbie scraps, we could actually repurpose them and cut down on waste. Think about it – Barbie could make a dent in her carbon footprint by using recycled materials. Say goodbye to overflowing landfills and incinerators. Mattel could put in place a take back program to get even more plastic out of the landfills.
Empowering Communities: If Barbie was all about sustainability and ethical production, she could also make a positive impact on marginalized communities. More ethical production could mean more jobs and better wages for employees who really need it, potentially lifting families out of poverty – a living wage.
Inclusive Sustainable Barbie: Picture this – Barbie becoming a role model for kids to learn about sustainability in a super cool way. Imagine if our children could grasp the power of their choices and become conscious consumers, all thanks to Barbie. Its powerful and eco-influential!
We’re not just dreaming here – we’re believing. Barbie’s got the potential to be an eco-friendly superstar, beyond just fashion. So, let’s dream big and imagine a world where Barbie’s legacy isn’t just about style, but also about making our planet a greener, better place.
So, anyone wants to join us to be Sustainable Barbie’s from now on?
