More Products Going Green for Kids
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Got Green?
Toys from milk jugs. Furniture out of rubber trees. Sweet deals from Maple trees. It’s organic to want only the best for babies. The Giggle Guide™ shines a natural spotlight on new eco-correct products from Plan Toys, Green Toys, Maple Landmark Woodcraft and Cotton Monkey. Presto chango, Green is the color of change today.
The latest trends reflect a change for the “greener” as more parents become eco-conscious about their children’s products. There’s a growing consumer awareness and demand for environmentally-responsible options in children’s toys and clothing. “Green” is not just for tree-huggers any more. The use of harmful chemicals in some products is making informed parents think twice about safety, before they bring products into their homes. In response to these trends, there is a growing number of eco-friendly items for children entering the marketplace. More specialty manufacturers are meeting the demands of parents who are concerned about children’s health and safety. PlanToys®, Green Toys, Maple Landmark Woodcraft, and Cotton Monkey are just a few of the up-and- coming “green” manufacturers in the industry.
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PlanToys® are Made from Rubber Trees!
PlanToys® is a children’s toy and furniture manufacturer based in the Thailand. They produce high-quality products from “green” materials. PlanToys® uses rubber wood from rubber trees that no longer produce latex. The paint used is certified non-toxic. This allows parents to feel at ease when their child places any of its painted items in its mouth. PlanToys® has won many awards including the Green Label by the Thai Business Council, the Parent’s Choice Award, Child’s Best Toy Award, the Best Toy of the Year Award from Parenting Magazine, and many more from countries around the world. Their policy to reduce, reuse, and recycle, has made them an innovative toy and furniture manufacturer that satisfies the discerning consumer.
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Green Toys with “Red, White & Blue” Craftsmanship
For those looking for “Made in the U.S.A.” toys that provide “green” alternatives, Green Toys is on the top of the list. Green Toys is a company that creates playthings made from recycled milk jugs and other environmentally-friendly materials. Green Toys manufactures all of its toys and packaging in California. They use recycled corrugated packaging that is free from any plastics, cellophane or twist ties. This packaging has the added value of being easy to open for both parents and children. The toys are free from any type of paint, BPA and phthalates, making them safe for children. All products are tested in a third party lab, also located in the United States. Their products meet all certifications for California’s strict environmental laws, FDA regulations for food contact, as well as the guidelines for the CPSIA. Green Toys has won many awards including the Toy of the Year by Parenting Magazine, Green Toy Company Award by Dr. Toy, Fat Brain Toy Award, and the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Award.
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Schoolhouse Naturals: The Tradition of Good Old-Fashion Play Value with Today’s Eco- Edge
Another “Made in U.S.A.” company is Vermont’s Maple Landmark Woodcraft. This company creates wood toys from locally grown and sustainable Rock Maple, Pine and Cherry trees. To meet the demands of consumers, Maple Landmark has created a natural line of products called Schoolhouse Naturals. These wood toys are detailed with laser engraving and finished with only natural oils. There are no inks or dyes used on this line of toys. All of their toys are handcrafted and made with integrity. Each toy comes with a “no questions asked” guarantee. Maple Landmark states that, “they will repair or replace any standard item for any reason at no charge.” Over the twenty-five year history of the company, they have been awarded numerous awards for having quality toys. Their Schoolhouse Naturals line won two awards including the Top 10 Best Socially Responsible Products by Dr. Toy and the Top 100 Best Children’s Products by Dr. Toy.
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Cotton Monkey Shines in the Nursery
A relative newcomer to the natural product market is Cotton Monkey. Cotton Monkey produces organic baby bedding, hooded towels and bibs. Their products are made from 100% certified organic cotton. Unlike many children’s bedding products, these are not treated with formaldehyde or chlorine bleach. To create the modern and stylish designs, non-toxic, water-based pigments and dyes are used. Cotton Monkey products meet the needs of a growing niche market.
Green Means Money!
Increasing consumer demand for safe and natural products make this a great time for small manufacturers to increase their “green” market share and to strengthen their presence on the Web and retail outlets. Mass merchandisers will benefit from expanding their product offerings to include these natural products. To maintain their market share, large manufacturers of children’s items will most likely also respond by increasing their selection of natural products. As the children’s product landscape changes, those retailers and manufacturers that adapt most quickly to meet the demands of consumers can look forward to a bright and profitable business future. When consumers set the demands, manufacturers will follow. In other words, “green” is the color of money!
Is your company part of the “green scene”? Tell us about it…
