NYIGF Sustainability Project Showcases Eco-Friendly Resources

Eco-friendly gifts, home and lifestyle products will be showcased at the winter 2013 edition of the New York International Gift Fair (NYIGF) through  the SustainAbility: Design for a Better World program.

In addition to eco-friendly and socially responsible products, the display will showcase sustainable materials and production processes from a selection of exhibitors in Artisan Resource, a new GLM-managed trade show matching artisanal craft producers and production resources with U.S.-based volume importers, direct import retailers and wholesalers, which runs concurrently with NYIGF, Jan. 27-29, 2013, at the Passenger Ship Terminal’s Pier 92.

Since 2007, NYIGF’s green initiative has combined a juried product display, awards for distinctive product design and an educational session addressing sustainable and socially responsible business practices.

The SustainAbility display, curated by Ilene Shaw of Shaw + Co! Productions, will feature some 100 products from 75 NYIGF exhibitors approved for participation, Jan. 26-29, 2013, at New York’s Jacob K. Javits Convention Center. 
Products and companies were selected from hundreds of applicants, based upon established criteria, including the use of eco-friendly products and production processes, as well as socially responsible, philanthropic or fair-trade-oriented business practices. A full SustainAbility participant list, including detailed product descriptions, will be available online, after Dec. 1, at www.nyigf.com.

“NYIGF’s SustainAbility display is a global representation of innovative, multi-category resources,” said Christian Falkenberg, NYIGF director and GLM vice president. “From an amazing array of media, these products have been created for use both indoors and out, in every room of the house.”

Among the wide variety of products selected for the winter 2013 SustainAbility exhibit are: driftwood wall hooks by Areaware, crafted from wood salvaged from New York State beaches; the “Archival Perfect Settings” placemat pads by Cake Vintage Table & Home, with 50 tear-off sheets made of 100 percent recycled craft paper and soy-based inks; the Eco Teether by Greenpoint Brands made from biodegradable, plant-based resin; “Dawn Redwood Tree-to-Be” growing kit, made of recycled materials by Potting Shed Creations Ltd.; and macramé bowls by Shiraleah, which are handmade in India of jute and recycled metal wire.

Once again, retailers will be invited to cast Eco Choice Awards ballots online in advance of market week from Dec. 1 through Jan. 4 at www.giftshopmag.com/votegreen. The three award categories are Most Innovative, Most Sensitive Use of Materials and Most Sellable.