At least once a year, I try to visit NY NOW (formerly NYIGF) to check out new sustainable products. My first stop is always the sustainability display near the entrance area. It showcases environmentally-friendly and socially-responsible products and companies. The amount of curated designs seemed smaller than previous years but I noticed that many sustainable products were manufactured in the USA. I hope that this trend will continue since I try to support local designers as much as I can. Buying local cuts back on energy for transportation and supports local economies. As always, it was fascinating to meet the designers and learn about the stories behind their products.
Following are my favorite eco-chic finds:
1. The Giving Bowl - handmade by Lorraine Oerth & Co.
All colorful and cute mini-bowls (about 2” in diameter) are handmade in Virginia of earthenware clay with very little waste. They come in a hand sewn muslin bag that’s printed with low-VOC screen ink and 10% of the profits support animals rescue charities. Every tiny bowl has a word glazed inside like 'breathe', 'thank you', or 'it is what it is' as a way to express a sentiment.
A big collection of fun and sustainable pillow dolls features historical figures such as Frida Kahlo, George Washington, or Coco Chanel and is handmade in Massachusetts. The whimsical and super cute illustrations are created by the owner Chen Reichert. They are printed with water-based inks on a cotton/linen fabric and come with a recycled polyester stuffing.
These modern and bold looking coasters are made from FSC-certified birchwood from Scandinavia. Other eco-friendly Horizon designs by LUprints include contemporary looking pillows, placemats, and teatowels made of 55% linen/45% cotton. The styles are inspired by Scandinavian designs that are then hand screenprinted with eco-friendly inks and sewn in Canada.
4. Nested Hens - crafted by GreenTree Home Candle.
Every charming beeswax candle is hand poured from 100% pure beeswax at the design studio in Central New York and comes with a gift box made of recycled material. Other spring themed candles include sets of eggs in muted colors like robin’s egg blue, celadon, butter cream and caramel. These clean burning candles are part of the vintage inspired collection and add warmth to any home décor.
5. Fantastic Beach Toys - designed by Ceci Gomez and manufactured by Zöe b Organic.
The colorful beachtoys are made in the USA from Mirel bioplastic. If the toys are left on the beach and washed out into the ocean they will fully biodegrade (as you can see in the picture) in 2-3 years. That’s because they are made from plants and not petroleum like conventional plastic. The 5-pieces set includes a bucket, sifter/lid, shovel, and 2 cups and comes in turquoise/lime or pink/orange colors.
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