Green Options

We’ve found a great way to reuse the kids’ clothing, DIY Stockings. Have the kids help you go through their ripped and stained clothing to design the look of your stockings. Then have them help you search for embellishment options. Odd fabric scraps, buttons, beads, patches, lace, ribbon, and appliqués made from other clothing all work beautifully as decoration.

These stockings were made using one pair of holey jeans (size 7 kids), a couple of toddler t-shirt fronts, a brown sheet and some old lace. I’m working on one made with an Asian Silk Kimono Robe. Delicate fabrics (such as the silk from the robe) may require special handling. I use pinking shears to cut and am lining the front and back of the stocking with white fabric from an old bed skirt (the eyelet part of the skirt will become new petticoats for under my daughter’s dresses).

Petite Miette is French for “little crumb” and is named for pet rabbit founder Sarah Conley Odenkirk met her senior year of college in France. This socially and environmentally responsible company makes 100% organic cotton and environmentally friendly dyed products that are good for your children and the planet.  The enviro-consciousness of Petite Miette goes beyond the products to recycled and FSC certified packaging materials, as well.

Organically grown and made in the USA, Petite Miette’s Playtime Wrap is soft and snuggly.  Designed to be worn over clothing, such as a onesie, this kimono style wrap will keep your child warm on even the chilliest days.  Let’s face it:  our kids spend a lot of time on the floor, which is the coldest, draftiest part of the house.  I only wish Petite Miette would make a playtime wrap in my size; I don’t think I would ever take it off.

I love discovering new companies that feature eco-friendly clothing for kids, and the market for green children’s gear is growing in both supply and demand. I recently was led to Toby and Rei: eco friendly clothes + accessories for you and baby. This Massachusetts based company, founded by designers Alanna Mallon and Kate Browning, features adorable t-shirts and lunch bags made from organically grown cotton, among many other green products for your child.

100% Organic Kids Graphic Tee

The elephant graphic tee is my favorite shirt! I’ve always had an affinity for elephants. The elephant tee is hand sketched and printed on American Apparel’s 100% organic cotton t-shirt. These sweatshop free shirts made in LA are then dyed at Red Fish-Blue Fish Dyeworks in NH “in the most environmentally friendly way possible without harsh fixing agents or formaldehyde.” This is a hip green tee for your child!