Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/807396
Parenting OC Magazine | April 2017 31 www.ParentingOC.com possible. Not only is Kelly passionate about saving the earth and helping families to clean efficiently by using healthy cleaning prod- ucts, her employees receive extensive medical benefits, enjoy family leave, and the opportunity to be ahead of the living wage curve. In addition, over 50% of her employees are women and minorities. Kelly has no intention to slow down the pace in her quest to ensure planetary protection. ECOS now has 4 facilities in the U.S. and continues to expand their product line with Zero Waste manufacturing. By owning their own production facilities, they can offer effective plant-based green cleaners at a lower price than competitors. Recently they have also partnered with Disney to launch of Disney Baby ECOS products. "As a mom actively involved in the Orange County community, and as a CEO, I am passionate about creating a healthy environment for our children and teaching them the impor- tance of protecting our community and the health of our planet." At age 12, her daughter is beginning to see the advantages of using earth safe products. "I'm happy to see her leading by example with her friends and classmates," said Vlahakis. "She's helping them realize that the little decisions we make every day really do add up to big changes over time." To learn more about ECOS and where to purchase their prod- ucts please visit www.ecos.com Zoey and Zac Arbour What's cuter than two youngsters smashing cans and plastic bottles in hopes of collecting a pile of profits? Those same kids using those profits to help kids who are living at Orangewood Children's Home. Donning their "Z and Z Recycling" shirts and jumping in and out of grandma Rachel's truck to collect cans and bottles from neighboring homes has become part of the weekly routine for this 4 and 6-year-old philanthropic duo. Siblings, and children of Jeff and Dori Arbour, Zoey and Zac are learning planet saving skills along with generosity. Zoey and Zac began their business in September of 2016 when grandma, Rachel Perry, encouraged them to ask neighbors and friends if they would be willing to donate their recycled bottles and cans to their budding business. This was the beginning of Z and Z Recycling. In addition to collecting the money for profit, the decision was made early on to donate half of their earnings to Orangewood Children's Center. Matched by the Lion's Club in Costa Mesa, Zoey and Zac collected $1000.00 their first month which provided bikes for kids. More recently, they raised money to purchase DVDs for the same group of children. "We like to get money so we can give it to kids who don't have a family," said Zoey Arbour. The more they recycle, the more they give back. So what happens to the other half? Fun! This dynamic duo is saving for a 2-night trip to Great Wolf Lodge in Garden Grove, but not before they do more for the children at Orangewood. When asked what he would like to do next for the kids, Zac replied, "OC Fair!" If you would like more information on how you can help Z and Z Recycling, please visit their Facebook page at: www.face- book.com/pg/zandzrecycling