Fall 2013

Eco-Choice Awards for Fall 2013 By Sharon Naylor

Industry’s cutting-edge green products recognized as Eco Choice winners at summer edition of NY Now.

Summer in New York City brought NY NOW back to the Javits Center. Several eco-conscious products were part of the show’s SustainAbility display with the best among them being nominated for and winning the coveted Eco-Choice Awards. The awards are sponsored by NY Now and GREENRetailer magazine.

The SustainAbility display trains the spotlight on green gift and home products. In 2010, NY NOW raised the bar and created a criteria system with ranking codes–SustainAbility1 through SustainAbility3, the top-ranking ‘Degree of SustainAbility’ to indicate the extent to which a product or company meets standards of eco-friendly production practices and materials, fair trade specifications, socially responsible business practices, philanthropy, and other eco-smart indicators. The SustainAbility display is a curated exhibit of products that meets the highest standards of eco-consciousness.

In that vast field of eye-catching, inspiring gift and lifestyle items, just a handful of eco-friendly products were up for online balloting to win elite Eco-Choice Awards in the categories of Most Innovative, Most Sensitive Use of Materials, and Most Sellable.

“These companies represent multiple product categories, but all are committed to running sustainable, socially-conscious businesses,” said Christian Falkenberg, NY NOW director and GLM senior vice president. “From 10 finalists in each of the three competition categories, these eco-friendly products were determined as winners by popular vote.”

“As environmentally conscious gifts become increasingly sought after and even expected, these products show us that the definition of green has been changing over the years,” said Patricia Norins, publisher of GREENRetailer, “They are trendy and edgy – the best combination of function and form. GREENRetailer is delighted to recognize these pioneering companies in keeping with our mission of encouraging cutting-edge developments in the industry.”

Here are the winners and the honorable mention finalists in the three categories:

Sharon Naylor

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