Bringing a child
into the world makes us even more aware, on a deeply personal level, of the
planet around us. Suddenly, Earth is not just a place we inhabit, but a place
we’ll leave to our children—and our connection to those we share this space
with is revealed in all its splendor and importance. Some businesses that provide products created especially for children have a special handle on this concept, donating their wares or using a
portion of their profits to give back to their communities, and to the world at
large.
Matt Reynolds, cofounder (with Scott
Leonard) and president of Indigenous Designs, a company that produces clothing
for adults and children using environmentally and socially responsible
practices, says our actions are important because our kids pay attention to what we do. “Recently, I had the fortune of
being able to talk about Indigenous to my son’s second grade class,” Reynolds
tells us. “They fully recognize that our actions
as adults will eventually impact their adult lives, and their children’s lives.
This may sound wise for a 7- or 8-year-old, but if you have children of your
own, you quickly realize that children are practically instinctually wise on
these matters. At Indigenous, we believe that businesses should be held
accountable for the way they walk their path, as it is inevitable that many
generations to come must also walk that very same path.”
When Andreea Ayers started her clothing business, Tees For Change, she
was pregnant with her first child. By using only fair trade, sustainable
bamboo and organic cotton for her line, she’s helping promote a healthy planet
for her kids—and ours, too. As a bonus, each of her organic tee shirts and
infant bodysuits carries a positive message meant to inspire not only the
wearer but also everyone he or she encounters throughout the day. Children’s
slogans include "Dream Big," "Grow Strong," and "Play Often."
“Children absorb everything, and they need to be inspired,”
Ayers maintains. “Wearing an affirmative and uplifting message can
provide the motivation to think positively. That applies to adults, as well.”
Ayers knew from the beginning that she wanted to give back through her business. In addition to partnering with and donating to companies
working to heal the planet, she also gives back by acting as a mentor to other
women business owners, helping them to be inspired to make their own positive
impact.
Thankfully, there’s a great selection of philanthropic kids' clothing companies to
choose from, each giving back in its own way. Here’s a selection for you to
check out:
Mom
and founder Ruchika Sahai is the “Chief Inspiration Officer” of her company, Booda Brand, a line that focuses on tee-shirts made from cotton and lycra blends (plus a new line of organic cottons for babies) that carry positive slogans for boys and girls, including “I will make a difference.” A strong proponent of education as a way to break the cycle of poverty, her
company donates a book to the organization, Room to Read, for every Booda Brand tee shirt sold. Room to Read provides books to
children around the world who may not otherwise have access to them. Sahai's
business model is built on the expression “One for You, One for
Humanity.”
The combination of soft, organic cottons, soothing earth tones, and hip designs make Buddhiwear clothes a terrific choice for the whole family. Founder Kelly Neylan, a Yoga Alliance Registered Yoga Teacher and Reiki Master, is
committed to making the world a better place. Her company has a partnership with YogaEd, a non-profit that brings yoga into the school system. Neylan also donates a
percentage of her sales to Trees for the Future.
Launched
in 2008 by mom and former biochemist Ali Herzog, Frenchy Baby Organics is a
line of beautiful, certified-organic cotton clothing for babies up to age two. Herzog maintains that though her company
isn’t large, she’s committed to doing her part by supporting children’s
charities. These include anonymous families in need, the Please Touch Museum
of Philadelphia, and Alex’s Lemonade Stand—a foundation
for childhood cancer research.
Created by parents Thom and Mary Ellen Vernon, Fresh Produce features an ever-revolving selection of durable cotton garments with bold, cheerful colors and patterns reminiscent of a Caribbean vacation. Part of Fresh Produce's mission is to give back to the world community, which is why they help build and furnish homes in Mexico through Youth with a Mission Homes of Hope
project. In addition, they donate products to their partner, Children
International. The company works with a number of global humanitarian
organizations, including Habitat for Humanity, Women’s Wilderness Institute, and
Airline Ambassadors, which provides clothing to families in El Salvador, Haiti,
and Honduras.
Indigenous Designs focuses on natural materials, whether organic wool, hemp, or cotton, creating down-to-earth pieces that are fashionable and sustainable. In addition to supporting and preserving fair
trade wages and artisan cooperatives, founders and parents Scott Leonard and Matt
Reynolds offset the company’s carbon footprint with
the purchase of green energy, offer an employee incentive program to encourage
purchasing a hybrid vehicle or biking and carpooling to work, and formed Green
Steps, a program to offset the carbon footprint of trade shows. The company is
actively involved in the thinkVitality Alliance, empowering women worldwide
through training and fair wages.
All cotton used
in this company’s line, which features infant necessities as well as polo and button-down shirts for small kids, is certified by Eco Cert, and is fair trade, ensuring
that workers are paid decent wages, have worker’s compensation and positive
working conditions, and never use child labor. Sage Creek is a continuing supporter of the World Wildlife Fund and the International Fund for
Animal Welfare.
These modern, world-inspired prints are endlessly versatile. The prints, featuring bold, colorful patterns, can be mixed and matched to create a personal look. With the goal
of bringing cultural beauty through their products to a clientele they describe
as “little citizens of the world,” this company hopes to promote a world
environment in which people from diverse cultures and backgrounds can co-exist
harmoniously and productively. Time and clothing are donated to local and
international businesses and causes, including the Global Fund for Children, March of Dimes, New York Chinese Cultural Center, and the Tennessee
Chapter of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
Tees for Change founder and owner Andreea Ayers expresses her commitment to an
eco-friendly lifestyle and ongoing belief in positive thinking via positive
messages on organic cotton and bamboo tee shirts. Through its partnership with
Trees for the Future, the company plants a tree in Asia, Latin America, or
Africa for every tee shirt or infant onesie purchased. Just a few of the many
other organizations the company has partnered with or donated clothing to
include Global Mala, New Orleans Green Project, American Cancer Society Relay
for Life, Race Against Global Warming, Make-a-Wish Foundation, Global ReLeaf,
and the Human Rights Tour.
Every item in this vibrantly patterned girls' line is party-worthy. As an added bonus, many of the whimsical dresses and skirts are reversible, upping their lifespan and practicality. Designer, owner, and
mom Cynthia Jamin’s commitment to kids and environmental issues includes
educating children to be responsible, conscientious, peaceful citizens of the
world. Charities that benefit from Twirly Girl sales include The Strongheart
Fellowship Program and The Center for Nonviolent Education and Parenting. The
Strongheart Fellowship Program helps outstanding young people from particularly
difficult situations worldwide develop into adults in leadership roles who can effect positive global changes.
Dish with the Mindful Mama community! Find out what other mom's are saying about new baby eco-essentials.
Screenwriter, poet, and journalist Debra Bokur is the mother of one wonderful son, Sky, who had the foresight to be born on Earth Day—fulfilling her goal of contributing something splendid to the planet.