Feature Articles: The Green Scene

More than ever, conscientious parents are seeking out and purchasing organic clothing that looks and feels great on their children, and is also environmentally-friendly in its processing and packaging. These parents want more than a pretty picture; they want the reality of their present actions to affect their hopes for the future of their children and the earth. Little Lief works in this frame of mind, beautifully creating a natural line of children’s clothing that fully realizes the concerns of eco-minded parents.

If you’ve ever bought a t-shirt with an itchy tag or a seam that doesn’t lay flat, it’s easy to imagine what millions of children with Tactile Sensory Disorder experience. Children with the disorder often feel extremely uncomfortable wearing traditional clothing. Itchy fabric, seams, hems, tags and waistbands become especially irritating. The desire to make life more comfortable for these kids has created a niche in the children’s apparel industry. Teres Kids, Soft, Dye-namic Movement Products and Cricket Hosiery are some terrific brands that make outfitting children with Tactile Sensory Disorder their business.

“Making something from nothing” used to be just an expression that described someone’s creativity and ingenuity. In today’s age of environmental concerns and attention on “going green,” some businesses now literally make something from nothing, turning what most would consider trash into treasures. By reusing and re-purposing as much as possible, Shains, TerraCycle and Ecoist are a few companies that are turning the message of “tread lightly, use less and leave less” into innovative eco-business enterprises!

Accessories can make or break an outfit, even for babies and children. The right pair of socks or tights can add the perfect touch to an adorable outfit or a classy dress. LE BIG knows that it’s these small details and finishing touches that help make outfits more memorable. These small details can also make a big impact when it comes to retailers’ bottom lines! LE BIG originated in Holland in 1977. Today, business has expanded to cities worldwide, including Antwerp, Belgium; Berlin, Germany; Sydney, Australia; and New York City.

For families with children, food storage containers need to satisfy many needs, from storing lunches and leftovers, to after-school snacks and treats both at home and on-the-go. Factor in parent’s concerns about the negative effects of certain plastics on the environment and their children, and you’ll see why the demand for safe, smart food storage is on the rise. Sustainable plastics and stainless steel alternatives that combine safety, fun and functionality are great solutions! The Giggle Guide® shows what’s hot (and cool) in food storage from Skip Hop, BornFree, LunchBots and Packin’ SMART.

Dr. Seuss knew what he was talking about when he wrote Green Eggs and Ham! The daily battle between parents and children over vegetable consumption is a familiar one with a long history. Nutrition experts say that it is important for kids to eat a full spectrum of at least 5 servings of fruits and veggies per day, but it can be tricky and tiring to get kids to open wide for those peas and brussel sprouts. Kidz SuperFood by Amazing Grass provides a simple and delicious way to get even the pickiest eaters to enjoy fruits and veggies.

High quality clothing doesn’t need to disappear forever just because its style is out of date. Melinda Cropsey of Green Sleeve Designs is a magician at transforming the old into new again, as she creates stunning sweater-coats of many colors by using 100% recycled materials. Her vibrant one-of-a-kind handcrafted sweaters are gorgeous eco-fashions that are wearable works of art.

Toys that are kind to the earth are becoming more popular as parents look to provide eco-friendly, safe and educational alternatives that encourage imaginative and creative play. Repurposed materials from manufacturing processes and 100-percent cardboard playhouse structures, furniture and models are making a name for themselves as the “green alternative” to plastic toys. Celebrate Earth Month with these sensational environmentally-friendly toys from Trash for Teaching, Paperpod Cardboard Creations Ltd., Cardboardesign, Calafant and Kidsonroof!

Going green has never been so easy! Parental demand is growing for eco-friendly apparel, and designers are digging up the finest and most appealing textiles with all natural — but never boring — colors and prints to embellish the earth children of today, ensuring a brighter tomorrow. The Giggle Guide® loves to highlight the best and brightest, and today we have our eye on green garments and footwear for kids’ closets from these terrific eco-friendly brands: Feather Baby, Sage Creek Organics, Lucky Jade, HuggyBunny, Pedoodles and Sweet Shoes.

Login:

Username:
Password: