Ken Dumps Barbie to Save the Rainforest, Protect Orangutans and Tigers

Would you ditch your girlfriend of 50 years if you discovered she was complicit in the deaths of endangered orangutans and tigers? That’s the call Ken made when he discovered the boxes in which Barbie dolls are packaged contain mixed tropical hardwood from Indonesia’s rainforests. At least that’s back story to a campaign stunt by Greenpeace on Tuesday calling on Mattel to set corporate policy eliminating rainforest sourcing of paper for packaging.

Greenpeace activists dressed as Ken rappelled off the roof of Mattel headquarters in Los Angeles, California to drop a multi-story banner bearing Ken’s face and declaring “Barbie, it’s over! I don’t date girls that [sic] are into deforestation.” Another activist dressed as Barbie drove a pink bulldozer onto the site, apparently ready to stand her ground.

Greenpeace is asking Mattel stop purchasing paper from Asia Pulp & Paper, one of only two big companies cutting down Indonesia’s rainforest for paper, and become a leader in the use of sustainable forest products.

Take action: Email Mattel’s CEO.

I personally appreciate that the National Post made a point of reporting that Mattel was “not amused” by the stunt. I can understand that considering that the company recently attempted to green Barbie’s image by launching an design campaign for an eco-friendly dream house and has been gearing up for their own public relations campaign about a reunion between Ken & Barbie after a previous break up. It’s a bummer when real issues get in the way of a fantasy.

Greenpeace Campaign Video: Barbie’s rainforest destruction habit REVEALED!

Baby orangutan photo by Flickr user Ellen Munro

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Mary S.

11:29AM PST on Jan 29, 2012

Anything that helps get the message out is a good one. My daughter has decided that since new Barbies are now out, we can find new friends for her dolls to play with at the local flea market.

send a green star

Elaine A.

8:19AM PST on Jan 28, 2012

Well if that's the campaign that works, then more power to Greenpeace.

Teresa C.

7:05PM PST on Jan 27, 2012

What a cute way to get the point across!

Sarah M.

4:38PM PDT on Oct 11, 2011

Awesome video. Yet another significant reason to hate Barbie.

Danuta W.

2:15AM PDT on Sep 1, 2011

Very important information, thanks for posting.

Joy J.

6:31AM PDT on Aug 22, 2011

cool :)

Akin A.

5:11AM PDT on Jul 24, 2011

Really interesting. Thank you.

Linda E.

2:57PM PDT on Jun 22, 2011

Congratulations to Greenpeace and Care2! We make a difference.

helene f.

4:49PM PDT on Jun 21, 2011

What a way to make a statement!

Beth W.

4:29PM PDT on Jun 18, 2011

I get the point....I just always thought that Greenpeace would take the high road.

Carol B. had a great point!!! Why not have a Greenpeace Barbie??? 2011 Barbie could be a tree-hugger or an eco-holic.