Nov 6, 2008

Exhibits, seminars focus on green issues at NYIGF

(WHITE PLAINS, NY) — Taking “green” product design further into the mainstream is the focus of SustainAbility: design for a better world, a special curated exhibit and three-part educational program returning to the 156th semi-annual New York International Gift Fair (NYIGF), January 25-29, 2009. This signature program will enter its third year providing gift and home retailers information and inspiration about balancing environmental responsibility with stylish product design and profitable business practices.

“NYIGF’s continued commitment to sustainable products and processes – through both display and education – mirrors the growth and importance of this issue to our industry and to society at large,” said Dorothy Belshaw, Senior Vice President and NYIGF Director. “Our ever-expanding efforts will help to showcase the gift and home products and producers who are making a positive impact on our world through their business activities.”

This January, the SustainAbility display will showcase 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.

Exhibit curator, Ilene Shaw, of Shaw + Co! Productions, considers three criteria when selecting products for inclusion: “Green” products, manufactured or constructed with only recycled, recyclable and/or sustainable materials; Environmentally-friendly production processes, use of alternative sources of energy in production, including wind, sun, and alternative fuels; and Socially-responsible business practices, production by indigenous peoples, creation of viable, sustainable trades and markets in developing communities worldwide, or donation of percentage of product sales to not-for-profit organizations.

As a result of this rigorous screening process, some 130 companies have been accepted for participation and a wide array of tableware, glassware, jewelry, personal care, accessories and furnishings will be featured. “Notable trends this cycle include an increase in international and Fair Trade products, as well as items produced in underdeveloped communities,” said Shaw. “The exhibit also will feature more recycled papers and stationery companies, more 100% organic fabrics and soft goods and lots of reusable totes in a variety of styles.”

Product highlights include the durable, reusable and recyclable Folding Chopstick Basket, manufactured by Kwytza Kraft in Oregon from discarded disposable chopsticks; the Brownstone Doll House, a fully recyclable cardboard dollhouse designed and manufactured by Our Children’s Gorilla to inspire imaginative child’s play; and Wine Tags made with organic and natural ingredients by Blue Barnhouse letterpress and design studio in North Carolina, on presses operated by hand. A full participant list, including detailed product descriptions, will be posted online at www.nyigf.com by December 1.

In addition to the exhibit, a three-part seminar program will be presented for retailers, manufacturers and designers. In addition to providing the basics on green business practices, these sessions delve further into how green products are successfully sourced and sold today, and in the future. All sessions will be held at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in conjunction with NYIGF. Seminars cost $20 in advance and $25 onsite, and advance registration is available online at www.nyigf.com/programs. “It’s Easy Being, Building, Buying & Selling Green” will be presented on Monday, January 26, 12-1:30 p.m. This lively one-on-one interview with a leading environmentalist and Susan Szenasy, editor-in-chief of Metropolis Magazine, explores how one person’s passion for great green projects and products guides a commitment to environmental issues and opportunities. With detailed how-to information, the speakers will demonstrate exactly why and how anyone and everyone can make the commitment to go green.

On Tuesday, January 27, from 8:30-10 a.m., Mark McMenamin, senior editor of Interior Design, will moderate “The Color of Money… Adopting Green Business Practices for Higher Profits.” A panel of global environmental leaders from science-based marketing firms will explore business practices – from production processes through consumer marketing strategies – that can help businesses compete and succeed in today’s green marketplace, and discuss clear communication and positioning methods and explore sustainable purchasing and business practices.

Later that day, from 12-1:30 p.m., an informative seminar, “Get Real… Green Verification and Certification” will help retailers make successful choices and avoid the frauds by teaching how to distinguish “green” from “greenwash.” The discussion, led by Patricia Norins, publisher of Green Retailer and GIFT SHOP magazines, will cover market research, as well as environmental certification standards.

NYIGF is the nation’s premier gift and home accessory marketplace, with 2,900+ exhibitors featuring an extraordinary breadth and depth of design-driven home fashion products and complementary giftware. NYIGF is held concurrently with Home Textiles Market Week at NYIGF (at the Javits Center and Passenger Ship Terminal Piers 90, 92 & 94), 230 Fifth Avenue and 7 West 34th Street. Some 36,000 buyers from around the world are expected to attend. Additional information and registration is available at www.nyigf.com.