3.20.2008 - 01:46pm ET

(CSRwire) LAKEWOOD, CO - March 20, 2008 - /PRNewswire/ -- Enlightened Play!(R) is invited to exhibit EcoRanch at the upcoming Seattle Green Festival on April 12-13th. The Seattle Green Festival, at the Washington State Convention and Trade Center, offers a terrific venue for environmentally friendly and ecologically aware products for consumers. EcoRanch is proud to be among the first products to showcase at this "green" event in the "Green Kids Zone".

EcoRanch(TM) launched at the American Toy Fair February 17-20. The President of Enlightened Play!, Eileen Thournir, says, "The Seattle Green Festival is a logical place to debut to the buying audience. Seattle is known as a progressive and environmentally aware city and the state of Washington has launched some of the most forward-thinking legislation in the country (aside from Colorado that is)." Thournir acknowledged her own state's governor, Bill Ritter, as having introduced programs of environmental action to her state.

"This game addresses critical issues that are facing our global community," Thournir says. "We are teaching young people about the carbon footprint they leave on the planet and we give them alternatives to day to day choices they make in life to leave a cleaner, healthier and happier planet."

EcoRanch(TM) is a game of strategy based on inner and social awareness that fosters fun as well as meaningful interaction. It's geared to 'tweens through teens and encourages players to think about sustainability and caring for the planet. Awareness(TM) cards pose questions and discussions around small farming and ranching techniques versus large-scale factory farms. Issues such as hormone growth, antibiotics and crowded pens versus natural, organic, open grazing methods are raised for thoughtful debate.

"The game is set on a ranch that takes in abused and neglected animals," she explains. "The players are volunteers who adopt an animal and herd animals to the foster pens while caring for their needs. In the process, players have to make choices, which can earn enlightened points. The game can be played competitively or cooperatively depending on the choices the players make.

"The goal for us is to introduce critical and mindful thinking to children." Thournir points out that many of today's games are intended for speed and the motivation behind the strategies is to beat the other player to a meaningless goal or "Finish" line. "We want to help kids find a purpose and meaning to their day to day actions. Our tool is a board game because it draws kids together face to face. This is how positive and long-term relationships are built," Thournir says.

Enlightened Play is a Colorado-based game company whose mission is to encourage creativity and foster global community while protecting and preserving the planet. For more information about EcoRanch(TM), contact Thournir at info@enlightenedplay.com.

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