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Today, more than ever, people are looking for ways to make better choices in all areas of their lives. Many environmentally conscious consumers are looking for ways to be more informed and to make decisions based on their values. This month, we take that cause to the table, providing dishes, décor and more with their own “green” mentality.

Tovolo’s Bamboo Wine Table sticks right in the ground to make any picnic perfect. The simple and functional table holds two wine glasses and a snack, so your customers can relax at the beach or in the park in style. Call 206-633-6066, or visit www.Tovolo.com.

Totally Bamboo’s gorgeous serving pieces are a great addition for indoor or outdoor entertaining. Bamboo is actually a grass that grows to a harvestable height between 3–5 years. Some species grow up to two feet per day. After harvesting, bamboo does not require replanting, it has an extensive root system that continually sends up new shoots to replenish itself, making it one of the most renewable resources known. Call 818-765-9000, or visit www.totallybamboo.com for more information.

Green Glass is a central Wisconsin company that converts empty, discarded bottles into elegant glassware. Inspired by an idea Mara Penrith had to turn bottles into glasses, the company is the brainchild of entrepreneurs Sean Penrith and Philip Tetley, who hold a worldwide patent on the unique conversion process they invented. Call 715-355-1897, or visit www.greenglass.com for details.

bamboo introduces its new color range across the bambu Lacquerware collection. This year’s colors consist of vibrant Kiwi green, spicy Cayenne, rich Chocolate, bright Cornflower, bold Red Pepper, vivid Aqua, and New Black. These are being added to two of last year’s colors, Green Apple and the all-natural with no color, Naked. The bambu Lacquerware line is available in four sizes of bowls — 11.5", 6", 4.5", and the new Low Bowl (11" diameter). bambu is a proud member of 1% For The Planet (www.onepercentfortheplanet.org), and Co-Op America (www.coopamerica.org). Call 877-226-2829, or visit www.bambuhome.com.

To-Go Ware Utensil Set — organic utensils made of bamboo, which is highly durable, and can be grown and harvested sustainably. Throwaway plastic cutlery consists of petrochemicals that create dioxins and other toxic chemicals harmful to the environment, as well as contributing to wasteful habits that feed the landfill rather than nourishing our lives. The holder itself has been produced by WEAVE, a women’s cooperative on the Thai-Burma border. Call 303-817-8164, or visit www.to-goware.com

Wood is becoming increasingly recognized as a renewable, recyclable, biodegradable and non-toxic material. As a result, design professionals are selecting wood products from certified well-managed sources to both encourage good forest management and take advantage of the inherent environmental attributes of wood. Serve up some delicious meals at the table using SCI Scandicraft’s 12-inch sustainable, managed wood products. Call 805-482-0791, or visit www.scandicrafts.com.

Recycline, Inc., an earth-friendly consumer products company, introduces 16-oz. Preserve Tumblers — stylish, dishwasher-safe drinking cups made with recycled plastic. The Preserve Tableware collection, which also includes Preserve Plateware and Preserve Cutlery, offers an innovative alternative to disposable plates, cups and utensils. The Preserve Tumblers are recyclable through community recycling programs that accept #5 plastics. Call 888-354-7296, or visit www.recycline.com.

Place New York City design star Tobias Wong’s frosted-glass Sun Jar in direct sunlight for a day and its solar cells will charge a battery that powers LED lights for five hours of candle-like glow once night falls. A bright idea providing you with a softly lit dinner with no strain on the electric bill. Call +44 (0)20 7923 0011 (e-mail sales@suck.uk.com), or visit www.suck.uk.com.

RootWorks’ hand-carved artwork is carved from a species of Chinese Fir called Shan Mu, which grows abundantly in the mountains of central China. The raw materials come from stumpage left by logging operations, the removal of which allows faster regrowth of newly planted seedlings to ensure sustainability of this valuable resource. Each gnarled piece is transformed by skilled carvers into the unique RootWorks products. These pieces can either stand alone as eye-catching display items, or be used as stunning serving pieces. Call 206-784-2087, or visit www.EnricoProducts.com.

The Dish
Palisades Turquoise is part of Fitz and Floyd’s Gourmet division’s offerings.

Fitz and Floyd Branches Out With Gourmet Division
Fitz and Floyd is shifting its focus from the upstairs tabletop market to the more functional housewares and gourmet departments with its recent venture, Fitz and Floyd Gourmet. Its evolution into the casual dinnerware market offers consumers the quality and design of Fitz and Floyd but in the casual dinnerware market. The company is targeting consumers seeking dinnerware that is more versatile and can be used every day or dressed up for special occasions. The line incorporates unique designs, shapes and glazes, and provides a wide range of new patterns along with assortments of special occasion and seasonal products.

Gourmet by Fitz and Floyd offers the specialty retailer products that range from functional and decorative items, including basic white to hand-painted dinnerware sets, along with bakeware that can go from the oven to the table. For more information, call 877-561-8923, or visit gourmet@fitzandfloyd.com.

Rachael Ray Expands into Tabletop
Precidio Inc., Brampton, Ontario, has announced a partnership with Rachael Ray for a line of tabletop products. The line, called The Rachael Ray Collection by Precidio, debuted at the International Home and Housewares Show this past March in Chicago.

Available now, The Rachael Ray Collection is presently focused on serveware and food prep items. The line includes a special product called a “Garbage Bowl,” or GB, a countertop receptacle for food prep debris, developed by Ray as a result of her ongoing quest to reduce time and streamline effort in meal preparation. Other items in the line are called the Hipster and Paisley, “colorful melamine serveware (which) add a unique twist to dining and entertaining.” All of the products created for the collection were inspired by Ray’s time-saving philosophy and no-nonsense practicality.

Faces & Places
Home Products International Inc. (HPI) has announced that the company, along with its subsidiary, has emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, and has raised $75 million in financing. The Chicago-based company, which said its second amended Chapter 11 plan of reorganization has become effective, said it obtained a $50-million exit financing facility from Bank of America and was also issuing new convertible notes of $25 million. HPI, which designs and markets housewares, said as part of its emergence from bankruptcy protection, its previous board of directors will be succeeded by a new board.

Homer Laughlin China, maker of Fiesta dinnerware, has promoted Rich Brinkman to VP/retail sales and marketing. The move adds a senior sales management role to Brinkman’s previous marketing, sourcing and new business responsibilities.

New York Home Textiles Market Week will be held concurrently with George Little Management’s New York International Gift Fair and the showroom’s New York Gift Week, collectively offering buyers access to more than 400 bed, bath, linen and home products suppliers. At Home already features a number of leading home textile suppliers, such as Anali, Fino Lino, Sferra, Legacy Home, Peacock Alley, Traditions, Ogallala, Libeco and Versai, to name a few. Luxury home textile suppliers, such as Missoni Home, BlissLiving Home, Lucinda Lee, Marlo Lorenz and Shades of India, will relocate to At Home in the Javits Center from their current locations at the Metropolitan Pavilion. For attendee information, contact GLM’s Customer Service Department at 800-272-7469, or visit www.nyigf.com.

GLM also introduced www.nyhometextilesmarketweek.com featuring details about the semi-annual market for mid-to-high-end home textiles produced cooperatively by George Little Management, LLC (GLM), 230 Fifth Avenue, and 7 W New York. The new Web site provides New York Home Textiles Market Week information, including Market Week dates and locations, a current list of vendors, press releases and relevant links. Home Textiles Market Week runs Thursday, August 9, through Thursday, August 16, 2007, opening at 7 W New York on Thursday, August 9; at 230 Fifth Avenue on Saturday, August 11; and at the New York International Gift Fair® on Sunday, August 12.

Lunt Silversmiths has appointed R.J. Mulford chief operating officer, a newly created position. He reports directly to chief executive officer James Lunt. Mulford brings to the position 35 years of experience in various sectors of the precious metals industry. Most recently, he was managing director and director of international business operations for the Prince & Izant Co. in Cleveland.

The Zrike Company launched Just Desserts and Bon Appetit entertainment-ware at the 2007 International Home and Housewares Show. The new line is inspired by the highly anticipated release of Disney•Pixar’s animated feature Ratatouille about a rat who aspires to be a chef, coming to theaters this summer.

WMF has launched a redesigned Web site for consumers in the U.S. at www.wmf-usa.com. The updated site for the U.S. market, modeled after its German counterpart, is both user-friendly and comprehensive, so consumers can easily find the information they are seeking. The site features vivid lifestyle photos incorporating WMF products throughout to inspire consumers. Bold product photos are also highlighted in several themes, such as bar and wine, coffee and tea, stemware accessories, breakfast and brunch, children’s cutlery, cookware and kitchen gadgets.

Aladdin, a division of Pacific Market International, Seattle, generated $1,250 for The Boys & Girls Clubs of America during the recent International Home and Housewares Show in Chicago. As a way of announcing that “Lunch is back at Aladdin,” the company had artists on hand to customize their new Lunch & Go lunchboxes, which were introduced at the show. Hundreds of attendees made donations to the national children’s charity in exchange for a customized Aladdin lunchbox. The event was one of several hosted by Aladdin to celebrate the company’s return to the lunchbox category after 17 years.

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