SPEECH Addresses Toy R Us Anti-Environmental CommericalDecember 4, 2013 Dear Mr. Bohl, Toys R Us is currently airing a commercial that pits children against environmental and outdoor education. This anti-science, anti-environment advertisement is offensive, and insults parents, children, and educators on many levels. As manager of the Olympia Toys R Us, we would appreciate it if you could share our concerns with your company and urge Toys R Us to pull the ad now. The ad, if you have not seen it, can be viewed at act.engagementlab.org/sign/toysrus. Learning about environmental science and playing outside should be celebrated. At a time when the earth is so impacted by consumerism, carbon pollution and climate change, it is irresponsible to send children the type of message Toys R Us has created. Climate disruption is happening. Wildfires, super storms, hurricanes, and extreme weather events are putting communities at risk. Now, more than ever, children and adults must learn about the direct relationship between preserving our forests and protecting our climate. We believe there is a role for toys in this world, but outdoor experiential education opportunities should be created and expanded. How is Toys R Us meeting this need? Indeed, this commercial and the Toys R Us company could have approached the topic differently with much more positive results. Sincerely, Krag Unsoeld, Janine Unsoeld, Hildi Flores SPEECH Board Members ---- response December 10, 2013 Dear SPEECH Board Members, Your letter to Brian Bohl, Store Manager in Olympia, Washington, has been forwarded to my office for review and response. We appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts regarding one of our recent commercials. It certainly was not our intention to infer in any way that going to a toy store is better than going on a field trip. The bus detour was simply a surprise for a group of kids from various organizations who might not otherwise receive a toy they wished for during the holiday season. Also, please know that this commercial is no longer airing on television. We value and thank you for your comments, and have passed them along to our Marketing team for review. Sincerely,
Kathleen Waugh
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