As a very early supporter of the green movement, I have made it a priority to teach my children the importance of being “green.” While it is not always easy, I have always done my best to teach my girls about the environment in which they live and what we can do to help sustain it. As my children get older I am thrilled to see the way they have embraced this way of living. Natasha is always around to make sure I take a reusable water bottle with me when I leave the house so I don’t have to buy bottled water and Chloe is always searching for products we can send to Citibabes to be used as part of the Sustainable Arts Lab we have created at the club.

With the green movement becoming somewhat “trendy” in the past few years it is sometimes difficult to differentiate between companies who truly believe in the message and those who may only be trying to make a quick profit. Luckily there are  organizations like Teens Turning Green that make it  easier than ever to help spread the word about environmental consciousness – a message that is important for people of all ages.

- Tracey Frost Rensky, CEO and Co-founder, Citibabes

Growing up in the city, I have had a huge selection of things to do, buy, and eat. However, as a child, I never knew that some things were healthier and safer than others. This is where my parents jumped in. Luckily, today with blogs like CitiScoop and Teens Turning Green, finding those hidden gems in such a vast city has become a whole lot easier.

Here are some of my favorite tools to green your child’s bedroom in order to not only start planting seeds for an environmentalist, but for a healthy one as well.

Let’s start with the foundation for any room: bedding. My favorite is Coyuchi, which you can purchase via their website or at Manhattan’s ABC Carpet and Home (among many other stores). I cannot get away from this fantastic line of 100%organic cotton bedding, and am even taking it to college with me. From the crib to the bed, they have sheets, pillowcases, and blankets in a range of fun, warm colors. Coyuchi even has organic cotton baby wash mitts, cloths, hooded towels, and the cutest hand-embroidered clothing.

Another great one-stop shop in New York City is Green Depot. Here you can find all the essentials to greening your baby’s room from premium-quality, VOC/odor/formaldehyde-free paint in hundreds of colors, to all-natural, non-toxic finger paint for your child to help in the painting process. They sell everything from apparel, bedding, bottles, toys, furniture, and products – all to help keep your child safe from toxic chemicals and hazards. One of my favorite items is Fields Organics Toy Cleaner which is great for ensuring the health of your child and his/her friends.

Apple and Bee is yet another great company selling ec0-friendly accessories ranging from baby tote bags, travel bags, nappy mats, and kids satchels to cosmetic bags, clutches, and carry-alls for Mom. I love the fun designs and colors which the uni-sex baby products, made from organic calico, come in.

By Ally Zarin, Teens Turning Green

For more information on greening your lifestyle and your family’s, please check out TeensTurningGreen.org. No matter your age or location, we have fun and accessible ideas that will follow you through life. From greening your child’s prom to their dorm room, to your bathroom and cosmetic bag, we are prepared with hundreds of solutions for your everyday tasks.

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