Jul 9, 2015
Thirty finalists to compete for three Eco Choice Awards

Online voting open through July 31 at giftshopmag.com/votegreen

From a pool of nearly 120 contenders, thirty finalists will compete for the 12th semi-annual Eco Choice Awards, a green products initiative co-sponsored by NY NOWthe Market for Home, Lifestyle + Gift and GREENRetailer magazine. Online voting is open through July 31 at www.giftshopmag.com/votegreen, with winners to be announced in three categories — Most Sellable, Most Innovative and Most Sensitive Use of Materials — on August 14.

“Over the years we have seen an increasing adoption of eco-friendly business practices spurred on by a growing consumer awareness of green products,” said Randi Mohr, NY NOW co-director and vice president. “The popular balloting that determines our Eco Choice Award winners allows the industry, as well as consumers, to vote for their favorite products.”

The ten finalists in the “Most Innovative” category include: Balsa Pearl Jewelry by Beq Pettina; Bamboo Straws from Bambu; Recycled Kraft Paper Shopping Bag Large from BE HOME; Bi-Polar from California Clock Co., Reclaimed Plywood and Bamboo Candleholders from ESCLUSSO; Craft Lights from FunnyFish Inc.; Oropuro from Oropopo; 1253 Jetblue Backpack from Portage Worldwide Inc.; Wane Pendant Lampshade from Stinson Studios Inc.; and 78 rpm Clock from Vinylux.

In the “Most Sensitive Use of Materials” category, the ten finalists are: Drinking Giraffe Bowl from Acacia Creations; Letterpress Library — Instruments from Albertine Press; Batik Pom Pom Pillow Thailand by Lumily; “Bicycle Lights” Art block from MKC PHOTOGRAPHY; Glass Mosaic Flower Vase from Noah’s Ark International; Huari Textile from Peruvian Imports; Vintage Heirloom Rugs and Pillows from Shupaca; tonlé Takeo Pillow Covers – Tribal Denim from Sprout Enterprise; Skyhook from Tegu; Embossed Faux Suede Tote Bag from The Underground Chic.

The ten finalists in the “Most Sellable” category are: Traditional Grass Peace Basket from Azizi Life; Scrappy Dog Stuffed Animal Making Kit from Cate and Levi; Immersion Pendant from Emilie Shapiro Contemporary Metals; Mouse on Tricycle Cup from Kata Golda; Texting Mitten from Look At Me Designs; The Birds Napkin Rings + Napkins from LUprints; PIPEROID animals from Magnote; Trio of Yew Wood Hand-Turned Bowls (wood from Brooklyn Botanic Garden) from Phil Gautreau Wood Design LLC; Sertodo Ayurveda Bedside set from Sertodo Copper; and Multicolored Cork Classic Tote with Cork Tassel from Spicer Bags.

The finalists were drawn from products selected for inclusion in the SustainAbility: design for a better world display at the summer 2015 edition of NY NOW, to be held August 15-19, at New York City’s Jacob K. Javits Convention Center. Now in its sixth year, the program attracted 258 entries across NY NOW’s three collections — HOME, LIFESTYLE and HANDMADE. The display’s strict qualifying standards recognize the increasing importance of eco-friendly production processes and socially-respectful business practices. Additional qualifications include products that are manufactured or constructed with only recycled, recyclable and/or sustainable materials, have no VOCs or toxins and do not waste nor contaminate water in the manufacturing process.

Within the exhibit, curated by Ilene Shaw of Shaw + Co! Productions, each product will be displayed along with details about their provenance and production process. These “back-stories” will detail the green elements of the production process, including the use of renewable or alternative sources of energy in production, including wind, sun, and alternative fuels.

As a complement to the display and the Eco Choice Awards, “Selling Sustainability Through Provenance,” will be presented on Monday, August 17, at NY NOW. The seminar will discuss how stories about people, production processes and business practices are increasingly helping to sell sustainable products.  The panel discussion will explore how consumers’ consideration of a product’s provenance — from design, to funding, to production, to marketing and sales –is injecting humanity into the process, materials and products. Moderator Susan Szenasy, editor/publisher of METROPOLIS, will lead the discussion with designer Kiel Mead of Kiel Mead Designs; marketer Joanne Domeniconi of The Grommet; and retailer Rachel Shechtman of Story. Tickets are $20 advance/$25 onsite and can be purchased online at www.nynow.com.

The summer 2015 edition of NY NOW, the Market for Home, Lifestyle + Gift, will run Saturday, August 15, through Wednesday, August 19, 2015, at New York City’s Jacob K. Javits Convention Center. NY NOW’s three comprehensive collections – HOME, LIFESTYLE and HANDMADE, as well as NEW! exhibitors – encompass 100,000 products in myriad product categories. Attendees from all 50 states and around the world are expected.

Information and registration is available online at www.nynow.com.




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