From Crib to Classroom, Sustainable is Attainable: Tips for Parents to Raise Eco-Savvy, Earth-Aware Children

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., April 19, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Parents can create the sustainable nursery for baby, prepare organic foods, buy eco-friendly clothes, and organize kid friendly home recycling centers, but once their most precious little gift starts attending preschool, how do parents make sure that their children will continue to follow the green brick road into the future?

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120419/NE90326 )

Reassuringly, Earth Day is Every Day for some businesses, and they offer year round "sustainable support" to environments catering to children.  Parents and caregivers might consider the following when researching for toys, preschools, and eventually, even elementary school classrooms.

Early exposure to green choices matters. When looking to keep children motivated to grow with eco-friendly toys, talk with a local toy shop owner to learn what brands are truly committed to using sustainable materials and manufacturing processes. 

At PlanToys®, the leading green manufacturer of eco-friendly wooden toys, the factory saw dust has indeed become the fairy dust needed to bring sustainable play to the next level. The company is celebrating Earth Day 2012 with the creation of PlanWood®, made from the sawdust and wood chips left over from the general, eco-aware PlanToys production.

Kosin Virapornsawan, President of PlanToys®, Inc. (www.plantoysusa.com) states, "Virtually no resource is wasted in our factory.  We are constantly researching better ways to improve our impact on the environment and to provide parents with products that they can trust are manufactured for sustainable play."  

Virapornsawan suggests that serious Earth-aware consumers should always investigate any company's accolades to determine if the eco-claimed distinctions for their products are authentic.  "As the PlanToys web site shares, our toys give families a genuine option to raise children to understand and respect sustainability, which ultimately encourages them to develop into adults who are conscious of creating a sustainable world for future generations."

When interviewing for potential pre-schools, ask the owner about not just "being green", but incorporating "the Earth" into every aspect of the preschool program. At Echo Falls Preschool in Newton, MA , owner/director Jennifer Stoner regularly talks with the kids about whom and what makes up the environment. 

"We perform simple experiments to demonstrate care for the environment, and basically incorporate the Earth into all aspects of curriculum," says Stoner. "We encourage the kids to see themselves as what we call, Planet Protectors, our superheroes for protecting and respecting the Earth."

And lastly, when considering Elementary Schools, inquire as to an organized effort regarding eco-friendly practices.  Does the lunchroom provide a composting collection space?  Does the faculty support and encourage recycling paper and plastic in each classroom?

With careful planning and research, parents can find businesses and organizations that share their eco-conscious philosophies and practices, as they raise a generation of children who appreciate every day as Earth Day.

SOURCE PlanToys