Green Living | Ali's "A" List

Archive: Green Living

December 1, 2009

Recycle, Reuse, Rejoice!

Now that we’re all doing our part to recycle, it’s really exciting to see the innovative ways companies are using recycled materials to create new products.

It’s not that this is a new topic; I was lucky enough to be involved in Nike’s first ever product-recycling task force back in the late 1980s, which led to the idea of using worn-out Nikes to produce new soles. But we’re seeing more and more innovation like that these days, and it’s a great way to bring those little recycling arrows full circle.

One of my favorites is Green Toys, which are made from recycled milk jugs. They’re perfect for safe & responsible play, and they make great toddler classics like dump trucks and tea sets. They’re also adding some baby-focused toys in early 2010 that we’re really excited about!

Some of my other favorites? I love Whole Foods’ reusable shopping bags, which are the perfect size and construction to really perform as a workhorse. They’re made from recycled plastic bottles and, since they last forever, they also get in on the “reuse” part of the equation. I’m also a big fan of the EcoJots line of stationary and notepads. They’re a leader in recycled paper products and the make fun, cheerful designs that are a great improvement over typical recycled paper fare. And of course there’s our giggle Think Pink Fleece Blankets. They’re amazing because they’re made from recycled soda pop bottles — but you’d never know it, because they’re super soft.

Anyway, with all the great new products on the market, you can feel really great about recycling your trash and knowing it might become a treasure one day!

Green Living | Products

October 29, 2009

Sometimes, Simple is Just Best.

I love our latest addition of holiday toys, these traditional craftsman wooden animal toys. What makes them especially lovely is that they pull off traditional baby design without losing any modern day sense of fun or responsibility! Fabulous yet exceedingly simple animal shapes, great bright colors, functional hand carve-outs – not to mention eco-friendly and healthy!

Made of 100% post-industrial recycled wood residual (plus sustainable solid wood wheels), this toy collection is handcrafted in the United States and painted with non-toxic, no-VOC paints. And for any of you that aren’t parents out there, the simple handle carve-outs are “grasps” incorporated into each animal’s design to make these easy for little hands during playtime. We used to see this wood design in early century toys all of the time. I’m seriously tickled to see traditional done so contemporary. My vote is that these toys are heirloom quality and will be passed down for generations to come. Hats off to this great collection; perfect for holiday gift giving this year – and beyond!

Designing | Green Living | Products

September 10, 2009

We All Live in a Green Submarine

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…

GreenPlay Sub