dding some “green” flavor to LA’s hip Larchmont Village, The Little Seed brings one-stop shopping for bedding, skincare, and all things baby. Co-founders Soleil Moon Frye (former Punky Brewster star), Paige Goldberg Tolmach, and Beth Birkett created this eco-friendly enclave for expectant and new parents.

The Cradle: Tell us about your store, The Little Seed.

Soleil Moon Frye: The concept of the store came from three moms who were all inspired (by their children, their planet, and their lives) to reach out to other mothers with similar needs and concerns. Having children opened our eyes to different perspectives as mothers. We had a hard time searching for non-toxic alternatives for our children and we realized [that] if we were feeling this way, we might be able to help other parents who were having similar experiences.

The Cradle: What is the store’s motto?

Paige Goldberg Tolmach: “Tree Hugging With Style.” We feel that eco-friendly designs and eco-lifestyles should be hip and stylish as well.

Soleil: We’re not claiming to know everything; we’re just trying to do our part to create a healthier environment for our children and the planet.

The Cradle: How did you come together?

Elizabeth Birkett: [Soleil and I] met while attending The New School in NY, and have been friends ever since.

Paige: We [Soleil and Paige] met through our husbands who are both production executives, and realized we had a lot in common. [Then, we] all realized that we happened to have similar ideas for [creating] an eco-baby shop, and decided to get involved with each other.

The Cradle: Were you all passionate about living a “green” lifestyle before you had your babies?

Paige: We were all moving in that direction, but having children made us see the world in a totally new way.

Elizabeth: My kids inspired me to be green because they deserve the BEST!

Soleil: I had an environmental awareness at a young age. My family was very outdoors oriented; we took lots of trips to the mountains and spent many summer nights camping on the beach. I have also been a member of EMA, The Environmental Media Association, for the last six years. Having a child certainly brought a new consciousness into my home. Having children really inspired all of us to take action.

The Cradle: Give us an example of some of the products we’d find at your store.

Paige: Elsie’s Original Organic Wipes, our organic swaddling blankets, and sustainable and asbestos-free crayons by Inntrax.

Elizabeth: Mary's Soft Dough (it’s good for toddlers three and up), the Svan Scooter (for toddlers two and up), and Egg, an organic high-end clothing line for babies and toddlers.

Soleil: You’ll find everything from arts & crafts, to clothing, bedding, and toys. I love everything in our store. Some of my favorites are Kate Quinn, Amenity & Fauna. And I love the kitchen sets by Camden Rose, which I would love to get for [my daughter], Poet.

The Cradle: What is something that would surprise new parents about eco-friendly baby products?

Paige: That they are completely affordable! Also, how incredibly important it is for your child to be surrounded by a toxic-free environment.

Elizabeth: There are more options then they might think!

Soleil: New parents may be surprised to find that there are so many fantastic, hip alternatives out there.

The Cradle: In addition to selling “green” products, how else is your store eco-friendly?

Elizabeth: Our e-commerce will be up and running in December. We plan on doing green nurseries, and a private label of clothes and accessories.

Soleil: Besides selling green products, we have a changing station with diapers & wipes, provided by Seventh Generation, for mothers on the run. There’s also a discreet nursing lounge. We’ll also be offering non-toxic art classes, and seminars promoting greener lifestyles [in the near future].