Can you imagine earning the right to adopt a llama by first finding perfect homes to take in 5 other foster animals in your temporary care? That’s what happens in the joyful and educational board game, EcoRanch. And then it goes much deeper than the ranch hand duties.

 

 

I first spoke with the Colorado inventor, Eileen Thournir, about a year ago as she brought her new creation to market and became a fellow business member of Green America (Co-op America). EcoRanch is the first of many games she has planned at her new company, Enlightened Play, and has already fast earned awards for this novel toy that requires no batteries or electrical outlets. “There’s a desire to give back, to create a more sustainable environment, to protect and nurture the planet,”

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In a recent study from Packaged Facts, a New York-based market research firm, more than half of children between 6 and 8 encourage their folks to purchase green goods. According to their report, "Kids and Tweens in the U.S.," a strong majority of kids, ages 6 to 11 years, state concern for environmental issues. Nearly 75% believe people should recycle, and 40% express favor in buying products made with recycled paper. 

 

It is fantastic and inspiring that tomorrow's leaders already hold these eco expectations. And now parents are taking notice. Let us hope that more manufacturers and retailers follow, answering this demand with diverse and authentic choices that stimulate further growth and surprises.

 

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Only over the last few years have Eco Audits been used to show the public precise values in environmental protection and conservation.

The debate over paper vs. plastic bags was an interesting discussion for us to better grasp the front-to-back extent of our consumption habits. Talking about lost acres of clear-cut forests, or the massive accumulation of non-degrading, petroleum-based plastic bags in the oceans, waterways, and landfills, it painted a picture much more compelling to Mr. & Mrs. Joe Common. (You may recall one "winner" was Reuse, especially a natural fiber built-to-last basket.)

But planet-friendlier manufacturing choices are _not_ a new thing. We are simply expressing this in novel new ways that get more people to comprehend and respond.

After recent months of researching

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A handful of "green" businesses, including Kvale Good Natured Games, are now semi finalists in the 2008 Forbes.com "Boost Your Business" competition.

This is a unique entrepreneurial contest because the public is involved in choosing the business plan they'd like to become a reality. Now through September, your vote will help determine the top 5 finalists.

How can you help?

1) Go to http://boost08.perfectprize.com/voting/
View the preferred companies essays or 30-second videos for more information.

2) Click on the checkbox next to the young business you wish to support.

3) Enter your email address.

4) After receiving an instant confirmation in your email box, click on it to validate your vote.

It's that easy!

Beyond our eco-friendly board game company, found alphabetically

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Google has asked children, grades K-12 to design their own version of the Google logo. Better yet, they are asking the kids to incorporate "What if'" questions alongside their artwork to spark imagination.

Yes, it is an effort that promotes an image and logo of a large corporation. But I think that this project displays matters on the minds of today's children.

In fact, viewing the top 40 selections (10 finalists within each age group), we begin to see this new generation showing much promise as a group of responsible citizens. There are messages of peace and sustainable living choices in every age group!

http://www.google.com/doodle4google/index.html

At this moment, the public helps to pick the national champions to replace the logo. _You_ can cast one vote for each of the four age

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