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Nearly seven in ten kids are worried about the future of the planet \u2013 but don\u2019t truly know how much damage plastic toys do to the environment. A poll of 750 children, aged six to 12, found that only 40 percent understand what global warming is \u2013 while 19 percent don’t believe plastic does much damage to the environment.<\/p>\n
And 57 percent are keen to get the latest games and toys available to them, no matter what they\u2019re made of.<\/p>\n
More than three-quarters (76 percent) admitted to asking their parents for them \u2013 but 35 percent are unclear if plastic toys are able to be recycled.<\/p>\n
LEGO, water pistols, action figures, and dolls are among the favourites.<\/p>\n
The research was commissioned by Hyundai, in partnership with Healthy Seas, to welcome the charity as a partner on its Great British School Trip programme.<\/p>\n
The scheme aims to highlight the younger generation\u2019s knowledge gap when it comes to real-time issues in the natural environment, through dedication to protecting the marine ecosystem and the circular economy.<\/p>\n
Ashley Andrew, president of Hyundai Motor UK, said: \u201cThe fact our research has shown children are surprised to hear plastic toys can be harmful to the environment is important to note.<\/p>\n
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\u201cThrough our partnership with Healthy Seas, we want to help educate children on the natural environment and marine ecosystem \u2013 to ensure we\u2019re preserving the inhabitants and our beaches for many years to come.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is also important for Hyundai and our vision for a more sustainable future.\u2019\u2019<\/p>\n
It comes after a poll of the parents of the six- to 12-year-olds found six in ten hate how many plastic toys their kids have \u2013 with books, clothes, and board games suggested as alternatives. However, half admitted their children still ask for plastic toys.<\/p>\n
The study, carried out via OnePoll, also found 78 percent of parents feel their child should learn more around plastic pollution and other environmental issues at school.<\/p>\n
Veronika Mikos, director of Healthy Seas, said: \u201cIt\u2019s not surprising that children know so little about the issues affecting marine life, as it\u2019s not something that can always be visually explained within the four walls of a classroom.<\/p>\n
\u201cHowever, seeing the future generation\u2019s enthusiasm around the impact of plastic on the planet is exactly why we do this.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Great British School Trip initiative will support the curriculum by covering important subjects and, through partnerships, will allow youngsters to learn more outside the four walls of a classroom.<\/p>\n
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