Barbie and Ken Destroying Rainforests.

Barbie and Ken, and their maker Mattel, are under pressure from environmental protection groups like Greenpeace who are exposing Mattel’s use of paper products made from endangered rainforests.

Mattel uses paper from Asia Pulp and Paper in the creation of packaging for toys like Barbie and Ken. Asia Pulp and Paper have been called “one the most environmentally destructive companies on the planet” for their clear cutting of endangered Indonesian rainforests. Besides just providing the earth fresh air, these rainforests are home to numerous endangered species like tigers and orangutans.

Greenpeace launched their campaign today at Mattel headquarters by dropping a giant banner on their side of the offices and driving a pink bulldozer into their parking lot. The bulldozer operator was dressed like Barbie and asked “do you think they will let me park this at the mall?”

Greenpeace is not stopping with Mattel however, LEGO, Disney, and Hasbro also use endangered rainforest materials in their products and will soon be facing the group’s wrath.

In addition to dropping Asia Pulp and Paper as a supplier, Mattel could show their support for protecting the rainforest by introducing a vegan Barbie and Ken. I’d love to see a vegan picnic Barbie with checkered organic cotton blanket,Tofurky club sandwiches, and tiny copy of Animal Liberation.