Of some 200 participants in the SustainAbility: design for a better world display at the summer 2011 New York International Gift Fair (NYIGF), Aug. 13-17, seven have been designated as achieving SustainAbility3 — the highest level of sustainability for their products, production processes and business practices.
NYIGF’s “Degrees of SustainAbility” initiative outlines industry-specific criteria for identification of green products and producers. A three-tiered ranking indicates the extent to which a product/producer complies with these standards. Ilene Shaw of Shaw+Co! curates the exhibit and designates each participants’ ranking.
“These companies incorporate sustainability on multiple levels, by using renewable resources and manufacturing with alternative energy sources,” says Dorothy Belshaw, NYIGF director and GLM senior vice president. “Additionally, many are fostering economic development through Fair Trade business relationships, or supporting charitable organizations.”
The seven highest-ranking companies and products are:
Blood Orange Personal Body Care by 80 Acres of McEvoy Ranch
This product line, designed by Through Smoke Creative and manufactured by 80 Acres of McEvoy Ranch in the U.S., is made using ingredients derived from plants that have high crop yields and are organically grown, without herbicides, pesticides or bleach. It is free of parabens and phthalates, and scented exclusively with essential oils of Blood Orange, Grapefruit, Tangerine, Orange Flower and Vetiver. The bottles are made from a minimum of 50 percent post consumer recycled content, and the boxes are composed of 100 percent post-consumer recycled paper. McEvoy Ranch operates a wind turbine designed to meet 100 percent of its energy needs. The products are all made in northern California in small batches, using certified organic ingredients from local sources whenever possible. www.mcevoyranch.com
Re-Purposed and Recycled Drinking Cups and Vessels by Aid to Artisans
There is no garbage collection in the Wei Nain region of Colombia, so plastic bottles litter the community. With the guidance of designer Miguel Calvo, local female artisans collect and recycle this material to make cups. Aid to Artisans (ATA), an international nonprofit organization, is a recognized leader in economic development for the craft sector. By linking artisans to new markets and buyers to culturally meaningful and innovative products, ATA helps artisans build profitable craft businesses. www.aidtoartisans.org
By the Sea Notecard Set by Annie Catherine Inc.
This set was designed by Catherine Breer using FSC-certified paper. It is produced by JS McCarthy Printers in a plant whose electricity is generated entirely by wind power. The products are made locally in Maine near the company’s warehouse. Donations are made to local charitable organizations, such as the Boys and Girls Club of Maine, the Salvation Army and Goodwill. www.anniecatherine.com
Carolina Canines for Veterans by Harry Barker
These dog treats are designed and manufactured by Harry Barker in the USA from veterinarian-approved, all-natural ingredients. The tin is made from recycled steel and is recyclable. The treats are packed by people with disabilities as part of a skills training program through The Hope Center of Charleston. The line also includes toys, 100 percent recycled plastic collars and leashes and organic cotton totes. A portion of the proceeds is donated to Carolina Canines for Veterans (CCV), a national program which provides service dogs for wounded veterans. www.harrybarker.com
Christmas Gift Collection by Potting Shed Creations Ltd.
These self-contained kits are designed by Ann Killen and produced by hand with recycled, repurposed or sustainable materials. The bamboo container can be composted after use. The OMRI-listed soil and coconut husks can be reused or composted. The ribbon is from recycled plastic bottles and can be used again. The product was designed with minimal packaging, resulting in less waste. This company supports local and regional non-profit organizations. www.pottingshedcreations.com
The Pop Art Collection by Sobral USA
Made of a unique, lightweight resin sourced from vegetable-based alcohol, each piece of Sobral jewelry is crafted by hand in Carlos Sobral’s workshop in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Unlike most resin artists, Sobral uses only environmentally friendly, raw materials considered as waste — 80 percent from wheat and corn-based alcohol and 20% from petroleum byproducts. Sobral’s dyes are vegetable-based, and the gift-wrapping and packaging materials are environmentally friendly, as well. Sobral uses hydro-electricity generated from a nearby waterfall to power his workshop, and recycles the water used in the cooling and polishing processes. All scraps also are recycled. Employees — mostly local women — are allowed to work from home in order to care for their families. They receive training, meals, medical care and a retirement plan, which are rare benefits in Brazil. www.alegriaimports.net
Tay Revitalizing Cleanser by Tay Skincare
These products are designed by Sarah Tay and manufactured by Tay LLC from vegan-certified organic and natural ingredients, without parabens, synthetic fragrances or dyes, petrochemicals or glycolene propyl. The ingredients are obtained from Fair Trade sources such as pure Shea butter from the West Africa Womens' Co-op in West Ghana. These formulas are produced in hydro-power facilities. The offices run on Green Mountain Power’s wind-power energy. The packaging is sustainable, biodegradable bamboo and PET plastic. Customers can order refill pouches, mail the bottle back to the company for recycling or recycle the components themselves. www.tayeveryday.com
Launched in 2007, NYIGF’s SustainAbility: design for a better world showcases global gift and home industry suppliers whose products or production processes are eco-friendly as well as companies whose business practices are socially responsible, philanthropic or fair-trade oriented. A zero-tolerance policy was enacted in 2010 for any products with VOC, lead (for baby, children and food-related products), aniline dyes, formaldehyde and chlorine (for textiles) and PVC without recommendation for use and disposal.
Source: NYIGF
