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,”

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.

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

Our company has initiated a multiple-donation program with Minnesota Environmental Partnership (MEP), a non-profit coalition of more than 80 organizations. As a Saint Paul publisher and distributor of earth-friendly board games, it made great sense to help protect the environment in our own state as one of donation goals for 2008.

With the use of Promotion Code 'GIVE MEP', an unlimited 10% of every direct product purchase from Kvale Games is being donated to MEP. Kvale Games also separately donates $.10 for every entry submitted on their free online version of the Head1Liners game, requiring no purchase whatsoever.

Our company has several more non-profit conservation, social and education organizations considered for similar programs in the immediate future.

A party game designed for

Throughout the year, business colleagues in the sustainable and fair trade industry discuss the cost of exhibiting at trade shows. I understand the need for a Return on Investment. I also realize the exposure and good will at these events are also intangible but important for the future health of their business.

I believe we must support ethical businesses at every opportunity. It is occasionally a challenge for small organizations to feel they are making a difference when sales don't meet the expectations. Doubt creeps in, and it often comes from internalized pressure.

Much time and money is spent to travel and attend these trade shows. Recognition for a novel idea means one's personal principles are likely going to spread to others. A simple visit to learn more about a green product

Let's blog about this:

Recently announced, Toys 'R' Us is premiering its own line of earth-friendlier toys, dolls and plush creatures in its stores before Earth Day. The earliest items launched also include wooden toys certified through the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and the packaging on this new brand category will be at minimum 70% recycled paper.

Some intriguing questions remain: will other large toy retailers such as WalMart or Target follow suit? Will the expansion plans for Toys 'R' Us green category include toys and games beyond the toddler age group?

From all appearances, this new line can be beneficial in educating consumers on authentic sustainable choices. Doing so, I believe this new knowledge can carry over into shopping choices in many other product and service

My colleagues from France designed an eco game 11 years ago. Exhibiting at traditional toy and game fairs often resulted in looks and comments that implied they were "outsiders" and a fringe brand with no indication of mass market acceptance.

Despite winning a long list of awards for its environmental education, production and overall concept, it is only the past year that earth-friendly board games are being accepted either for their production merit or the play concepts about nature, animals and the planet.

Perhaps a few years ahead of their time, the pioneers of eco games are still shocked at the high number of other "nature" toys and games on the market at this moment that are manufactured with highly questionable environmental impact.

While the fantastic number of independent