Matchbox Is Going Green - My Thoughts

It's well known that Mattel is one of the best toy makers around. Their products are very influential, and are effective at inspiring young children to be creative. Well now, they are inspiring young children to have a new mindset. And it's one that we as adults should have too. As of today, Mattel has announced some fantastic news. They have decided to move towards using recycled materials for their die-cast products. 

It's fun being a die-cast collector, but we also have to think about protecting this planet we call home. So using recycled materials is a great way to reduce the overall impact that waste has on the planet. As a child, I was very serious about protecting the environment. This mindset was initiated by my aunt, who had a city job that promoted protecting the environment. Most children might not have a family member with one of those jobs. So I think it's great for influential companies like Mattel to get children hooked on saving the planet.

According to Mattel's website, they are going to make all Matchbox die-cast cars, playsets and packaging with 100% recycled, recyclable or bio-based plastic by 2030. I'm glad they're not waiting to get started with these changes, the sooner the better. 

Using recycled materials is not the only way they're encouraging us to protect the environment. E-vehicles are obviously the way of the future, and one of the best manufacturers is none other than Tesla. As you've seen, both of Mattel's die-cast brands have given us their various vehicles. In my opinion, using Tesla's vehicles is a great way to promote this new eco-friendly direction. These releases should also help to influence children into wanting them as their daily vehicles when they grow up. 

 Mattel is also going to make some changes to their fuel station playsets. They have decided to add e-vehicle chargers. Adding this exciting feature should definitely get children interested in driving e-vehicles. So I think this is a great decision.  

Mattel's playsets also have electronics in them. So the decision was made to re-design these sets with a single module that will contain all of the aforementioned. Doing this is definitely a step in the right direction, because it will help to make e-waste recycling easier. 

I also think it's great how they're going to educate consumers on how to recycle their products. This is going to be done with How2Recyle labels.

At the end of the day, I think it's awesome how our favorite toy brand is thinking about the future. I, for one, am in support of this new direction. After all, we all have to do our part, and toy makers getting children involved, is the best way to bring awareness to the next generation. 

Images contained in this post are owned by Mattel, and are available for download here.