From many roots, one future Voices without borders
“MAKING PEACE BÁRCENA ALICIA
WITH NATURE IS OUR COLLECTIVE TASK”
and Natural Resources of Mexico, Alicia Bárcena Ibarra, discusses the urgent need to restore our ecosystems and educate new generations in environmental justice. Everyone plays a key role in this collective mission to protect the planet, from schools to industries.
BY ALEJANDRA ICELA MARTÍNEZ
Lthis collective effort?
First, industries. Everyone wants development, but they must follow the law: no dumping waste in rivers, proper waste management. Next, municipalities—they manage solid waste and treated water. Mexico generates 180,000 tons of waste every day. Burning it is not the answer.
everywhere. That’s why Mexico is pushing for a global treaty against single-use plastics. We want companies to be required to recycle, reduce, and rethink. And from my office, we regulate—even if not everyone likes it, it’s necessary.
What about the agriculture sector? Agriculture consumes most of our water. That’s why President Claudia Sheinbaum has proposed modernizing irrigation districts. We’re also working with the Agriculture Ministry to eliminate 54 pesticides banned in many countries. And with the Ministry of Science and Technology, we’re applying innovation to forest protection and recycling efforts.
Are technical and vocational schools part of this strategy? Absolutely. We’re working on a circular economy law. We want technical schools to teach students how to reduce, reuse, and repurpose. We need young people to ask: how can I reuse this?
What role do children and teens play in this environmental transformation? A crucial one. As we clean rivers, we want kids to tell their parents: “Don’t throw that here.” That’s the kind of collective and environmental justice awareness we need. Because really—what are we leaving to the next generations?
If we had to start somewhere, where should we begin? By reclaiming public access to beaches. Many hotels have taken them over. On June 5, we’ll launch a campaign to address this. We’re also convening a national agreement to protect forests, jungles, and
This isn’t just a matter of numbers. It’s a cultural, political, and economic reality. Spanish-speaking communities play a major role in shaping future generations and contributing to the country’s human capital.
According to El Español en el Mundo (Spanish in the World) report, published by the Instituto Cervantes’ Global Observatory of Spanish, by 2024 roughly 24 million people worldwide are studying Spanish as a second language—and the majority of them are in the U.S. At the university level, Spanish ranks alongside French as one of the top languages studied. This means millions of families are investing time, money, and effort into giving their children the chance to learn Spanish. And yet, many Spanish-speaking families who could easily pass this gift on to their children… don’t. I say “gift” because speaking more than one language brings a host of benefits—from better job prospects and higher earnings to improved mental health through deeper connections with family, community, and identity.
Recently,
of Chicago, three students shared that they are learning Spanish with the hope of being able to speak with their grandparents—one even mentioned wanting to connect with her great-grandmother.
Niños Bilingües, Niños Felices (Bilingual Kids, Happy Kids) is the name of a workshop we offer at UNAM Chicago for parents of public school children in a city where about 46 percent of students identify as Hispanic or Latino. In some schools, more than 90 percent of elementary school students speak Spanish. In one third-grade class I visited, the only person who didn’t speak Spanish was the teacher.
And yet, despite this overwhelming presence of the language, many families lose Spanish within just one generation. In the newly published book Spanish in Chicago, Kim Potowski and Lourdes Torres explain that one of the reasons for this loss is the misconceptions many families have about bilingual education. One of the biggest myths? That growing up with two languages confuses kids. But research consistently shows that dual-language programs—especially those that teach 60 to 90 percent in Spanish during the early school years—lead to stronger proficiency in both Spanish and
UNAM Chicago Promotes Spanish Among Latino Families
English, along with overall academic gains.
Another common misunderstanding is the idea that bilingual parents automatically raise bilingual children. Just hearing Spanish at home isn’t enough. Parents and caregivers need to intentionally create opportunities for kids to use the language from a young age. Even if parents feel their Spanish isn’t perfect, speaking it with their kids is always a positive step—and staying connected to grandparents, whenever possible, is incredibly valuable.
Spanish is currently spoken in the homes of around 500 million people worldwide, making it the second most spoken language globally—right after Mandarin Chinese. Of those 500 million speakers, about 45 million live outside their countries of origin, and 41 million of them are in the United States. From the latter, the majority—nearly 58 percent—are of Mexican heritage.
The benefits of bilingualism go far beyond language itself. Cultural identity, a sense of belonging, an awareness of our roots, and connections to our ancestors all support mental and emotional well-being. Yes, it’s important to adapt to the language and life of the country we live in—but that doesn’t mean we need to disconnect from our heritage. Doing so can leave people feeling culturally adrift, with real consequences for their mental health.
That’s why those University of Chicago students I mentioned are eager to connect with their grandparents. But that connection doesn’t just depend on desire—it also requires a tool: the language. At UNAM Chicago, in this workshop and many others
for families, educators, and school administrators, we consistently emphasize the countless benefits of bilingualism.
When it comes to public policy, there are several ways we can help Mexican American families preserve Spanish: increasing access to Spanish-language early childhood programs, expanding dual-language and bilingual education, building family and community networks for fun Spanish-language activities, and creating high-quality Spanish content in mass media. We all have a role to play in raising awareness and valuing Spanish as a vital cultural resource. Let’s think about what we can do—individually and collectively—to ensure this invaluable legacy continues to thrive for future generations.
Erika Erdely Ruiz holds a Master’s and Ph.D. in Linguistics from UNAM and is a full-time professor at the Center for Teaching Foreign Students (CEPE) at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM). She has taught Spanish as a foreign language for over 20 years and trained graduate-level instructors for more than 15. Her research focuses on lexical semantics, pragmatics, and the teaching
ANOTHER IMMIGRANT STORY:
DREAMING IN A BROKEN SYSTEM
Shhhh… close your eyes mija. My mom says that when we reached the Rio Bravo the Coyotes (smugglers) took out an inflatable pool, “like the ones you and your siblings would play with under the Florida sun.”
BY LENI ALVAREZ-PEREZ
They placed my sister of seven months, and me of two years in it, and she grabbed onto the side. My mom says you could hear the air escaping, not sure if we’d make it. That night we made it al otro lado (to the other side).
I was born into an epidemic in a small town in Chiapas. When I was taken to the clinic there was no medicine, a mom was cradling her daughter who had just passed as we were turned away. My parents took me to a private hospital, they were missionaries, my mom would sell popsicles and my dad would milk cows, they had just saved up for our first home. These savings and more went into medical bills. This was the start of my family’s debt.
My family’s story happens in the backdrop of 1994, the year the North American Free Trade Agreement went into effect, one that promised economic growth, unfulfilled till today—hurting workers and the poorest members of its society from both sides of the border. By December of 94’ coupled with a dragging financial crisis, political tensions, and exposure to external vulnerabilities it led to the “Error de Diciembre”, one of the most significant recessions in Mexican history. The crisis had substantial consequences, such as widespread bank failures and families losing everything.
For my family, this resulted in an unpayable debt in Mexico and a forced migration to the United States. As we crossed the border in 1996, the act of IIRIRA came into effect by Bill Clinton one that would make way for what some scholars have called the deportation machine, oiled by the dehumanization and criminalization of immigrant communities. Fast forward to the early 2000s, my siblings and I grew up reciting every day the pledge of allegiance, learning how no matter where you came from the U.S. was the land of opportunity, of the free and home of the brave. How braver can the journey of an immigrant be? I remember my teacher’s fear-stricken face in first grade. That day I saw the Twin Towers fall, I recall the fear that loomed in my hometown in Florida only one town away from where Bush had been reading in a school. Life was never the same, Homeland Security came into existence the very one that persecutes immigrant communities, oiling through hatred even more the deportation machine. In 2009, the castle in the sand my family had built came tumbling down. I remember arriving from high school with boxes spread, my mom said to pack, we were going back to Mexico. My dad had been detained because of driving without a license. This was against the backdrop of the recession where millions lost their jobs and homes, and where for many the blame was found in our immigrant communities. My family lived in fear as you’d hear of ICE raids hitting our homes. These now seem as echoes to the current reality immigrants face today. As we wake up to the news and fears of a looming recession in the U.S. the immigrant is the enemy of the state and mass deportation seems to be the solution. I wonder when will we stop scapegoating the immigrant and truly hold accountable the powers that fill their pockets while draining our lands and impoverishing our communities. My family forcibly returned to Mexico along with millions of others deported and expulsed under the Obama era.
I dream of a world where migration is not forced and a hug is not a privilege. Because migration can be… like the monarch who flies across borders.’
It wasn’t just us 4 that came back, but 6, now including 2 U.S. citizen brothers. By 2018, about 1 in 6 U.S.-born children living in Mexico were there because the U.S. government deported one or both of their parents. Today we hear of Trump “simply” floating the idea of deporting U.S. citizens as if the already broken immigration system has not been “deporting by defacto” millions of U.S.-born children worldwide and many more left without a parent in the U.S. Our first days were filled with uncontrollable tears, we didn’t want to eat, and we’d beg my mom to let us go back. We’re told to go back to where we came from, but what happens when you’ve been gone for so long when Mexico as a country names our undocumented communities heroes, but when we find ourselves back we are treated as a public charge? Where we are labeled “pochos” a derogatory term stating we are less than Mexican, which in its multiple definitions also means something that has been uprooted.
Mexico didn’t know what to do with us.
My siblings and I were denied education and some identity documents, finally accessing school after months of my mom confronting a monstrous bureaucracy. Only to face bullying from peers. Teachers expecting us to write and speak fluently in Spanish, being penalized for not.
During this time Mexico was also in a bloody war on drugs and we had come back to the state of Veracruz one of the most hit. We were of the first families that had returned, and this placed a target on us, soon we were facing extortion. My family forcibly moved again. This and because my siblings would not be able to revalidate their education led to our family being torn apart by borders. They went back to Florida by themselves in middle school and high school.
My memories as a child transition into adulthood. It’s been 15 years since I came back to Mexico, I’m a returned woman, a pocha, and proud. I wish I could share that my family’s experience is no longer one that resounds today, but versus then and now, many of us have come together in the aftermath of forced return and deportation to organize.
Usually, as children, we are not asked or consulted in these life-changing decisions, and parents are forced to take them. My work today has led me back to the territory I first left, Chiapas. We’ve held space in the last few days with over 100 kids and youth. How does migration look like in the eyes of a child today:
“If I hadn’t asked my dad for a birthday party he’d still be here.”
“Migration is sad, the people that leave, leave crying, the people that stay cry.”
“It was my fault”. A feeling as an immigrant child that I held onto for too long. In community we’ve tried to make sense and re-narrate our experiences. I share my story today knowing it echoes the forced story of millions due to the failed systems and governments said to “protect us”.
Today I walk as Co-Director in Otros Dreams en Acción. In community, we fight for a dignified return and the end to family separation. A hope that seems more distant each time, but it is love and accompaniment that keeps us trying. I end by sharing my dream, of a little girl who left without a choice, of an adolescent who returned without a choice, and of a woman who questions: When will these stories not be a norm?
I dream of a world where migration is not forced and a hug is not a privilege. Because migration can be beautiful, like a mermaid who swims freely through the ocean, like the monarch who flies across borders.
The fight continues on whatever side of the border we may be.
Mexico in the Fossil Crosshairs: Trump’s Energy Agenda and the Struggle for Climate Sovereignty
WHEN DONALD TRUMP RE-ENTERED THE WHITE HOUSE IN JANUARY 2025, HE WASTED NO TIME IN REVIVING HIS SIGNATURE PROMISE: TO UNLEASH THE FULL FORCE OF AMERICAN ENERGY DOMINANCE. MORE FRACKING. MORE PIPELINES. MORE CARBON. MORE FOSSIL FUEL EXPORTS. WHAT LOOKED LIKE A DOMESTIC ENERGY PLAN QUICKLY REVEALED ITSELF AS SOMETHING ELSE: A GEOPOLITICAL PROJECT.
ew noticed that, for this vision to take shape, Mexico must play a central— though subordinated—role. One of the clearest examples lies in Puerto Libertad, on the Sonoran coast of the Gulf of California. There, the massive Pacific Mexico LNG project is moving forward with the goal of liquefying U.S. fracked gas from the Permian Basin in Texas and shipping it to markets in Asia. The project is billed as an investment in energy transition, but what’s really being constructed is an extension of the Trump-era fossil empire, using Mexican territory as a bridge for U.S. gas, while leaving the emissions and impacts behind.
This isn’t just business as usual. It’s climate colonialism dressed up as development.
For decades, Mexico has served as an energy hub for the Global North—whether through oil in the Gulf, coal in the north, or pipelines crossing the desert. But under Trump’s renewed fossil offensive, the country’s role is shifting into something more insidious: logistics platforms for fossil fuel expansion, with its coasts and deserts transformed into zones of sacrifice.
This new fossil corridor is taking shape through an aggressive build-out of infrastructure:
• U.S.-Mexico gas pipelines
• Liquefaction terminals on Mexican coasts
• Export ports for methane-laden supertankers
• And administrative fast-tracks that sideline environmental law and community consultation.
Projects like Pacific Mexico LNG (Sonora), Energía Costa Azul (Baja California), and Altamira LNG (Tamaulipas) are part of a single vision: to turn Mexico into a launchpad for U.S. fracked gas, especially as Europe and Asia seek alternatives to Russian energy.
a fossil expansion repackaged in green wrapping, driven by U.S. market interests and enabled by weak or complicit regulatory systems in Mexico.
The return of Trump—and his explicit pledge to “make America the energy superpower of the world”—only strengthens this extractivist architecture. The Permian Basin is once again a centerpiece of his policy, and Mexico’s geography makes it the perfect outlet for fossil flows that no longer fit politically within U.S. territory alone.
But if the Trumpian model is about energy domination and fossil colonialism, what’s the alternative?
More and more voices in Mexico are proposing a radically different framework: climate sovereignty.
Climate sovereignty means reclaiming the right to decide what kind of energy future a country pursues—not based on foreign demand or investor pressure, but on ecological justice, community participation, and long-term planetary viability. It is not simply about rejecting fossil fuels, but about resisting the geopolitical forces that frame the Global South as merely a site of extraction and transit.
In Mexico, climate sovereignty implies:
• Rejecting infrastructure that contradicts climate goals and local autonomy
• Defending marine and terrestrial ecosystems from industrial encroachment
Gas for Asia, profits for the U.S., environmental impacts for Mexico. And what about climate justice?
• Recognizing Indigenous and coastal communities as political actors, not collateral damage
• Building energy systems rooted in justice, decentralization, and sustainability
With Trump back in the White House, this horizon becomes not just desirable but essential. The return of fossil hegemony must be answered with a groundswell of energy democracy, led by those on the frontlines of extraction and sacrifice.
Mexico contributes the territory, biodiversity, water, power grid, and labor. The U.S. supplies the gas. Asia offers the market. The planet pays the price.
This model is being aggressively rebranded as “clean energy” or “a bridge fuel.” But the reality is stark: methane, the primary component of fossil gas, is a greenhouse gas more than 80 times more potent than CO² over a 20-year period. Once liquefied, shipped, and burned, the gas leaves a devastating carbon and ecological footprint, even if its origin is blurred by geopolitical choreography.
The term climate colonialism may sound theoretical, but it describes with brutal clarity what’s happening on the ground.
It refers to the imposition of extractive energy systems on territories and communities in the Global South, where the environmental and social costs are borne locally, while the economic and geopolitical benefits flow elsewhere—typically to the Global North. In the case of Mexico, the country is not in control of the gas, nor the final destination, nor the pricing mechanisms. Yet it shoulders the risk: ecological degradation, increased emissions, water stress, threats to marine biodiversity, and community displacement. This is not a clean energy transition. It’s
Despite the odds, resistance is already underway.
Campaigns like “Whales, Not Gas” are emerging to defend the Gulf of California, often called “the Aquarium of the World,” from fossil megaprojects that threaten whales, reefs, and entire fishing livelihoods. Scientists, activists, and frontline communities are exposing the greenwashing of “natural” gas and calling out the environmental simulations used to bypass regulations. These voices may not dominate energy policy—yet. But they are reshaping the narrative. They are demanding that climate justice include the right to territorial self-determination and that energy transition be more than just a change of fuel—it must be a change of power.
Trump’s return brings new pressure, but it also brings clarity. Mexico must now choose:Will it continue playing the role of fossil pipeline for its northern neighbor? Or will it rise to the challenge of defending its ecological integrity, its communities, and its right to a livable future?
The answer lies not in Washington, nor in corporate boardrooms, but in the deserts, coasts, and resistance movements of Mexico and the global south. That’s where climate sovereignty is already being imagined—and defended.
Raúl Benet
@RAULBENET
Binational childhoods— particularly migrant girls in the United States—face a complex reality shaped by obstacles that affect their development, well-being, and future. This phenomenon encompasses social, political, and humanitarian dimensions.
BY: MARÍA ELENA
According to the Migration Policy Institute (MPI, 2023), approximately 18.4 million children in the U.S. live with at least one immigrant parent, representing ne arly 25% of the country’s child population. Among them, around one million are unaccompanied minors who have arrived in the past decade. Data show that girls account for 32% of unaccompanied minors, although this percentage has varied in recent years.
Recently, the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) reported that in fiscal year 2023, more than 122,000 unaccompanied minors were processed, including nearly 39,000 girls. The primary countries of origin are Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, and Mexico—regions characterized by high levels of violence, poverty, and inequality, as stated in the ORR’s 2023 Annual Report.
Migrant girls encounter multiple vulnerabilities linked to their gender, which are seldom recognized or addressed. A joint study by UNICEF and the Urban Institute (2022) highlights several scenarios: some reside in families with mixed immigration status, where some members are U.S. citizens while others are undocumented, leading to complex family dynamics and a constant fear of separation. Others are unaccompanied minors in federal custody who, after being detained at the border, are transferred to ORR facilities until a “sponsor”—usually a relative—is identified. Some are in the family reunification process, reuniting with parents or relatives after years apart and facing challenges of emotional and cultural adaptation. A small but significant number are not entered into official systems and live in constant high-risk situations, vulnerable to crimes such as human trafficking and child sexual abuse.
* María Elena Esparza holds a Ph.D. in the History of Thought from Universidad Panamericana, is a graduate of Oxford University’s Women’s Leadership Program, and founded Ola Violeta A.C. @MaElenaEsparza
MIGRANT GIRLS IN THE U.S.:
A global challenge
The report “Beyond the Border” by the Women’s Refugee Commission (WRC, 2024) documents that migrant girls are at a greater risk of forced child marriage and gender-based violence. Their situation worsens due to limited access to healthcare and education. In terms of education, the American Immigration Council has repeatedly pointed out that while U.S. law guarantees access to public education regardless of immigration status, migrant girls encounter language barriers, discrimination, and untreated trauma that hinder their academic performance. Dropout rates among migrant teenage girls are significantly higher than those of their U.S.-born peers. Structural inequality takes root in the educational gap—and we must always remember that. The outlook has worsened with Donald Trump’s return to the U.S. presidency. During his previous administration (2017–2021), policies such as “Zero Tolerance” and the Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP, also known as “Remain in Mexico”) resulted in the separation of over 5,500 children from their families, according to the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU, 2024). The new administration has already announced plans for mass deportations and a continuation of the border wall’s construction. Returning to one’s country of origin is far more complicated than it seems. Organizations such as Kids in Need of Defense (KIND, 2024) document the multifaceted risks faced by deported girls. In the field of education, a 2023 study by the National Autonomous University of Mexico revealed that only 37% of returned children reintegrate into the educational system without significant delays. Many binational girls raised in the U.S. do not speak academic Spanish and struggle to validate their American education due to incomplete documentation. In legal terms, the Inter-American Court of Human Rights has issued multiple rulings emphasizing the duty of states to prioritize the best interests of children in all migration-related decisions. However, the practical implementation of these principles remains inconsistent. The situation of binational migrant girls represents a humanitarian crisis that demands coordinated and comprehensive responses. Available data underscores the urgency of strengthening international protection mechanisms for migrant girls, developing migration policies that are both gender- and age-sensitive, building effective reintegration systems for returning minors, and addressing the structural causes of forced migration. As noted in Save the Children’s 2023 report “Children on the Move,” migrant girls are not merely statistics—they are human beings with rights, dreams, and a future. The challenge is not only for the United States; it is a global issue that
NUMBER
1,546,822 1,707,793 1,632,750 1,886,495
of Hispanic children aged 3 to 5 were enrolled in educational programs such as preschool or kindergarten. (https://nces.ed.gov/programs/digest/d21/ tables/dt21_202.20.asp?utm)
• U.S.-born children of Mexican origin have higher school enrollment rates than those born in Mexico. For example, among 7-year-olds, 98.5% of U.S.-born children were enrolled in school, compared to 96% of Mexico-born children who had lived in the U.S. for over five years and 95% of those with less than five years of residence. (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/ PMC5221702/)
• According to the 2006 American Community Survey (ACS), of the 53 million children aged 5 to 17, 11 million spoke a language other than English at home, and 3 million were not proficient in English.
(https://www.census.gov/library/working-papers/2008/demo/2008_Kominski-Shin.html)
• The Institute for Mexicans Abroad collected information from Mexico’s representations abroad (RME) regarding the Mexican population living outside the country and recorded 34,785 Mexican children aged 0 to 12 — of which 54% are boys and 46% are girls
• Mexican children living abroad — excluding those in the U.S. — are predominantly found in the Americas.
Through imagination, shared memories, and the hopes passed down from mothers, fathers, or grandparents, our Mexican boys and girls living abroad create a vision of their homeland. They express this vision through colors and paper—a vision that must be preserved so that Mexico remains a part of their identity and lives today and in the future.
For 28 years, the “This Is My Mexico” Children’s Drawing Contest, organized by the Institute for Mexicans Abroad (IMME), has invited children to transcend borders through their drawings. Each illustration represents more than just an image—it embodies a shared memory, serving as a bridge between their place of residence and the country they originate from, a homeland they can represent even if they’ve never physically visited it. With the support of the IMME, Heraldo USA is proud to share a glimpse into this perspective—showcasing selected works from Mexican
They express this vision through colors and paper—a vision that must be preserved
Some children were born in Mexico and migrated to the United States with their parents when they were just months or a few years old—leaving them with only faint memories. Others were born in the U.S. but carry their heritage in their blood, remaining connected to Mexico through stories, photographs, or images found online.
Borderless traces of our migrant childhoods
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children living in the U.S. whose drawings have been highlighted over the years.
Winning pieces are showcased in traveling exhibitions throughout Mexico and internationally, exposing children’s art and Mexican culture to a global audience, says Itzel Astrid Ortega González, Director of Outreach and Culture at the IMME.
“This contest not only promotes creativity, but it also celebrates Mexico’s identity and cultural heritage. Each year, children aged 6 to 14, from Mexico and other nationalities, are invited to submit drawings that reflect the cultural, historical, and natural richness of Mexico. The goal is to strengthen cultural ties among Mexican migrant families and the societies in which they live while fostering creativity and pride in Mexico.” Over the years, the contest has explored themes such as traditions, biodiversity, cuisine, and iconic national figures. For its 29th edition in 2025, the theme will be “Living Footprints: Mexico’s Cultural Wealth,” highlighting the country’s cultural and linguistic diversity. The official call for entries will launch on April 30.
ART: MARIANN / LAREDO
ART: FRIDA/ DENVER
ART: AMY / TUCSON
ART: KAREN/NEW JERSEY
ART: MARIA JULIETA / EL_PASO
ART: KATIA / TUCSON
ART: LUIS JAVIER / PHOENIX
ART: MICHELLE / MILWAUKEE
ART: CIELO / OMAHA
From wooden puzzles to recycled trucks, sustainable toys inspire a new generation of eco-conscious kids in Mexico and the U.S. Discover how playtime is becoming a powerful tool for protecting the planet.
PLANETFRIENDLY PLAYTIME:
THE RISE OF SUSTAINABLE TOYS ACROSS BORDERS
BY: JUAN ANTONIO “OSO” OSEGUERA ARTWORK: ALEJANDRO OYERVIDES
Across Mexico and the United States, a quiet revolution is unfolding in playrooms, classrooms, and local markets. The toys that children grow up with are beginning to reflect a new environmental awareness, fostering care for the Earth from an early age. As we face global challenges like climate change, pollution, and waste, our playtime is evolving too. Eco-friendly toys offer a hopeful glimpse into how childhood can spark a journey toward sustainability.
A NEW GENERATION OF CONSCIOUS PLAY
Children are naturally curious. They explore by touching, building, imagining, and asking questions. Toys become their first tools for understanding life—what matters, what’s possible, and how to connect with others. More families in Mexico and the U.S. are now looking for toys that entertain and inspire a love for our planet. Eco-friendly toys made from biodegradable or recycled materials are becoming favorites among parents who want to reduce plastic waste while encouraging values like responsibility, creativity, and empathy. These toys often showcase minimalist designs crafted from wood, cotton, bamboo, cardboard, or corn-based bioplastics. They avoid toxic paints and excess packaging and invite meaningful conversations about forest conservation, ocean cleanup, or composting.
THE POWER OF PLAY IN SHAPING VALUES
Play isn’t just fun—it shapes how children see the world. The stories they invent and the materials they explore build their sense of empathy and responsibility.
A set with miniature wind turbines or toy recycling plants might spark dreams of green cities. Dolls with cloth diapers or toy vehicles powered by “solar” panels can inspire curiosity about sustainable living. Even a wooden puzzle
shaped like an endangered animal can lead to questions about extinction and conservation.
When we incorporate environmental themes into play, toys become more than educational— they become inspirational. They plant seeds that can grow into lifelong awareness and action.
A REGIONAL PERSPECTIVE: MEXICO AND THE U.S.
In the United States, the eco-toy movement is growing thanks to market demand and innovation. Startups like Green Toys (made from recycled milk jugs) and BeginAgain (sustainably harvested rubberwood) are gaining popularity.
Major retailers also dedicate shelf space to green products and develop in-house sustainable lines.
Mexico is experiencing a revival of traditional and sustainable toys. Handmade wooden toys from Oaxaca and Michoacán, rag dolls from Querétaro, and natural fiber creations are returning, especially in cities where families value heritage and sustainability.
A new wave of small-scale Mexican makers is blending eco-consciousness with artisan craftsmanship. They offer sustainable toys, fair-wage employment, and cultural preservation using local wood, non-toxic paints, and recycled fabrics.
MARKET GROWTH AND INDUSTRY TRENDS
The global market for eco-friendly toys is thriving.
In 2024, it was valued at around USD$23,600 million and is set to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13% through 2031. North America plays a key role, with the U.S. contributing a market size of USD$7,400 million in 2024. In Mexico, the market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 11.7% during the same period, reaching USD$858,360 million in 2024.
Major toy manufacturers are also moving toward sustainability. Mattel aims for 100% recycled or bio-based plastics by 2030. Playmobil has converted 90% of its toddler range to plantbased materials, while its Wiltopia line averages 80% recycled and bio-based content.
CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES
Despite their many benefits, eco-friendly toys are not yet accessible to all. In both Mexico and the U.S., they are typically more expensive than mass-produced plastic toys. Public awareness is still limited—many consumers don’t know about the environmental cost of conventional toys or where to find greener alternatives.
Education and policy are crucial. Schools can incorporate sustainable materials, organize toy swaps,
José “Chapulín” Salas stepped into Jackie Nava’s gym for the very first time when he was just eight years old. Now, fifteen years later, he stands on the brink of a world title shot, proudly following in the footsteps of his mentor.
BY ERIKA MONTOYA
JORGE PEÑALOZA
her gloves in the ring, retiring in 2022 with an impressive record of 40 wins, 4 losses, and 4 draws, including 16 spectacular knockouts. However, her fighting spirit is just as vibrant as it was during her prime! That’s why she has decided to remain a vital part of the sport that turned her into a legend, taking on a new challenge that showcases her strategy, leadership, and vision: managing fighters.
Together with her husband and coach Mario Mendoza, Jackie has created a fantastic project that combines training, career management, and international promotion for young boxing talents who’ve had a passion for the sport since they were kids.
since that day, he has been a valued part of her corner during many fights. “It was such a wonderful feeling! I truly felt like all those years of hard work were finally being rewarded.”
During the pandemic, he made a remarkable leap into the professional world!
While José was wrapping up high school and had plans to study industrial engineering in college, a bit of uncertainty nudged him onto a different journey. At just 18, he proudly debuted professionally in his beloved hometown of Tijuana.
23
José Manuel Salas was just eight years old when he first walked into Jackie Nava’s gym in the vibrant Buena Vista neighborhood of Tijuana, filled with curiosity about what a boxing gym looked like.
As a spirited child, he, along with his brothers, eagerly took up boxing to channel their energy and stay active. Little did he know that this choice would lead to a remarkable transformation in his life, fueled by his profound admiration for a remarkable woman who was already a world champion and a cherished legend in Mexican boxing: Jackie. Fast forward 15 years, and that same child is gearing up to compete for his very first international title — the IBF bantamweight world championship! He’s just waiting to hear back about the date for his exciting match against Japan’s Ryosuke Nishida. Salas strides into the bout with an impressive professional record — 15 wins, with 10 of those by knockout, and an inspiring zero losses. Right there beside him is Jackie, who played a crucial role in teaching him how to stand and move in the ring. Now, Jackie is not just his manager but also a guiding presence and a cherished family figure who has supported him every step of the journey.
The Aztec Princess may have hung up
CHAPULÍN STANDS OUT AS ONE OF THE MOST EXCITING PROSPECTS IN MEXICAN BOXING, SHOWCASING INCREDIBLE TALENT AND POTENTIAL.
With an impressive 21-year professional career, Jackie Nava made history as the first woman recognized as a world champion by the WBC, helping to open doors for thousands of female boxers. She took part in groundbreaking fights that brought respect to women’s boxing throughout the Americas, and her legacy continues to inspire the next generation of athletes.
“Watching her train was such a huge source of motivation for me — that’s when I truly fell in love with the sport! She really inspired me. Training hard felt like a shared responsibility. We made it a point to give our best, especially since we were training at Jackie Nava’s gym. My mom was always keeping a close eye on us, too. knew couldn’t slack off because she’d tease me about keeping me out of the ring — all because she wanted to make sure stayed safe,” Chapulín fondly recalled in an interview with Heraldo USA.
At 23, Salas fondly reflects on his early days, cherishing the invaluable guidance he received from Mario and Jackie, with whom he has formed a friendship that extends well beyond the boxing ring.
“After 15 wonderful years, we’ve created a beautiful bond together. I’ve watched their daughters grow up since they were little, and now they affectionately call me ‘Don Chapu,’” he chuckles warmly.
When she was 16, Nava invited him to help her get ready for a match against a southpaw opponent — just like him! Ever
HE’S CURRENTLY TRAINING IN THE BEAUTIFUL MOUNTAINS OF THE STATE OF MEXICO, EAGERLY AWAITING CONFIRMATION OF THE FIGHT DATE.
HE FONDLY RECALLS WATCHING JACKIE NAVA FIGHT ON TV, DREAMING OF THE DAY WHEN HE COULD EMBRACE THAT INCREDIBLE LIFE FOR HIMSELF.
“Jackie has been such a wonderful guide for us! She’s always keeping a close eye on everything, making sure we understand the business and what’s on the horizon. She genuinely cares about our careers and wants us to grow, whether that’s here in the U.S. or, like me, across the ocean in Japan,” he shared. Her support doesn’t stop there; it also extends to our training camps!
Now turning our attention to Ryosuke Nishida, the WBA bantamweight champion, Salas is training at high altitude in Jiquipilco with the same dedication that has shaped him since he was young. He recognizes the challenge ahead is significant, but he carries the valuable experience and guidance of a world champion who has successfully navigated this journey before.
“Jackie often shares her insights about the importance of thinking long-term and making the most of what we earn in the ring. She envisions creating world champions who remain humble and down-toearth,” he shares. Inspired by this philosophy, Chapulín has embarked on personal projects outside of boxing, mindful of the fact that a fighter’s career is often brief. “ When asked what he would say to that eight-year-old boy who walked into the gym with stars in his eyes, he smiles and responds without a moment’s pause, saying, “I’d tell him it’s all worth it. We’re on the brink of making our dream come true!”
Chapulín is
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