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Greenpeace Targets Mattel's Packaging Practices
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RTM note: Greenpeace's press release is below, but for more details (and a video clip of "Ken") check out this article on the LA Times web site. The article mentions that Greenpeace is actually aiming at a larger target: the company supplying the paper/packaging to Mattel and several other toy companies.
Mattel rainforest protest ends in arrest for Barbie and Ken
June 7, 2011 - LOS ANGELES - A major protest against the use of rainforest wood in Barbie Doll packaging has ended in arrest for ten activists.
Earlier today Greenpeace climbers dressed as 'activist Ken' rappelled down Mattel's 15 story Los Angeles HQ while Barbie circled the grounds in a glossy pink bulldozer. The Greenpeace action was spurred by new evidence showing how Mattel's toy packaging is linked to the destruction of rainforests in Indonesia.
This afternoon Elise Nabors, 27 (dressed as Barbie) and nine additional activists were arrested: Jarred Cobb, Aliyah Field, Madeline Gardener, Caroline Hansley, Noah Mace, Alexa Markley, Sean O'Brien, Mary Sweeters, and Donny Williams.
Greenpeace Senior Forest campaigner Rolf Skar issued this statement from the scene: "Today's we've sent a clear message to Mattel that it's time to fix their rainforest problem. Barbie's pink packaging is helping to destroy Indonesian rainforests, which in turn is pushing animals like Sumatran tigers and elephants to the brink of extinction. Barbie and Ken are now in matching handcuffs, but this is just the start of a major campaign to stop toy companies playing with our planet."
On twitter: follow @greenpeaceusa for updates
A video of the moment Ken discovered Barbie's dirty secret can be seen here.
Photos available here.
To read the Greenpeace evidence against Mattel and the rest of the toy sector visit www.greenpeace.org/app-toying-with-extinction.
Mattel has issued a response to Greenpeace:
June 7, 2011
Re: Greenpeace Campaign
Statement from: Mattel, Inc.
Playing responsibly has long been an important part of Mattel's business practices, as evidenced by our Corporate Responsibility activities during the past decade. Over the past months we have been in communication with Greenpeace on a variety of papersourcing issues. We are surprised and disappointed that they have taken this inflammatory approach, considering the open channels of communications we've established. We will continue to assess our paper sourcing and packaging improvements as we move forward.
Learn more about our efforts:
http://corporate.mattel.com/about-us/corporate-responsibility.aspx
  
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