Hugg-A-Planet helps kids be Earth friendly
Toy companies are beginning to see green in a different light.
Sunday is Earth Day, a good time to stop and take note of the world we live in. And yes, even in toyland there are socially conscious companies wanting to do their part.
Hugg-A-Planet toys are Earth-friendly items that serve a dual purpose. In addition to being award-winning toys that teach children about the Earth and the solar system, they are environment-friendly.
In 1982, Forenza, along with two college friends, developed their first huggable globe. Without a buyer, they placed an order for 12,000 items. It took them eight months to sell the globes and from that point on Forenza had a mission.
"Twenty-five years ago, green was a color, not a movement and geography wasn't a subject taught to young children," he said.
Forenza's partners eventually moved in different directions, but the man who put the world in children's hands stuck with his mission.
"It's hard to hurt something you hug and it's empowering watching a child with the world in their arms," said Forenza.
While Forenza's products deliver a global message and are found in more than a dozen countries, they are homegrown in the United States and made from 100 percent organic, pesticide-free cotton. They are one of the most industry-honored products, having received awards and recognition from every major watchdog of the toy industry, including Parents Choice, Oppenheim Toy Portfolio, the National Parenting Center, National Geographic, Family Circle and Good Housekeeping.
New products include a new version of the Earth and moon, which maps out more than 600 places on Earth and 100 on the moon. The moon is contained in a pocket of the Hugg-A-Planet Earth design.
Also new is and updated Hugg-A-Planet Mars, which recognizes more than 400 places on the planet. The original version was partially developed by request of Carl Sagan.
For more information, visit www.peacetoys.com.