Ideal Bite

Eco-themed Cartoons

Animation Instinct

10.29.2009

Submitted by alara on Wed, 10/28/2009 - 11:00pm.

The Bite:

On the hunt for quality cartoons? Put eco-themed 'toons in your kid's line of sight - either online or on TV. These shows for ages 4-12 (and up) cover stuff like wildlife and global warming, and are fun to watch. A natural selection.

The Benefits:

These shows'll teach kids about environmental issues and prime 'em on how to take eco-actions small or large - everything from reusing gift wrap to helping contain the Great Pacific Garbage Patch.
Most of the programs run about 2-8 minutes long - the right length to match kids' short attention spans.

Wanna Try:

Zoboomafoo - Emmy Award-winning, wildlife films syndicated on PBS introduce kids to the world of awesome creatures; themed, 30-minute episodes focus on topics like baby animals; ages 4-10; find your station.
The Greens - online show following Izz and her family (see picture), as they learn about conservation and living eco; episodes last 5 minutes; website includes a blog updated by the characters; ages 6-12.
Gorilla in the Greenhouse - online show in 8-minute episodes about KJ the Green Gorilla as he teams up with four friends from around the world to create a sustainable planet; blog details small steps kids can take to help the planet; ages 6-12.
The Meatrix - for older kids, a web-only trilogy of 2-4 minute films that explains the problems with factory farming and offers an alternative; site includes an Eat Well Guide to sustainable farms, stores, and restaurants in your 'hood; ages 8 and up.
Coming soon...Heartwood USA - check out the 5-minute teasers for this eco-cartoon in development about kids learning to take a tough stance on issues like pollution; full-length episodes are in the works; ages 6-12.