The politics of going green

I am possibly violating one of the guidelines of friendly conversation that says you aren’t supposed to discuss religion or politics, but here goes.

Green is one of the new areas of political discourse. Celebrities are sporting electric or hybrid cars; global warming is still warming up the debate, and, it is true, the icebergs really are melting.

What we present to the new moms and dads will say a lot about our industry’s politics when it comes to the environment and what we feel we can contribute to its well being.

Our industry has always tried to present itself as a consumer advocate — think about the recalls of cribs, toys that contain lead, the conversation about crib bumpers and off gassing chemicals into the nursery.

Every time I read something about it I cringe, but when it comes to children, nobody pulls any punches, and if our kids don’t come first who does? I am proud to be part of an industry that takes the role they play in childrens’ lives seriously and acts in the appropriate way when needed. Our industry is very transparent compared to others.

Next month our industry will attend the ABC Kids Expo in Las Vegas. We are all going, even in a troubled economy, to freshen up our offerings and selection. There will be a new section in this year’s show, the Naturally Kids section. Naturally Kids will present manufacturers whose products, if not their entire line, is green. This was a juried selection, and we tried to make this first Naturally Kids area something to educate, stimulate and excite. Manufacturers who are not represented in the Naturally Kids section will also be showing green goods. There was a lot of interest in being part of this new section but space was limited. In a recent column I wrote about green being good business. Well friends, it’s good politics as well. It says that we are not only responding to consumer needs, but we are taking a leading position in presenting products that will benefit us all.

Next year, Kids Today will add a green portfolio to its editorial lineup, a resource guide like it has for other product categories, which will answer the question, “Who can I buy eco-friendly product from?”

As consumers tell us their politics with their spending, we as an industry will show each other our politics with what we buy and sell. Just as a side note — this is a political year, let’s make our own political statement as a community that cares. Let me hear from you, I know you’re out there. Let me know what you think, even if it gets heated!