My daughter is four years old, so she’s at the age when she’s learning how to read and tell time. Thanks to the poster hanging in her room from MadeByGirl, “love” was the first word she learned how to spell. Because of this, I realized that I have the opportunity to use her room decor not only to surround her with beautiful things, but with items she can learn from. Sure, the clock and alphabet poster from the dollar store are functional, but they aren’t exactly a work of art, and they certainly are not made of sustainable materials.
Here is some of my favorite beautiful, educational and sustainable kids’ decor:
1. Bamboo Clocks by Decoylab: Teach them how to tell time in the most stylish way with these modern clocks. Made in the U.S. of sustainable bamboo. Price: $48-68 (aff)
2. My Favorite Things poster by Petit Collage: Now THIS is an alphabet poster I can learn to love! It is available in two color schemes — pink/orange and blue — so your favorite little one can learn in style with whichever colors best match your decor. Printed in Portland, OR with soy-based inks on 100% recycled paper. Price: $30 (aff)
3. Periodic Table Shower Curtain: This is definitely a bit much for my preschooler, but if you have older children, this is a great reminder of a science lesson we’ve all had to learn. Made of EVA, which is technically still vinyl, but is a much safer alternative to PVC. Price: $30 (aff)
4. Letter Lights by Perch: What kid doesn’t want to see their name in lights? In this case, they’d at least get their initial, unless your child has a really short name or you have a really big budget 
Handmade in Brooklyn, NY of ceramic. Price: $110
5. Dr. Seuss organic bedding from Pottery Barn Kids: Remind them of their favorite storybook characters with this sweet unisex bedding. Sleeping with Horton and Sam I Am is bound to make them want to read. Made of organic cotton and Oeko-Tex certified. Price: $23-114
6. Multibox by Green Lullaby: Your child may love their toy blocks, but these particular blocks will make mom and dad happy too. They’re great for kid-friendly storage that could double as seating, and the bold colors and educational motifs will foster learning. Made of recycled cardboard, 100% recyclable and finished with non-toxic water-based paints and adhesives. Price: $59.99 for a set of 3
7. EnviroBanks: They have to save money at some point, and in this economy, that’s a lesson that will go a long way. Ditch the cheap plastic piggy banks in favor of a more sustainable — and stylish — option. Available as a cow, kangaroo, koala or panda. Made of wood from sustainably-managed plantations with non-toxic glues and dyes and recycled packaging. Price: $24.75
8. Pillow Talk Collection by Alexandra Ferguson: This pillows will teach, and constantly remind, your kids of some important, sometimes tongue-in-cheek life lessons. If you’re like me and most other parents, you’re probably ready to scoop up that “No Whining” pillow right now. That’s a lesson my daughter could stand to see on a regular basis Handmade of 100% recycled felt. Price: $45-119
The most important lesson in all of these items, however, is the one that they share in common — that we must each do our part to make this Earth a safer and more beautiful place to live.
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I’m Jennae Petersen, and I’m a lot of things. A mother, a graphic artist, a connosieur of beautiful interiors and a purveyor of all things design. Green Your Decor was borne of frustration in my attempts to find eco-friendly housewares that were also beautiful, and inspiration to do something to reduce my own carbon footprint and help others do the same in a beautiful way.
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I love these items!!! Great collection. As a single parent that was *less* than good with money throughout my youth, teaching children about money is CRUCIAL, in my mind. I’m not going to blame parents, schools, etc, but quite simply, I clearly “didn’t get it”, and I am still paying for those mistakes a decade later! And quite frankly, I hate the position I got myself in, everytime I pay off my past debts… I could have used my time/money sooooo much better.
A program was suggested to me by a friend, that teaches kids to be responsible with money, and puts them in control of their money. It’s a fun, interactive booklet + personal website that makes tracking their money fun – more importantly, the tugs on the pantleg going through the grocery checkout and the tantrums have all but disappeared! I guess that’s a little self centered of me… but any parent knows those situations all to well. For the record, I too used to do this to my parents, I was apparently horrible to bring into a store… oops!
If anyone is interested, the program is designed by KidsWealth: http://www.kidswealth.com (hope it’s OK to post URL, I put it in my comment description to).
Just my .02c (no pun intended) !!