By Karen R.
“Green” was a big winner at the summer 2011 New York International Gift Fair (NYIGF.) Of some 200 participants in the “SustainAbility: design for a better world®” display, seven have been designated as achieving SustainAbility3 – the highest level of sustainability for their products, production processes and business practices.
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.
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/manufacturer complies with these standards. Ilene Shaw of Shaw&Co!Productions curates the exhibit and designates each participants’ ranking. She has devoted her 20-year career to the advocacy of good design.
“These companies incorporate sustainability on multiple levels, by using renewable resources and manufacturing with alternative energy sources,” said 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 produced by 80 Acres of McEvoy Ranch in Petaluma, California, is made using ingredients derived from plants which have high crop yields and are organically grown without herbicides, pesticides or bleach. It is free of parabens and phthalates. With refreshing citrus essential oils and hints of neroli, vetiver and jasmine, Blood Orange evokes the citrus groves and wild jasmine that grow on the ranch. The bottles are made from a minimum of 50% post consumer recycled content, and the boxes are composed of 100% post-consumer recycled paper. McEvoy Ranch operates a wind turbine designed to meet 100% 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 women 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. They combine a passion for the deep-rooted cultures and handmade traditions of the developing world with a commitment to building profitable businesses. Environmentally sound practices are at the foundation of their methodology. 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. All of annie|catherine’s products are made by your friends and neighbors right here in the USA. All incorporate recycled materials and/or paper. In addition, by continually donating to organizations that enrich the lives of others, annie|catherine continues to nurture the people and ideals they care so deeply about. www.anniecatherine.com
Carolina Canines for Veterans by Harry Barker
For three New York International Gift Fairs, Harry Barker has been the only pet product company selected for their special exhibition – SustainAbility: Design for a Better World. 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 includes a full array of eco-friendly products: beds, blankets, toys, 100% 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. “Harry Barker was born from the belief that pets are part of our families and that they deserve the best the world has to offer.” 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
Alegria was created to showcase the work of a diverse and remarkably talented group of artists and craftspeople. 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% 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. They donate 100% of all after-tax profits to an organization that provides health care and schooling to Brazilian children in need. 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 the 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. Find them on facebook and twitter. www.tayeveryday.com
SustainAbility: design for a better world was on display in the Javits Center North Connector from Saturday, August 13 through Wednesday, August 17. For more information visit: http://nyigf.com/TheShow/Sustainability.aspx.
