Fall 2013
Eco-Choice Awards for Fall 2013 By Sharon Naylor

Most Innovative

Winner

Three-Rose Braided Necklace from Calamarie (Miami, FL)
www.calamarie.com

This necklace is made from natural seeds and dried orange peels collected from Colombian juice vendors. Designer Catalina Lemaitre works closely with women artisans in Colombia and incorporates traditional techniques and recycled materials. “I just fell in love with orange peel,” says Lemaitre. “It provides an element of surprise, that something so unusual can be made from orange peel and seeds. It’s entirely sensory; you have to smell it (it smells like oranges,) feel it, touch it. It provides a sense of wonder.” With the ability to refresh the traditional “work wardrobe,” Lemaitre says that the handmade necklace, which comes in recycled packaging, is made without use of harsh chemicals and processes.

“It’s wonderful that NY NOW and GREENRetailer sponsor such a contest, it signals a need for even more of these products,” Lemaitre says. “We want to buy what we love, something beautiful. It makes us feel good, makes us feel like we’re doing good. And that doesn’t have to be mutually exclusive.”

Notables

Peel-and-Stick Planking from Stikwood (Sacramento, CA)
www.stikwood.com

Stikwood’s peel-and-stick solid wood planking offers a radical new approach to modern wood wall décor that transforms the look and feel of a room quickly and cost-efficiently. Stikwood is made in the USA with VOC-free materials that are eco-friendly and sustainable. The planking is available in trendy chevron, zigzag, horizontal and vertical designs. Stikwood also welcomes buyers to submit their own design or pattern for a personalized peel-and-stick wall décor motif.

Felt pods from flip & tumble (Berkeley, CA)
www.flipandtumble.com

Felt pods are made with 100% recycled felt. The collection of 6.5” diameter green, orange or gray warm and fuzzy pods keep smaller potted plants cozy and add a pop of color to any room. The pods are fully lined with plastic to retain water, and come with a water dropper for easy watering.