Spring 2012

Fourth Annual Eco-Choice Awards By Kristin Larson Contino

Most Sellable

Winner – Life on Earth Tot Towers by Eeboo Corporation
eeboo.com

Marrying contemporary design with eco-friendly materials to make toys, is what makes Eeboo tick. Its winning product, a set of stackable blocks, is made from paper and recycled greyboard. Each block features animal designs (painted with soy-based, non-toxic inks) that help teach kids about wildlife around the world.

“All of our work is commissioned by children’s book illustrators,” said Rosie Meigs, Eeboo’s marketing associate. “We like to make sure everything is beautiful and well-made and that children are interacting with a high-quality product.”

The New York City-based boutique toy manufacturer strives to use recycled paper and cardboard, as well as soy ink, and avoids wasteful packaging. “We also carry products that teach children environmental responsibility,” Meigs said.

Meigs believes the Life on Earth Tot Towers stood out from the award competition because even though it’s a basic toy, the quality of the construction and the artwork make it very appealing in the marketplace.

NOTABLES

Heirloom Seed Art Pack from Hudson Valley Seed Library
seedlibrary.org

These certified organic heirloom seeds require less water and are better for the soil, encouraging people to grow their own gardens. No chemicals are used to produce these seeds. As heirloom and open-pollinated seeds, they can be saved in the resalable seed envelope. The biodegradable paper envelope can be saved as art or composted. The labels are printed on recycled FSC kraft paper with no coating, and are silk-screened by hand. The display itself is handmade locally of wood.

Decomposition Book from Michael Roger Press
bookbinders.com

This product is made with 100% recycled and recyclable paper and paperboard. The paper is 100% PCW, and the board is 90% PCW and 10% post-industrial waste. The chlorine-free paper is made in a plant which uses bio-gas energy, and is printed with soy inks. Made in USA.

Kristin Larson Contino

Kristin Contino is a freelance writer and copy editor based in Philadelphia. She writes for a variety of print publications and blogs, and also covers women's fiction for examiner.com.