Ask any five-year-old what 'going green' means and you may hear an answer that relates to Kermit the Frog; however, the younger generation will one day be cleaning up the messes left on Earth and be responsible for its future. Learning Express, the toy store franchise known for its educational toys, is trying to instill eco-conscious habits in kids by introducing "green" toys and is also introducing reusable shopping bags for their parents.
"The 'green' trend has been around for many years, educating consumers on the importance of making eco-friendly decisions, but what is being done to teach our children? We want to help the younger generation learn about green initiatives in the hope that they grow to be earth-conscious adults," said Sharon DiMinico, founder and CEO of Learning Express.
Learning Express' green products include the following:
- Forest Friendly Wood. These products are certified by the Forest Steawardship Council (FSC), a non-profit organization devoted to encouraging the responsible management of the world's forests. FSC sets high standards that ensure forestry is practiced in an environmentally responsible, socially beneficial and economically viable way. The Shape Sorting Caterpillar and Click Clack Dino products are toys available at Learning Express that promote this particular initiative.
- Recycled/Recyclable Materials. Through the efforts of environmentally concerned manufacturers, many toys are being constructed with recycled and recyclable materials, including the Green Toys Cookware and Dining Set or Green Tea set.
- Solar-Powered/Alternative Energy. The Wind Power Kit, Fuel Cell Kit by Thames and Kosmos, and Solar Car Book by Klutz all broaden children's horizons in exploring solar power, wind power and hydropower.
- Environment-themed. There are many products that encourage eco-friendly efforts, from music that reinforces the care of our planet to games with "green" concepts, such as terrariums for caring for rare plants and bird feeders for nourishing birds outside your window. Local children can find toys like Fascinations Artworks, Toysmith Paint a Birdhouse and DuneCrafts Carnivorous Creations to inspire them and reinforce the pleasure of protecting all that fills our land, our waters and our skies.
For more information on Learning Express, please visit www.learningexpress.com.