# Eco Bonding Earth-conscious toys that teach mature concepts through play engrain preferable traits. By [Michael Hemsworth](https://www.trendhunter.com/Michael.Hemsworth), Contributing Researcher | Published Feb 24, 2014 | Category: [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/environmental-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/eco-bonding ## Key Figures - Trend score: 4.2/10 - Evidence articles: 8 ## What is the Eco Bonding trend? **Eco Bonding:** The age to begin teaching the concepts associated with human life and the environment is steadily becoming a younger one as parents become more concerned with how to teach without coming on too strongly. As such, the utilization of multiplayer, interactive toys that softly introduce mature concepts are taking precedent as an effective means to both socialize a toddler and give them a broader worldview, as desired by the parents. The association of play with reality cohesively reinforces healthy coping abilities as opposed to avoiding important topics in the future. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 8 featured examples - Articles from: Apr 13, 2013 to May 25, 2015 - Published: Feb 24, 2014 - Patterns: [Cyclicality](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/cyclicality), [Acceleration](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/acceleration) - Megatrends: [Multisensation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/multisensation), [Gamification](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/gamification), [Catalyzation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/catalyzation) ## Audience - Gender: 30% men, 70% women - Primary generations: Gen Alpha, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Themes within the Eco Bonding trend ### Eco-Conscious Toys Businesses can create toys made from recycled materials that teach children about sustainability and environmentalism. ### Interactive Educational Toys Developers can make toys that teach social and environmental concepts in a fun and interactive manner. ### Plant-Based Art Supplies Companies can create natural and safe art supplies for children using plant-based materials. ## What the Eco Bonding trend means for industry ### For Toy Manufacturing Businesses can create eco-conscious and educational toys. ### For Educational Technology Developers can create interactive educational toys. ### For Art Supplies Companies can create plant-based and non-toxic art supplies for children. ## Trend signals for Eco Bonding Trend score 4.2 out of 10, from popularity 56%, activity 61%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 56% - Activity: 61% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Eco Bonding trend 8 featured examples from Apr 13, 2013 to May 25, 2015. - [Carton-Composed Playthings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/unicef-teachbox): The Teachbox Concept Gives a Second Life to Cardboard Donation Cases (Category: Eco) Implication: The Teachbox concept represents a potential disruptive innovation opportunity for the toy industry, by redefining traditional toys and promoting sustainable design. - [Interlocking Eco Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/eco-friendly-toys-for-kids): Tobo Toys' Eco-Friendly Toys for Kids Join with Other Track Playsets (Category: Eco) Implication: Innovation opportunities lie in creating a new category of 'educational games' that tackle pressing societal issues like sustainability by using eco-conscious materials in toys an… - [Alternative Eco-Friendly Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ecobuild-a-block-set): An Eco-Build a Block Set Features Cardboard Blocks Instead of Wood (Category: Eco) Implication: The toy manufacturing industry can innovate by adopting eco-friendly and child-safe practices in production, marketing and distribution. - [Greater Good Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aroundsquare): Aroundsquare is a Certified B Corporation for Children (Category: Social Good) Implication: The toy manufacturing industry can leverage the trend of eco-friendly and sustainable toys by incorporating wooden and environmentally-friendly materials into their products. - [Sprouting Picture Books](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-green-story): The Green Story Collection Features Literal Pop-Up Shrubs (Category: Eco) Implication: The Green Story collection introduces a unique and interactive element to children's books, creating new opportunities for innovation and engaging young readers. - [Plant-Based Paint Sets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/eco-kids): eco-kids' eco-paint is Made from Natural, Kid-Safe Powders (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: Opportunity to introduce more eco-friendly and natural children's products into the market. - [Compassion-Teaching Playthings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/empathy-toy): The Empathy Toy Instills an Important Emotion in Children (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: Room for creating toys that promote empathy and social skills in children. - [DIY Automobile Crafts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/race-car-bank): This DIY Race Car Bank Art Set is the Perfect Rainy Day Activity (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: Opportunity for toy manufacturers to create craft sets that combine creativity with play. ## Recent trend clusters - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) - [Storyline Sips](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/themed-drink-menus) (Lifestyle) - [Bedtime Cocoon](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sleep-sensory-blocking) (Lifestyle) - [Source Signatures](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/oak-finish-whiskey) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Eco - [Jewel-Toned Fall Apparel](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/quince-silk) - [Compostable Coffee Pucks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/compostable-coffee-pucks) - [Intelligent Private Grids](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ara-core-powers) - [Compact Electric Family MPVs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/compact-electric-family-mpvs) All articles: [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco)