DR TOY’S BEST GREEN PRODUCTS AND BEST GREEN COMPANIES AWARDS©

The planet we live on is in trouble as we learn more every day.

What can we do? How can we change?

Can we inspire our children to appreciate the environment and help them to take better care of our natural resources? 

We might start by showing them examples of what we do as adults to conserve energy. We can show them how we take better care of our homes and offices. We can illustrate by example how we reduce our carbon footprint in a variety of ways. 

We can also look more closely at what we do every day—(use paper or cloth bags instead of plastic, conserve energy, recycle, take time each day to spend in nature out of doors walking, growing vegetables, and in other ways appreciating the fragile balance of nature). 

We can also reconsider what we provide for children to play with. We can examine the products used for play. We can find out about the ingredients and the process used to make them. We have some excellent examples of playthings that are made safely, are healthy to use, and have plenty of special value in their message. 

For the past three years we have identified products that are making a difference. Yes! These GREEN products constitute a small number now among all the choices of products available, but we need to start somewhere, and the awareness grows as more families are thinking and considering new directions that are safer, more balanced and healthier. 

We are pleased and proud to identify the best GREEN Products and the conscientious companies that are making these products. We struggled to choose the BEST Green Company this year from among many qualified companies. They are each making a difference in their own way and making important contributions. Even if the practices are not as extensive, they are companies that have been either leaders in this area or are now participants in the growing number pledged to make a difference.  The awareness is spreading and that in itself is encouraging. Each step helps. Each step moves us toward a healthier home and community. 

ABOUT GREEN PRODUCTS

We have identified products that help children learn more about their world. We have found products made from organic materials, or produced in ways that are healthier. We encourage you to consider these products for home or school or as gifts. 

Dr. Toy's Best Green Products - 2009

We encourage you to locate new books and websites that may inspire you to learn more about what you can do to participate in changing and working together to create a healthier place for everyone to live. 

More GREEN Resources to check out

• The Earthworks Group, The New 50 Simple Things Kids Can Do To Save the Earth www.50simplekids.com (more details among our winning selections)
• Joanna Yarrow, 1001 Ways to Save the Earth www.chroniclebooks.com
• Kim McKay and Jenny Bonnin, True Green Kids-100 things you can do to save the planet National Geographic www.betruegreen.com

Consider the Possibility!

• Start a toy Library where you live. http://www.usatla.org/Welcome.html
• Work with schools to help make them more green. www.ase.org/section/program/greenschl 
• Change the light bulbs you use at home and at work.
• Walk or bike instead of driving whenever possible.
• Consider learning more!  (Some excellent examples)
• www.greenamericatoday.org
• www.globalgreen.org
• www.greenmatters.com
• www.worldwatch.org
• www.foe.org
• www.theecologist.org
• www.eartheducation.org
• www.thegreenguide.com
• www.kidsplanet.org
• www.epa.gov/kids
• www.droptheplasticbag.org
• www.planetpatrol.info
• www.earth911.org/for-students
• www.healthychild.org 

COMPANIES' GREEN COMMITMENT

When we started the “Best Green Products Award Program”©, we wanted to recognize innovation in products that were making a difference, being made using new processes and/or based on principles such as planting new trees for those that were being used to produce their products. 

Green awareness has grown throughout the toy industry due to many factors—product safety issues, wider realization of our precarious planet, and a broadening of principles to reflect daily practices. We applaud the changes. We hope the summary of these principles reflected by the growing group of green companies will continue to inspire others to match the effort. 

Companies share the commitment to help preserve the world we live in. They are leading providers of new products, expanding awareness and are inspiring others. The products they make reflect these goals. These companies are practicing Green principles in their daily operations, providing support to local and national organizations that are making a difference, and providing information and resources to consumers. As one company reflected, “Going 100% Green” won’t happen overnight. Moving in a new Green direction is the best place to start!” 

We urge you to review both the product details provided about each of the winners as well as the summary about why the company is considered Green and is considered a leader in promoting Green Practices. 

After reviewing all of the attributes of all of the companies, one company was selected as the Green Company for 2009. This was a difficult choice to make as each company in the roster is worthy and has made a large difference already. We hope the activities of each company will be explored by others to expand their green practices.

The winner is Hugg-A-Planet. 

Here are many of the important attributes provided by the companies as to why they qualified: 

Manufactures eco-friendly products that reduces carbon footprint—manufacturing process and products reflect commitment.

Examples include:

• Uses recycled paper and other eco-friendly materials in minimum quantities in its packaging.
• Prints in the USA, on recycled paper, and uses vegetable-oil-based ink. Uses both sides of paper.
• Factory is Fair Trade certified.
• Uses organic products that are chemical free.
• Recycles materials used for products and uses new processes for plastic.
• Uses natural dyes.
• Uses Polylith™, a synthetic “tree-free” paper made of 100% polypropylene, one of the most eco-friendly alternatives to vinyl. This rugged synthetic paper is waterproof and can be wiped clean with a damp cloth.
• Hand assembles products.
• Uses non-toxic glues and other materials.

Company practices reflect commitment.

Examples include:

• Installation of energy-saving lighting fixtures throughout office and plant.
• Saves electrical energy by turning off lights.
• Reprograms computers and other electrical equipment to shut down automatically when not in use.
• Reduces energy consumption footprint.
• Installs solutubes, which allow for natural light to illuminate key workstations.
• Eliminates the emission of any Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) into the atmosphere.
• Recycling procedures are used that all employees participate in. One company recycled 2,170 tons of material, saving 37,000 trees in the process.
• Recycles cans, bottles, paper, cardboard, cell phones, electronics, electronic media, landscape waste, and construction debris.
• Eliminates individual plastic water bottles.
• Minimizes driving alone during work hours by using environmentally friendly options such as teleconference, videoconference, carpools and public transit.
• Reduces use of paper through electronic billing and management.
• Company’s environmental messages expressed via press releases and advertising.
• Promotes consumer awareness by supporting and promoting public participation in Green practices in homes and schools.
• Companies are using new materials in new ways.
• Companies are replanting trees.
• Companies are inspiring special programs and services.
• Contributing to the preservation of the planet.

Past Recognition of Best Green Companies

Dr. Toy announced Second International Dr. Toy’s GREEN TOY COMPANY AWARD to Green Toys Inc. - Oct. 15, 2008

“This is the second company to launch a campaign to better the environment by making a promise to its customers and a commitment to society to use recycled plastics to make new products,” says Dr. Toy, acknowledging the leadership of Robert von Goeben and Laurie Hyman, co-founders of Green Toys Inc., for their creative use of recycled, kid-safe materials and in adopting business practices that keep manufacturing local to California, which saves in carbon emissions and creates US jobs. This recognition considers how this company uses a sustainable eco-friendly approach in its material selection, packaging, and business philosophy, which results in high quality, fun toys. 

More information visit www.greentoys.com

"Dr. Toy’s First Green Toy Company Award to The Blue Orange Game Company - June 1, 2007

“This is the first company to launch a campaign to better the environment by making a promise to its customers and a commitment to society by re-planting two trees for every one used in creating its games.” says Dr. Toy acknowledging the leadership of its founders, Julien Mayot & Thierry Denoual. The Blue Orange Games Company is a leader for their use of high-quality, kid-safe materials plus their recognition of the future in its business practices today. This recognition considers how this company uses a sustainable eco-friendly way to provide an important component of all the company's wooden games, blocks and puzzles.

More information visit www.blueorangegames.com

Dr. Toy’s Best Green Products Summary  2007-2009

 

Search Dr. Toy's Best Products - 2007-2009

Product Type	Age (Years)	Max Price	Program
Any Active Toy Activity Product Arts and Crafts Audio Tape Board Game Book Card Game CD CD-ROM Computer Related Construction Toy Costume Creative Product Doll Dollhouse DVD Educational Skills Electronic Game Electronic Product Entertainment Equipment Fantasy Play Game Green Product Hobby Multimedia Musical Novelty Other Outdoor Play Plush Toy Pool Toy Puppet Puzzle Rubber Stamp Science Socially Responsible Software Stamps Toy Transportation Travel Item Unique Product Video Game Video Tape	Any Birth 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 12+	Any $10 $25 $50 $75 $100	2007-2009 - All 2009 - Classic 2008 - Summer 2007 - 100 Best 2007 - Worthy of Attention 2007 - Summer