Rubber ducks have been bath time staples for years. Though the exact time of their development isn’t known, rubber duck history dates back to at least the late 1800’s. Originally, rubber ducks were made of hard rubber and didn’t have a built in squeaker. The rubber duck gained popularity when Ernie from Sesame Street sang "Rubber Duckie” back in the 1970’s. This popular toy has impacted lives in many different ways.
Rubber Duck
While the original rubber duck was composed of hard plastic and possibly even metal, the present day ducks are made from soft rubber that can be squeezed by a small child’s hand. Through the years the duck has evolved into many different styles and characters. There are pirate ducks, sailor ducks and boy and girl ducks. There are colored ducks and ducks of all different shapes and sizes. Holiday themed ducks are popular, too. The rubber duck antenna can often be found on cars and trucks.
Water Toys
Rubber ducks have long been favorite toys for small children. Children love to play with these bath toys. The yellow rubber duck replicas make wonderful pool toys, too. Some of the ducks will suck in water, allowing the child to use it as a squirt gun. Other varieties of squirt toys have evolved from this rubber duck use. Small children often chew on the rubber duck when teething. These toys make great party favors or giveaways at carnivals and fairs.
Rubber Duck Race
Many cities across the nation and even some around the world celebrate with rubber duck races. These ducks are representatives in many local community events. Ducks are sold by raffle tickets or the competitors can purchase however many ducks they want. Most proceeds go to fundraisers. The ducks are released into ponds, lakes, and rivers as the competitors cheer them on along the race course. Each duck is numbered, and the winners of the races win prizes, ribbons and trophies.
Ecology and Environmental Impact
The advent of races and setting ducks free on our waterways can have a negative effect on our ecology. The rubber is slow to decompose. When these duck decoys escape downstream, they can contribute to water pollution, and it is even possible for them to be eaten by a dolphin or other sea animals, which creates a choking hazard. Rubber duck use needs to be done carefully and all ducks need to be retrieved in a timely manner to lessen the environmental impact.
Rubber Duckie Water Pollution
Almost 29,000 rubber ducks were accidently dumped into the Pacific Ocean from a cargo ship in early 1992. Ever since, the ducks have circulated around the world on ocean currents. One was found in Great Britain in 2007. Though the ducks have lost their color and have slightly decomposed, they’re still polluting the water 15 years later. This example of water pollution reinforces the importance of responsibility when dealing with the disposal of slow-to-decompose materials.
Rubber duck toys can be a lot of fun in the water, on an antenna or when used during rubber duck races at community events. Though they have an ability to make an environmental impact, careful use will lessen the impact and protect the local ecology.
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