Winter 2013

Ten Ways to Green By Stephanie Vozza

More Than Child’s Play

Retailer: Tracy Coe, Hazelnut Kids, Traverse City, Michigan

When Tracy Coe was a new mom, she started learning about lead and toxic chemicals in children’s toys.

“I didn’t want my children playing with unsafe toys,” she says. “At that time, it was hard to find safe, nontoxic products. When I found a local company that offered green toys – Hazelnut Kids – I was overjoyed.”

In 2005, Hazelnut Kids owner Sheri Novak was looking to sell her store, and Coe said she jumped right on it because it followed her life philosophies. Since then, the green toy movement has become a strong and growing trend. Coe shares her store with Lori Burns, co-owner of Green Island, another earth-friendly store.

“Today people are paying more attention to the items they give their kids,” says Coe. “It’s mainstream to be protective. We’ve all heard the news about unsafe toys that contain chemicals. More consumers are looking for natural toys and things that contain no plastic. You know when large stores such as Toys R Us start carrying green toys that the masses are demanding it.”

Coe’s two children, Jackson, age 9, and Ivy, age 7, help her test out her natural wooden and organic offerings, which include classic wooden blocks, doll houses, play kitchens and play silks.

And Coe says her eco-friendly business has had an effect on her husband’s business: “He owns a pizzeria,” she says. “My children and I influence him when we can, and he’s started doing things like composting wasted food.”

“I’m not just passionate about having a business that generates money to pay bills. I’m passionate about having a business that is doing good in the world. It’s a business my whole family can feel great about.”

Stephanie Vozza

Stephanie Vozza is a freelance writer based in the Detroit area. She specializes in business and real estate. Learn more at stephanievozza.com.