Maybe we have become a bit jaded in the eco-movement. We work tirelessly, protest big corporations, set policy, organize blockades, defend the animals, argue and fight for earth rights. We have become so fixated on ‘saving’ the planet for future generations that maybe we often lose sight of who we are fighting for. The future of the planet belongs to young people and yet we almost always completely ignore them in our environmental fervor.
Thankfully, we sometimes get gentle reminders about the things that really matter – from the most unlikely places. Enter Brian Yanish, creator of the kid-focused Scrap Kins. Yanish’s group of feisty creatures aims to help kids get more involved in the eco-revolution, but without all the intensity and preaching. We asked Brian Yanish just what are these cheerful looking creatures, and how are they going to help spread the eco-zeal to more people?
What are Scrap Kins?
The Scrap Kins are a family of creatures that live in a recycling center and build a world out of the things we throw away. The characters are my actual childhood drawings. There are 6 Scrap Kins that all have different quirks, strengths and weaknesses and hopes and dreams that kids can relate to. Their stories are based on being resourceful and learning about the world from the objects they find.
Who is the project for?
Our target age is kids 3-7 years old but the wonderful thing about the style of the hand-drawn scribbly art is that is has universal appeal. Adults are drawn to the sense of nostalgia, while kids recognize the crayon fills and bright colors as their aesthetic (although they probably wouldn't use that word.)
It sounds clichéd at this point but kids are the future of this planet.
What are you hoping to accomplish?
Ultimately, I'm hoping to tell a good story and teach kids the value of do-it-yourself resourcefulness, using their imagination and environmental awareness. I'm not a big fan of a message driving the story rather the characters telling stories in a way that entertains first and then relays the message. I don't have any great memories of educational awareness programs from my childhood that were all that fun because as soon as they came out trumpeting a message I got bored and kids today are the same. But if you can create memorable characters and tell good stories then you've got a much better chance of kids paying attention to a message.
Why is it important to engage young people in the environmental movement?
It sounds clichéd at this point but kids are the future of this planet. I think the "Green" movement is largely being targeted to adults with disposable income who can afford to spend a few extra dollars. The Scrap Kins are reaching out to young kids and empowering them to make a difference and trying to get them to be aware of issues that will define their futures.
Do you think kids know the planet is in trouble?
Yes. Kids are smart. They know what's going on.
Are you trying to make the eco-movement more inviting to young people?
Absolutely. If I can get a kid to make a project out of recycled materials at home and realize the value of creativity and subconsciously the benefit of resourcefulness then I've raised their awareness while they're hopefully having fun. One of The Scrap Kins' taglines is "You Can Do It!" That's the encouragement kids need to get them to believe they can make a difference.
What is the Scrap Kins Eco Fashion Show & Recycled Craft Jam?
The Eco-Fashion Show & Recycled Craft Jam is our premier eco-creative event. We've created a program of recycled craft projects and activities that kids can learn to make and participate in. We guide the kids through a series of easy and fun hands-on art projects using The Scrap Kins characters to encourage their creativity.
Our Eco-Fashion show is a mini-runway show featuring kid models sporting eco-looks and handmade eco-accessories. We have an amazing professional stylist; Candice Crawford creating our eco-chic looks using organic styling and make-up. It celebrates the inventiveness and fun of using recycled products. We've got prizes and giveaways and this event is free and open to the public. (Craft availability on a first come first served basis.)
How can people get more information?
You can get information about the first Scrap Kins Eco-Fashion Show & Recycled Craft Jam being held this Monday, October 13th from 2-6 pm in Brooklyn, NY at The Scrap Kins' website www.thescrapkins.com. We can also create special Scrap Kins programs for schools, kid's parties and other events.
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