WHITE PLAINS, N.Y.—The latest installment of SustainAbility: design for a better world at January’s New York International Gift Fair will feature some 100 products from 75 exhibitors approved for participation. Products and companies were selected from hundreds of applicants and were based upon such criteria as the use of eco-friendly products and production processes, as well as socially responsible, philanthropic or fair-trade oriented business practices. It was curated by Ilene Shaw of Shaw + Co! Productions.
Since 2007, the fair’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. A full SustainAbility list of these newest participants, along with detailed product descriptions, will be available online, after Dec. 1, 2012, at 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 products to be seen 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 kraft paper and soy based inks; and macramé bowls by Shiraleah which are handmade in India of jute and recycled metal wire.
In addition, the display also will showcase sustainable materials and production processes from selected exhibitors in Artisan Resource, a new GLM-managed tradeshow 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.
A related educational program, titled “Locally Made – A Catalyst for Innovation in Sustainability,” will be presented on Monday, Jan. 28, from noon to 1:30 p.m. A panel of “buy local” experts will discuss how they have created a network of resources and tools to improve their physical and social environments. Advance registration is available online at nyigf.com/programs.