In increasing numbers, consumers are looking to purchase organic, recycled and greener products for heart and home.New parents are especially cautious in their search for baby goodies from food, to clothing to furniture.The organic baby food category alone has grown over 20% in the past year, with prices generally one third higher than non-organic varieties. In the quest to find the perfect highchair, crib and other nursery furnishings, it is important to look not only for items that are manufactured in an eco-friendly manner but also for products that grow with the baby and have long lasting usefulness.
Stokke, the Norwegian design company known for creating products that "grow" with the child, offers a series of room solutions for newborn, toddler and school age children, using the same three products."Any baby product that can last beyond the age at which the baby outgrows it, is already environmentally positive. In today's modern world, caring for our children means much more than providing them with safety, comfort and protection. Caring for our children also means caring for the planet which they will inherit. Stokke products are built to last for generations," states Geir Stokke, president Stokke.
According to Earth911.org, the nation's premier one-stop environmental web portal, goods that are designed to last a long time are also cheaper in the long run than those that wear out quickly. A family can save $1,000 each year by buying reusable and long lasting products.
FURNITURE THAT TRANSFORMS FOR EACH STAGE
Stokke Sleepi crib, Stokk Care, Stokke Keep storage unit, new rooms emerge simply by reconfiguring the three pieces.The simple, timeless design of the furniture provides parents with the basis for their child's bedroom for years to come.
Stokke is made from cultivated beech, a renewable resource, never loses its usefulness as the baby chair changes as the child grows and eventually becomes an adult chair.And at every age and stage, the child is seated comfortably and with proper support to move his body due to the adjustable seat and foot rest.
LOOKING FOR LONGEVITY
One of the least discussed and most neglected topics in relation to the environment is the longevity of products. "Longevity is perhaps the hardest criteria for any product to achieve, so if one can find that in baby products, it's a win-win situation: you will have many years of use while not contributing to the growing problem of landfills," concludes Mr. Stokke.
What should consumers consider when purchasing products, particularly baby products? Following are some guidelines from Stokke that parents can follow when searching for eco-friendly furniture that minimizes what ends up in landfills:
What type of wood is used? Beech wood, a renewable resource, is the hardest wood used in furniture. Stokke utilizes beech wood in its products, and each tree is cultivated in a natural and balanced process where stocks are fully replenished from new seedlings. Two of the three factories Stokke uses are FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified which indicates that these products flow from certified forests.
What varnish is used to finish the furniture? Parents should seek formaldehyde-free varnish that complies with international standards. Stokke utilizes a formaldehyde-free varnish that meets all international standards that is not only safe for your child, but also safe for the environment.
What kind of textiles are used? Here, too, there are certain designations one can look for, particularly the Tex standard 100, the world's leading eco-label for textiles.Each textile fabric used in the Tripp Trapp highchair, Sleppi crib, and Care changing table products complies with the Tex standard 100.
ABOUT STOKKE
Stokke helps parents reinforce family bonds by designing and creating innovative products to keep your child closer to you. Because babies grow very fast, the need for a safe environment and space to grow is a crucial aspect to consider. Stokke provides beautiful, environmentally-friendly children's furniture made to transition as your child's needs change. Stokke products focus on excellent quality coupled with timeless design, accented with stylish accessories. The unmatched quality and versatility of Stokke products ensure many years of use. For additional information, visit www.stokke.com.
