Thu, December 25, 2008
Due to world-wide concern over toxic plastic dolls from China, many Indonesians are replacing their children's toys with grass dolls.
Horticultural students have designed grass dolls to help children learn about agriculture. Asep Rodiansyah and Gigin Mardiansyah started their business last year, employing housewives to make the grass dolls. More than 10 women produce between 130 to 150 dolls a day.
These Indonesian women are hard at work making a popular toy.
Grass dolls known as 'Horta dolls' are being crafted in this room.
Between them they make around 130-150 dolls a day.
The idea of the eco-friendly dolls came from two horticultural students, who wanted children to learn about agriculture.
This mother bought the dolls for her children.
(SOUNDBITE) (Bahasa Indonesia) MOTHER BONNY DANUATMAJA, SAYING:
"This toy is challenging. The kids learn how to grow grass, trim the grass up, they also have to water it regularly. They have to take care of the doll. This toy educates children and teaches them about living a green lifestyle."
Unlike plastic dolls, these ones change shape and size, they can even grow hair.
(SOUNDBITE) (Bahasa Indonesia) EMIRA SAYING:
"This is cool. I can water it and cut the grass,"
The doll also needs looking after -- watering it and making sure it gets enough sun.
But they only last for three months.
After world-wide concern about the safety of plastic dolls made in China, many parents are replacing plastic toys with ones made of grass.
Around 30 percent of their sales come from online consumers, that's according to one of the women that came up with the idea.
The dolls can be bought for just under two dollars.
