Girl + Computer = ?

Those of us who grew up with Barbie dolls - whether or not they were played with as fashion mavens, fantasy characters, G.I. Joe counterparts, every-day people, or however - might be interested to know that a sustainable Barbie Dream Home toy set is apparently in the works.

To quote the article:

“Over the half-decade of its history, Barbie has had more than a hundred career switches from doctor to lifeguard to a chef. Nonetheless, her 2011 feat as architect Barbie, a member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) with LEED accreditation seems to be the best yet—it comes with a house upgrade.”

“The winning ceiling to floor glass Barbie house design by the recent Harvard architecture grads is every girl’s dream come true: modern, eco-friendly, and very pink—of course. The four-story Malibu beach house features luxurious open chef’s kitchen, fitness room, and landscaped garden on the rooftop as well as green-lifestyle touches—sourced furniture, solar panels, bamboo flooring, and low flow toilets—throughout the 4,881 square feet. But the fashion-loving doll’s favorite part would be the computerized glass tower closet that runs through all floors.”

This is very cool way to introduce children to sustainability in a subtle way that doesn’t go overboard and trample the whimsical nature of fantasy child’s play. What kid is going to really have their beloved toys generating recyclables? And yes, a several-story closet full of clothes may not show the most sustainable behaviors, but this is Barbie, after all. If I recall correctly, Barbie does have a ton of clothes.

This is also a neat concept for a child’s toy because it shows a female toy icon like Barbie in a traditional male job without sacrificing the femininity of the brand. Barbie studying hard in college to become an architecture, a both helpful and community-improving career path? Count me in.

However, I do wonder if this will be made with sustainable products or easy-to-recycle packaging. That would be one hell of a way to really hit the message home.