Ecotronic toys ditch batteries for child labor
I have an Eton radio that along with regular AAA batteries or a rechargeable battery pack can be powered by a Dynamo hand crank that folds into its body. UK-based Ecotronic took the same technology and put it into a line of electronic toys that don't require batteries to light up or make sound.
The Dynamo technology inside of each toy--there are currently nine products in the line--converts a shake, squeeze, or crank into energy that powers lights and sounds, and other electronic functions. So you never have to buy batteries for the things and if you're kid wants them to power up they're going to have to work for it.
Keeping with the products' greenness, Ecotronic packages the toys in biodegradable containers made from recycled paper.
The toys are available for pre-order from distributor International Playthings. The Eco Rocket in the video sells for $30.
Josh Goldman is a senior editor for CNET Reviews, covering digital cameras, camcorders, and related bits and pieces, along with writing the occasional laptop or software review. He doesn't have a podcast, newsletter, or CNET TV show, but you can follow him on Twitter if that's something you do. E-mail Josh. 
Seriously, though, it looks good for kids that still have their imagination in tact and the "no battery required" does help the environment. Let's hope that this is a sign of better things to come. $30 does seem a bit high for something that replaces a paper airplane and a woooooosh neeeeyeearrrr sound by a kid.