US-Made Stuffed Animals Provide an Eco-Friendly Alternative

    YPSILANTI, MI, June 22, 2009 /24-7PressRelease/ -- After the success of their organic cotton Sock Monkeys and Penguins, Maggie's Organics has stepped up to the plate once again to provide eight new stuffed animals, the Barnyard Series, ranging from Tie-Dye Chickens to Denim-Blue Cows. All part of the "Maggie's Menagerie" series, these cuddly toys are made by the 100% worker-owned co-operative in North Carolina, "Opportunity Threads", and are carefully crafted from scrap materials created by Maggie's organic clothing and sock production.

Each animal is created using leftover materials from organic cotton sock production, and is stuffed with polyester mill scrap to make them incredibly soft. This ingenuity ensures that the Barnyard Animals play their part in preventing apparel products from ending up in landfills. Considering the EPA states that clothing makes up 5% of all the waste in the US, the creativity in recycling shown by this production process shows an exceptional commitment to the environment.

Maggie's first animals, the Sock Monkeys and the Penguins, were created by Maggie's design team, and then only slightly modified by North Carolina co-op. But this time the folks at Opportunity Threads provided the creative energy behind the series, and each Barnyard animal was designed by the workers themselves.

Maggie's Organics President Bena Burda explains that, "[the stuffed animals] are fulfilling our dream of providing US workers a chance to build and run their own businesses. They are cuddly, fun, and an inspired creation that we all can share. Supporting worker-owned businesses that understand the importance of organic practices aligns with our mission to produce environmentally sustainable products and promote worker independence."

The eight new varieties of stuffed animals being released include all of the Barnyard essentials: chickens, cows, pigs, and sheep. The chickens are tie-dyed by hand, so each one is unique from all the others. All of the details on the animals, such as the eyes and ears, are securely sewn on to make them safe for all ages.

Doug Wilson, VP of Sales at Maggie's, said "By teaming up with a US worker-owned cooperative and utilizing leftover material so it doesn't end up in landfills we are making a statement about what we believe is a fresh--and much needed--approach to making a high-quality product."

Each Barnyard Animal has a price of $15 MSRP.

About Maggie's Functional Organics:
Maggie's Organics was founded in 1992 on the premise that workers should be treated ethically and that clothing should be durable, affordable and constructed of environment sustaining materials. Maggie's produces a range of clothing, from scarves to socks, all made from Certified Organic Cotton or Certified Organic Wool. They work exclusively with business partners who guarantee livable working conditions and independence for their workers.

Visit www.maggiesorganics.com or
Call (800) 609-8593 within the US, (734) 482-4000 outside the US
Or email Stephanie Sherson at [email protected]

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