The Green Spot
At Bambini of Bend it’s more than just a business, it’s a lifestyle
By Nadja Schmidt
For the past three years Bambini of Bend has emphasized the importance of balancing healthy minds and bodies with the environment. Specializing in children’s clothing and shoes, educational toys and other household necessities intended to care for today’s families with the integrity of tomorrow’s world in mind. Chelsea Tyler, mother of two, mother of earth, and owner of Bambini, has been a devoted partner in the pursuit for a sustainable future such as this; thus, allowing us to prosper now without inhibiting generations to come.
This unique children’s boutique carries items that are made from sustainable materials, such as organic cotton and hemp, which do not make use of synthetic fertilizers or pesticides. Product lines are fair trade and members of the Organic Trade Association (OTA) assuring the quality of the merchandise. Efforts are made to buy clothing and other textiles that are either produced locally, or at least, in Oregon whenever possible. High Desert Naturals—Baby Bedding Collections, is one of Bambini’s business partner that thrives right here in Bend. Not only are linens made from 100% organic cotton, each sheet set is packaged in a multifunctional organic cotton tote bag; rather than individually and excessively wrapped in plastic. Chelsea pointed out that in addition to the benefits of buying organic products, companies also tend to be environmentally sensitive in their manufacturing and production methods.
Wide-eyed and curious, children are typically exposed to toys colorfully elaborated with lead-based paints and toxic substances, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), that leach from plastics materials. While you can not shelter them from the world, you can influence that which surrounds them by using PVC-free bottles and pacifiers; which can be found at Bambini. At Bambini toys are constructed from recycled rubberwood trees, that would otherwise be destined for slash and burn piles. They are also decorated with vegetable-based paints, which give parents one less worry when it ends up in their mouth. Toys are educational yet simplistic in design so that children are encouraged to explore their own creativity.
More and more people are taking responsibility for their actions by making informed decisions, in which environmental stewardship is reflected in daily life activities. Chelsea has invested in the future of her children by actively making choices that affect them today, as products found at Bambini have been thoroughly researched and used in her own home. As we all affect the environment through the actions we take, there is a shared responsibility among us all to ensure its persistence. In this way, it is the everyday choices we make that tie individuals in the community together, not only to one another but to our surroundings as well.
"You must be the change you wish to see in the world."
-Mahatma Gandhi
