Spring 2013

Eco-Choice Awards for Spring 2013 By Sue Marquette Poremba

Most Sellable

Winner

Recycled Glass To-Go Tumbler from Aladdin, a brand of PMI
www.pmi-worldwide.com

Aladdin has been creating lifestyle products since 1908, starting with Aladdin lamps and moving on to items like licensed-character lunch boxes. The company has been dedicated to developing green products since 2006 with the introduction of its Aladdin Sustain line of mugs and lunch-storage items made of recycled plastics.

However, consumers are looking to glass more and more as a solution for not just storage in the kitchen but for beverages too, according to Nancy Staltman, Event and Trade Show Coordinator with PMI. “Glass is a highly sustainable material as it can be recycled and reused over and over again, and we believe it’s a great addition to our collection to satisfy those needs.” That led to the Recycled Glass To-Go Tumbler, which was awarded the 2013 Eco-Award for Most Sellable.

The To-Go Tumbler is the company’s first recycled glass item. “We’re so excited to see it so well received in the industry and are eagerly anticipating the launch to our consumers this spring,” Staltman says.

Notables

Tote Bag With Cutout Handles from FunkyJunk Recycled, presented by Hipcycle (Ocean, NJ)
www.hipcycle.com

Designed by Debbie Watkins, and manufactured by FunkyJunk in Cambodia with reclaimed plastic bags. This product is created exclusively using “upcycled” products. Upcycling is the process of making new products from waste. The bags are cleaned, dried, and made by hand in low-energy processes. Based on the growing demand for this product since its August introduction, 16 Cambodians now have employment.

Bundle of Organic Burpies from Zebi Baby
www.zebibaby.com

Manufactured by Zebi Baby in China using certified organic cotton. These burp cloths are made with 100% certified organic cotton, and packaged with recycled kraft paper. This company meets or exceeds local fair wage and working condition standards. It donates 10% of net profits to Mama Jeanne’s Orphanage in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Africa.

Sue Marquette Poremba

Sue Marquette Poremba is a freelance writer based in State College, PA. She specializes in technology, engineering, energy, and IT security topics. She has also published over a dozen essays and is the author of a book about the Philadelphia Phillies.