Feature Articles: The Green Scene

Gifts that spark an intellectual response and curiosity from a child may have more long-term play value than other less creative choices. In today’s eco-conscious climate, many parents look for innovative ways to bolster kids’ natural curiosity and inspire them to think about others and the environment around them. It was this desire that led Phoebe Hayman to create Seedling, a company that creates kits which encourage kids to use their imaginations and explore the world… naturally!

As the debate on global warming heats up, one important fact is clear: a large number of consumers in the 18 to 34 age range are on-board with the idea that our ever-toastier environment is our own fault. This is significant because this same demographic is formulating the future: they are parents and caregivers, responsible for child rearing. These consumers have a strong drive to incorporate earth-saving actions into their everyday lives. innovativeKids is here to help educate, support, and promote better living conditions for parents, children, and our world.

While Kermit sang of the difficulties of being green, toymakers are creating new toys that make it easy and fun to be “green.” With the continuing trend toward greener living, Toobalink is a new toy company that encourages imagination with an eco-friendly, reusable twist in building kits. Recyclable toilet tissue and towel tubes get a new life when combined with the Toobalink connectors and couplers. Developed initially as part of a Classic Play toy class at Pratt Institute, Toobalink was inspired by children playing with often tossed-out household items. The brand re-imagines traditional building blocks and logs, with creativity and a focus on helping Mother Nature.

Béaba is a French company that creates innovative toys and household items that make life easier for parents of young children. Founded in 1989, Béaba’s attractive and easy-to-use products have become part of family life in countries around the world. Béaba’s flagship product is the Babycook, an all-in-one baby food maker that simplifies the entire process of feeding an infant or toddler. Béaba offers an excellent selection of booster seats, bottles warmers, meal accessories, bath items, toys, and more. All items feature a signature contemporary style and bright colors that enhance the look of a home and offer sleek style on the go.