Ken raps Barbie's 'nasty deforestation habit' on Greenpeace website

After a split in 2004, hopes of a rekindled relationship between popular fashion dolls Barbie and Ken are in danger, no thanks to Barbie's "nasty deforestation habit." This was how environmental group Greenpeace portrayed the status of Barbie and Ken in its "Barbie, It's Over" website. "Barbie, It's Over ... I don't date girls that are into deforestation," a frowning Ken said. Greenpeace's "Barbie" site also had a video of Barbie's so-called "deforestation habit" - a reference to toymaker Mattel Inc.'s alleged destruction of rainforests for its toy packaging. It also had a section where site visitors can write to Mattel CEO Robert Eckert to protest the destruction of rainforests for toy packaging. Barbie and Ken "broke up" after more than 43 years together in 2004, so they can "spend some quality time - apart," according to a Mattel statement in 2004. However, the 2004 Mattel statement also said the two "will always remain the best of friends." A CNN report in 2006 said that a madeover Ken "hopes to win back Barbie." Greenpeace accuses Mattel of fueling deforestation On Tuesday, Greenpeace activists hung a large banner on Mattel's headquarters in El Segundo, with police arresting 10 protesters, the Los Angeles Times reported. Greenpeace said that Mattel, which makes the popular Barbie toy line, is "feeding this nasty habit" of deforestation "by purchasing paper packaging for the world's most famous toy from Indonesia's most notorious rainforest destroyer Asia Pulp and Paper (APP)." In this way, it said critical wildlife habitat and carbon-rich rainforests and peatlands are being wrecked for cheap, throw-away toy packaging. "Deforestation is endangering the planet’s rich biodiversity – and contributing to climate change. Southeast Asian nations such as Thailand and the Philippines are among the most vulnerable to climate change impacts. Preserving Indonesia’s vast forests is one of the keys to stabilizing the global climate, in turn bringing significant benefits to Southeast Asia," it said. Mattel 'disappointed'over Greenpeace campaign But in a statement, Mattel said that "playing responsibly" is one of its basic business practices. In its corporate responsibility statement, Mattel explained that "playing responsibly" includes:

• Play Fair by continually encouraging the Mattel organization to align decision-making with the company's values.
• Play Together by working with employees, partners, vendors and regulators to bring the world safe toys that grown-ups trust and children love.
• Play to Grow by committing to a sustainable future through efforts to work smarter and reduce our impact on the environment.
• Play with Passion by volunteering in our communities and helping underserved children experience the joy of play.

"Playing responsibly has long been an important part of Mattel's business practices.... We have been in communication with Greenpeace on a variety of paper-sourcing issues. We are surprised and disappointed that they have taken this inflammatory approach," the LA Times report quoted Mattel as saying. — TJD, GMA News