Everyday is Earth Day at Happy Bambino

Tuesday

Apr212009

Tuesday, April 21, 2009 at 11:58PM

Since opening in November of 2004, HB has always been committed to:

( information below from HB wesite)

1. Eco-Boutique. Reduce. Reuse. Recycle.
Our "Eco-Boutique" - a selection of gently-used baby, children's and maternity wear has recycled many thousands of items (in a very fashionable way)! We recycle baby carriers and cloth diapers too.

2. Provide an Environment Where Community Develops.
We provide a space where over 300 people per week attend our groups and classes. Folks build ties and become support for each other. Friendships develop and community action naturally occurs. Additionally, we offer a scholarship program for classes, memberships, and the Nursing Mamas Resource Station to extend resources to families in our community.

3. Breastfeeding Support.
"Breastfeeding is the perfect paradigm for a sustainable food system. Think about it: the consumer is in control; the food is designed precisely for the needs of the consumer and changes in quantity and quality as those needs change; there is no waste and the packaging is infinitely reusable and aesthetically pleasing; there is a close, not to say intimate, relationship between producer and consumer; and both consumer and producer get pleasure from it." - Brewster Kneen, BC Food Systems

"Oh, and daddy gets to play with the empties," says former HB RC Coordinator and fellow Canadian, Kristina Bouris (wink wink)

Happy Bambino is very proud of the comprehensive breastfeeding support it offers which includes: a variety of nursing bras and other breastfeeding supplies, breastfeeding education, a Breastfeeding Support Group, a breastfeeding clinic - the Nursing Mamas Resource Station, and a cozy supportive atmosphere to be a nursing mom.

4. Sell "Green" Products:
We are committed to selling products without harmful chemicals. We are concerned with the health and well-being of your family. We carefully research the products we carry and have never knowingly stocked items containing lead, Bisphenol-A, PVC, or phthalates.

**Organics** We carry a fun selection of organic clothing, toys, slings, nursing pads and hemp diapers from Ellaroo, Under the Nile, and Willow Sprouts.

**Fair Trade Items** We carry a variety of fair trade items from Artisan Cards, Bali & Soul creations, Maya Wrap. Be sure to try one of our fair trade knit finger puppets!

**Locally-Made Products and Products Made in the US** Products that don't have to travel far are much more sustainable. As an added bonus, items made in the US are not made in sweatshops.

Last year over 5% of our retail sales came from locally-made goods! In December we host an annual Crafty Mama Craft Fair where local mamas sell their handcrafted wares.

**Natural Bath & Body Products** Environmentally friendly (not to mention human-friendly) bath & body products from LuSa Organics, Weleda, and California Baby. Did we mention they smell delicious?!!

5. Sell "Basic" Toys.
A toy should do more than entertain a child. A toy should spark the creativity within a child. A healthy imagination is all that’s needed to get these toys to do anything a child can dream of. No plastic needed. No batteries required.– Tom Wanek

6. Provide the Materials and Education to Support Cloth Diaper Use.
Did you know? In our first 3.5 years in business, over 600 families have attended our Cloth Diaper 101 class.

7. Keep Packaging to a Minimum.
We actively recycle baby shower bags, offer paper bags at the register, and are cognizant of excess consumer packaging in the products we sell.

8. Support the Buy Local Movement.
Happy Bambino is a proud member of Dane Buy Local and we encourage our customers to buy locally. Buying local keeps money in our community. It is a fantastic way to support the local economy and build neighborhoods! As part of this effort, we have arranged for HB members to get special discounts with cooperating local businesses.

9. Green Design.
We work hard to maintain a green retail and resource environment for our customers and staff. We use compact fluorescent bulbs for a majority of our lighting. Our floors are made of natural cork. All the paint used within our space was very low VOC (volatile organic compounds). We use ceiling fans in the resource center. We use power strips to reduce phantom load electricity. Natural light from our windows reduces our need for additional in-store lighting. We use vinegar as our primary cleaning solution.

10. Send Happy Bambino Newsletters and Promotional Materials Electronically. Our e-newsletter reaches 1200 households, saving 350 reams of paper annually. When we do print, we are committed to using recycled paper.