Children's Orchard Goes Green

Keeping in tune with its eco-friendly business model, Children’s Orchard of San Juan Capistrano has recently added a new section selling organic, nontoxic and locally made products.

With brands such as Earth Mama Angel Baby Organics, Bellala Baby and Marci’s Garden, the new offerings are in response to consumer demand, said owner Debbie Brown.

“So many customers have been asking and looking for new, green, organic, and chemical-free products,” Brown said. 

Dedicating space for such green products at the front of the store, Brown is testing out how these products hold up against the very popular traditional pre-owned plastic toys.

“I am in the process of launching an online store dedicated to green products called OC Green Mama, and I am excited to get honest feedback from my customers in a face-to-face retail environment about these products,” Brown said. 

By recycling previously worn clothes, Children’s Orchard was green long before the trend, Brown said. Her efforts keep the amount of textile waste out of already-bulging landfills.

According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. generated in 2010 a total of 250 million tons of solid waste, and textiles accounted for 13.1 million, or 5.3 percent of the total municipal solid waste. 

Established in 1980, Children’s Orchard franchise stores across the country have recylced or donated some 100 million pieces of children’s clothing, according to a company press release.

Brown said she purposefully looks for the smaller charities to pass along clothes that didn't sell or isn't in good enough condition to resell.

“I don’t like to give to big charities because the get so much already, and the smaller charities that are not on the radar I believe are in most need of the help,” she said.

Some of her favorites are Wings of Faith, Illumination Foundation and Moms for Marines.

Buying and selling high-end items at low-end prices, Brown has designed her store to emphasize quality, value and comfort, while maintaining a commitment to the local community she serves, she said.

At the same time, she's helping locals pinch their pennies. At traditional retail stores, customers should expect to pay four to six times more than at Children’s Orchard for name brands like Gymboree, GAPKIDS, Abercrombie and Ralph Lauren, she said.