Check out the article below which I found here. If you love being eco-friendly then this will definitely be of interest to you!
Recently, Toronto’s Fluf was awarded NYIGF’s Highest “SustainAbility” Status!
Fluf, a Toronto-based design and manufacturing company, has received the New York International Gift Fair’s® (NYIGF®) “SustainAbility3″ designation for its Soft Bin. The designation is the NYIGF’s highest level of sustainability honour for products, production processess and business practices.
Fluf’s Soft Bin is one seven products selected for the designation from the 250 products chosen to be featured in the SustainAbility: design for a better world® display at the Winter 2012 edition of the show. The Soft Bin is a handmade, 13″ x 9″ storage container made of original fabrics that are silk-screened with water-based pigments. Its base is a non-toxic, eco-friendly blend of 55% hemp and 45% organic cotton. The packaging includes FSC-certified paper and 100% recycled materials. Fluf is GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard)-certified, and is a member of 1% for the Planet. It supports World Wildlife Fund, Ecojustice and the Wildlands League.
NYIGF’s “Degrees of SustainAbility” initiative outlines industry-specific criteria for identification of green products and producers. A three-tiered ranking—SustainAbility1 through SustainAbility3—indicates the extent to which a product/producer complies with these standards. Ilene Shaw of Shaw+Co! curates the exhibit and determines each participants’ ranking.
The other six companies/products to receive a SustainAbility3 designation are:
Bungalow360 Canvas Tote by Bungalow360: Water-based inks are used to embellish natural canvas bags, which are available in a range of sizes and complemented by a line of accessories. This company engages in several “green” business practices: using solar energy in its warehouse; composting and recycling; using hybrid vehicles; maintaining a work garden; and donating a set of solar panels each year to a non-profit group.
Shea Butter Body Cream by Elizabeth W: Hand-crafted in San Francisco, this vegetable-based product is paraben- and phytalate-free. The container can be reused or recycled. The packaging material is sourced from sustainably-managed forests and can be recycled. All packaging is letter pressed in-house with vintage Heidelberg letterpresses. The company participates regularly in charitable events and supports charities across the country.
Sueno Recycled Aluminum by Mariposa: This handmade tableware collection is crafted from 100% recycled aluminum. Established 20 years ago, this company was one of the first “green” manufacturing facilities in Mexico. The factory was certified by the Mexican government in December 2010, and is part of the first “green” industrial park in the country, Ciudad Industrial Xicohtencatl I. To qualify for this distinction, the entire management team had to be certified in environmental quality.
Modern-Twist Studio Line by Modern-Twist: This line of coasters and trivets is crafted from non-porous, germ-free FDA grade silicone. It is free of BPA, lead, latex, phthalates and other harsh chemicals. It is 100% recyclable through designated silicone recycling plants in the United States, and the packaging also is recycled and recyclable. This company supports the WAGES (Women’s Action to Gain Economic Security) cooperative by creating healthy, dignified jobs for low-income women.
Hand-carved Wooden Bowls and Stools by PATS: These products are made from wood sourced from small communal forests in the Amazon in Peru. The forests are harvested using Sustainable Forest Management Plans of 20-30 years rotation. On average, only one tree per acre is harvested to allow for natural regeneration. PATS (Partnership and Technology for Sustainability) is a non-profit organization that employs 30 full-time artisans from the Yanesha Indigenous Community.
Eco Collections by the Sugoi Group: This company represents a high quality collection of “green” products which are produced ethically, including the reusable bamboo “spork” utensil made from sustainably-harvested bamboo by U Konserve; the organic hemp Kombucha bag designed by EarthLust; and a line of men’s ties made of reclaimed redwood by Wood Thumb. The company ensures that the companies it works with are diligent about personally overseeing their manufacturing processes and safety testing.
NYIGF’s SustainAbility: design for a better world® was launched in 2007 to showcase global gift, home and lifestyle suppliers whose products and/or production processes are eco-friendly, as well as companies whose business practices are socially responsible, philanthropic or fair-trade oriented. A zero-tolerance policy was enacted for any products with VOC; lead (for baby, children and food-related products0; aniline dyes, formaldehyde and chlorine (for textiles); and PVC, without recommendation for use and disposal.
SustainAbility: design for a better world® will be on display in the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center’s North Connector from Saturday, January 29th through Wednesday, February 1. A complete list of winter 2012 display participants and product descriptions is available online at http://nyigf.com/TheShow/Sustainability.aspx.
For more information, click here to visit the website where I got this article from! Very interesting news!
