I’m busy getting ready to head to Vegas next week for the ABC Kids Show, and then on to Germany for Kind + Jugend — two of the biggest juvenile products trade shows anywhere.  Part of my ritual preparations involves sorting through the growing stacks of product fliers, photos and samples that crowd my office. I have to make sure that I’ve made my list and checked it twice about the brands, collections, and new product concepts I want see firsthand while I’m out in the market.

I’m sure I’ll reemerge in October with so many “A List” additions that we’ll be busy talking well into the holidays. But the process of preparation always reminds me of a few favorites that, for whatever reason, just can’t work in our giggle world but continue to be crushes of mine.  Greenplay furniture is a great example.

Greenplay furniture is a self-described “creative, adaptable children’s furniture component system crafted from environmentally sustainable materials.” Their products are durable, attractive — and responsible.  Made from only recycled, renewable and low-impact resources, finished with only low- or no-VOC paints, easily disassembled and recycled for reuse, Greenplay furniture is playroom equipment to love – whether it’s because of their smart, fun design or the comfort of knowing that they represent the safest, healthiest environment for our youngest generation…and for generations to come. What’s not to love, right?

Well, as a green enthusiast (not to mention parent) myself, I certainly applaud Greenplay’s responsibility.  And one look at their Yellow Submarine (below) should tell you why I love the look of their line.  Sadly, the catch is price.  Simply put, smart engineering with green responsibility is still expensive today.  At least too expensive for us, and, in most cases, too large for our giggle store floors. I keep thinking I can and will figure out a way to make them part of our beloved “giggle picks.”  Their absence is certainly not for lack of love!

So, for those of you who happen to have a playroom construction project – or are a school or playroom with a budget surplus (!) – and are looking for more than just “kids furniture,” I cannot recommend Greenplay Furniture more. Check them out today.

Meanwhile, back to my piles in hopes of finding the next best giggle pick in the market next week…

 

Tags: a-list, ali wing, eco furniture, giggle, green play, kids, submarine

This entry was posted on Thursday, September 10th, 2009 at 10:56 am and is filed under Designing, Green Living, Products. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.