JOSH DORFMAN, the Lazy Environmentalist, named POLARN O. PYRET’S “Dad of the Year”

New York-Polarn O. Pyret, the premium children’s wear brand from Sweden, has named Josh Dofman, environmental author and award-winning television host, its “Dad of the Year” in the United States.

“Josh is revolutionizing the way Americans make ‘greener’ choices. In today’s world, making good environmental choices is critical, and it’s helpful when those choices can be easy for today’s busy parents,” said Jennifer Athanason, U.S. master franchiser for Polarn O. Pyret. “Once thought of as difficult, time consuming or expensive, being environmentally conscious can often be the more attractive and easier choice.”

Dorfman, best known as the executive producer and host of Sundance Channel’s “The Lazy Environmentalist,” is author of two advice books on a cutting-edge green lifestyle: The Lazy Environmentalist: Your Guide to Easy, Stylish, Green Living and The Lazy Environmentalist on a Budget. As a new father to his two-month old son, Dorfman practices what he preaches to parents. He and his wife are raising their son as a ‘green baby’ by buying organic clothes, cloth diapers and homemade reusable baby wipes. Dorfman grew up playing, and practically living, outdoors and wants the same for his son. By spending time outside in natural surroundings, he believes the younger generation will better understand what they are trying to save first hand.

“When people have children, I believe it becomes easier to kick the bad habits and make greener choices because you’re no longer making those choices just for you. You’re now making them for your children,” Dorfman said. “I am honored to be recognized by Polarn O. Pyret, a company that has been ‘greening it’ for more than 30 years. Green clothing for kids is very important, but it can’t only be organic-it has to also look fantastic otherwise the wider segment of the consumer market will not buy into the concept. ”

Good environmental choices should require little or no sacrifice in quality, convenience or style, he adds. “As a new dad, I can see how easy it is for parents to fall into the trap of buying cheap clothing for kids. What parents should be looking at is making smarter purchases. By spending a little more on quality clothing, you can actually spend less in the end, especially if you can hand it down to a sibling, cousin or neighbor. Less clothing in landfills is better for the environment. It’s an easy choice to make.”

The timeless design-driven approach of Polarn O. Pyret makes it easy for parents to make the investment in both their children and the planet. The online boutique offers parents one-stop shopping for all their children’s needs-everything from diaper covers to rain boots and dresses to jeans.

For more than 30 years in Sweden, Polarn O. Pyret has strived to combine high quality products with consideration for the environment. The ECO collection is manufactured from 100 percent organic cotton. The entire supply chain has received the Nordic Swan Eco-label (“Svanenmärkt” to Swedes), an indication of its environmentally friendly manufacturing. In addition, 30 percent of the entire collection is designed around a UNIsex premise so clothes can easily be passed down from brother to sister or even from one generation to the next.

“We hear stories from parents who have held onto clothing from their own childhood and now have their children wearing the same clothing they wore as a child. The clothes are designed to withstand wear and tear from a curious toddler or an energetic child and still be handed down from brother to sister. That to us is green living,” Athanason said.

Launched in the U.S. last year, Polarn O. Pyret has made great strides in the children’s fashion arena and aims to make production even better for the environment in the future. “We believe it is vital for children to be given the chance to just be children. We want to instill the importance of play, the spirit of fun and love for nature for both kids and parents. Josh’s commitment to green living and sustainable consumption is the perfect embodiment of Polarn O. Pyret’s values, and we’re thrilled to announce the honor.”

Polarn O. Pyret USA presented its first “Mama of the Year” and “Dad of the Year” awards this year to honor those who inspire children and their parents to live healthy, responsible and generous lives. Annika Sӧrenstam, best known for her storied golf career, was named Polarn O. Pyret’s first “Mama of the Year” in May. Sӧrenstam decided to step away from professional sports two years ago to spend more time focusing on her family and her business endeavors.

Polarn O. Pyret is having a 30% off Summer Sale so be sure to check it out!