October 2009: Volume 6, Issue 2

The first semi-annual ECO CHOICE AWARDS
These awards, sponsored by NYIGF® and GREENRetailer, recognized the most innovative, environmentally responsible products found within NYIGF’s SustainAbility: design for a better world® exhibit. Awards were given in the categories of “Most Innovative,” “Most Sensitive Use of Materials” and “Most Sellable”.

Vanishing Creatures Chocolates by Vanishing Creatures
Winner – Most Innovative
These organic artisanal chocolates take the shape of an endangered animal – polar bear, koala, elephant, hippo and gorilla – and the packaging then transforms into either a candle holder or bird feeder. A sterling example of creative reuse, this multi-purpose gift leaves virtually no waste. www.vanishingcreatureschocolate.com. Accent on Design®

Eco Staple-Free Stapler by Made by Humans
Finalist – Most Innovative
Instead of using metal, this stapler cuts out a tiny strip of paper and uses it to stitch together as many as five individual pages. Available in a range of 12 opaque and transparent colors, they fit any office décor. The packaging, also eco-friendly, is also made from 100% recycled paper and PET. www.madebyhumans.net. General Gift

45rpm Record Mirror by Vinylux
Finalist – Most Innovative
Black is the new green at the Vinylux workshop in Philadelphia. About 150,000 45rpm records, or 19 tons of material, are recycled and reused annually to create decorative accessories like this mirror. Non-toxic adhesives and low VOC paint are used to minimize environmental impact, and recycled packaging is included. www.vinylux.net. Handmade®

Gold Bar by Lulan™ Artisans
Winner – Most Sensitive Use of Materials
These 100% all natural silk pillows are hand crafted at every step – weaving, washing, and finishing – resulting in a tight weave with a subtle iridescence. The entire process is earth-friendly, from the use of organic materials, to the manufacturing process utilizing cooperative electricity, to the recyclable packaging. Community artisans in Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Vietnam and India create them under Fair Trade arrangements. www.lulan.com. Handmade

Recycled Paper Side Tables by Shiraleah
Finalist – Most Sensitive Use of Materials
Just like all of Shiraleah’s fun-yet-responsible home accessories, these funky tables have a compelling back story. Vietnamese artisans, employing a traditional coiling technique, create them from the colorful, glossy pages of recycled magazines which would otherwise clutter the landfills. www.shiraleah.com. General Gift

Organic Bowl by TOUCH
Finalist – Most Sensitive Use of Materials
Brazilian artist Domingos Totora used just one material, recycled craft paper, to create this strikingly complex bowl. At his studio in Maria da Fe, a non-traditional water system which minimizes energy use is utilized to manufacture this product. Through his collaboration with TOUCH, 30 families are supported with jobs, education, and a health center, and they donate one percent of revenues to 1% for the Planet. www.do-not-touch.com. Accent on Design

Dog Bath Products by lani - dig your dog™
Winner – Most Sellable
Lani was a dog loved by the creators of these premium dog bath products. Three collections, each containing shampoo, conditioner and body spray, are named for the places dogs “dig;” BEACH, PARK and WOODS. The products are all natural, hypo-allergenic, sulfate and dye-free, and made in the USA with luxurious natural oils and extracts. The company donates a portion of proceeds to no-kill humane societies, and sponsors pet-friendly events. www.lanidigyourdog.com. General Gift

Baby Mantra Shirts by Myklo Designs
Finalist – Most Sellable
Inspiring children to grow, dream, and fly from their earliest years, these infant tees from Myklo Designs are printed on 100% organic cotton, and silkscreened by hand with natural, toxin-free inks. The original sayings on each are meant to be read aloud to baby, introducing them to a world of limitless possibilities. The included display hangers are made of 100% recycled and recyclable materials. www.myklodesigns.com. General Gift

Glory for Girls Body and Skin Care Products by Glory for All, Inc.
Finalist – Most Sellable
Girls of all ages can enjoy this line, which includes Everyday Face & Body Wash, Everyday Face & Body Lotion, Clarifying Pads, and Coconut Scrub. Made in the USA entirely of natural and organic ingredients, there are no artificial colors, parabens, phthalates, sulfates, or any known hormone disruptors which may affect developing girls. Instead, it’s full of good stuff which smells great, like chamomile, pink grapefruit, bergamot, lavender, and honeysuckle. www.gloryforgirls.com. EX•TRACTS®

Details about summer 2009 Eco Choice Awards winners and finalists, and other informative articles on green retail, appear in the Fall issue of GREENRetailer/GIFT SHOP.

The New York International Gift Fair is owned and managed by GLM, LLC.
Register to attend, or apply to exhibit, at www.nyigf.com.