Eco Child’s Play

A Chat with the Inspired (and Inspiring) Women Behind Robbie Adrian Luxury Organics

Recently I had a chance to chat with Susan Doris and Robbie Mahlman, co-founders of Robbie Adrian Luxury Organic baby blankets. Their company takes 100% organic, machine-washable baby blankets to a whole new level of gorgeous style and soft texture, and Halle Berry, Jennifer Lopez and Christina Aguilera are just a few of their celebrity customers. These forward-thinking entrepreneurs make sure every detail of their business is as green and sustainable as possible, and all their products completely made in the USA.

These women are also moms who are raising families and running an ethical business in a highly competitive field. They took a moment from their busy day to answer a few questions:

1. Your blankets are unique in that they combine organic, sustainable design with colorful style. Why do you think it’s taken so long for organic manufacturers to move beyond beige?

Traditionally organic products have been marketed to consumers very tuned to organic products and wanting the “natural” look and all the natural features. With more awareness about the environment recently, it has helped organic products to go more “mainstream.” Our reason for starting Robbie Adrian luxury organics is our conviction (as both moms and designers) that more traditional parents would buy organic if more color and style were added! Parents want natural products for their babies, but also want products that are cute and stylish — so Robbie Adrian blankets offer both.

2. Price is always a family concern. Besides your blankets (of course!) which items do you think parents should really invest in?

Well, our company is about providing parents choices and offering “baby steps” to being green. We encourage parents to become informed and make choices that are right for their family. Products that are closest to their baby, especially to infants, such as blankets, cribs, mattresses should perhaps get the most scrutiny, which would also include shampoos, lotions etc. It’s sometimes not possible to go natural everywhere, and that’s okay — every little step a parent makes toward healthier products for their baby and planet is a good thing!

3. Many of us are slowly incorporating eco-friendly and sustainable products and habits into our family’s lives. What are the most recent switches you’ve made in your respective households?

Susan Doris: It’s amazing the things we have learned working with organic products - it has made a big change in some of our own habits! My husband just bought a Toyota Hybrid, and because of my research about other blanket fibers, polyester and conventional cotton, we have tried not to purchase so much of those fibers for our family, as they are so hard on the environment. I also won’t let my kids heat up food in plastic baggies or bowls any more! I also learned that Teflon is a product that stays around forever, and has been recommended to the EPA to be upgraded to a “likely” human carcinogen - so as much as I hate scrubbing scrambled eggs off a non stick pan - I’m trying!!

Robbie Mahlman: My husband and I purchased terrapasses for our vehicles to offset the carbon use on both. Also we purchased cloth towels to diminish paper towel use, no longer use insecticides in our yard, and use natural methods rather than broad spectrum spraying. We purchased a front loader washer and dryer, we try to purchase organic produce and milk whenever possible, we use canvas bags when we go to store, or we “just say no” to bags whenever possible, and carry in what we can. We no longer purchase water in individual water bottles, and we also walk to school! We figure every little bit helps!

For a detailed GreenOptions review of Robbie Adrian Luxury Organic blankets, check out Jennifer Lance’s great post here. For more Robbie Adrian blanket styles, colors, and details, visit robbieadrian.com.

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