Fall 2013

Eco-Choice Awards for Fall 2013 By Sharon Naylor

Most Sensitive Use of Materials

Winner

Recycled Kantha Wrap Bracelet From WorldFinds (Westmont, IL)
www.worldfinds.com

This fair-trade bracelet is handmade from repurposed Kantha quilts and scraps left over from making larger bags. Textile ribbons are wrapped and twisted for a unique layered look. Worldfinds’ founder and president Kelly Weinberger says the bracelets make for an excellent store display since they are available in assorted colors and patterns.

Each bracelet measures 28 ½” long x 5/8” wide, is finished with a hammered brass hoop and lobster clasp closure. The bracelets are made in India by low-income women artisans working in a cooperative.

Weinberger says the Eco Choice award is great for bringing attention to themselves as a small company, and to spread the word about fair trade jewelry overall. “Hopefully, this will bring even more fair trade jewelry to the market,” she says.

Notables

Free Bird Pendant from Made by Survivors (St. Augustine, FL)
www.madebysurvivors.com

Made by Survivors is an international nonprofit organization employing and educating survivors of slavery and other human rights abuses. The organization breaks gender barriers as it employs women in the traditionally male-dominated metalsmithing industry. This sterling silver Free Bird pendant is on a 16” silver chain with a lobster claw clasp, and is sourced sustainably.

Gourmet Pens from Merrily Made (Cromwell, CT)
www.merrilymade.com

Gourmet pens are themed according to different foodie appreciation categories: beer, cheese, coffee, whiskey and wine, and the pens are made from natural elements from those food categories. For instance, the beer pen uses two different types of hops, including the flower. The pens take a standard Cross ink refill, making them reusable, and eco-conscious.

Sharon Naylor

Naylor is the author of 30 wedding books, including Your Special Wedding Vows and Your Special Wedding Toasts.SharonNaylor.net