Sustainability key focus at New York gift show
Design for a Better World will showcase eco-friendly products
From Home Accents Today -- Kids Today, 4/30/2008 1:16:00 PM
The summer New York International Gift Fair will again offer Sustainability: Design for a Better World, a special curated exhibit and three-part educational program showcasing environmental responsibility with on-trend product design and profitable business practices.
This summer, Sustainability will examine worldwide industry efforts that have an immediate and measurable impact on the health of the planet and its communities. It will explore which countries are supporting ecological efforts and which manufacturers have balanced 21st century technology with eco-friendly means and ways. It also will demonstrate how these humanitarian goals are furthered through commercial design and activity.
"NYIGF's continued commitment to sustainable products and processes -- through both display and education -- mirrors the growth and importance of this issue to our industry and to society at large," said Dorothy Belshaw, senior vice president and NYIGF director. "Our ever-expanding efforts will help to showcase the products and producers who are making a positive impact on our world through their business activities."
The Sustainability display will showcase global gift and home industry suppliers whose products or production processes are eco-friendly, as well as companies whose corporate philosophies are socially responsible, philanthropic or fair-trade oriented.
According to exhibit curator, Ilene Shaw, of Shaw + Co! Productions, three criteria are considered when selecting products for inclusion: "Green" products, manufactured or constructed with only recycled, recyclable and/or sustainable materials; Environmentally friendly production processes, use of alternative sources of energy in production, including wind, sun, and alternative fuels; and Socially responsible business practices, production by indigenous peoples, creation of viable, sustainable trades and markets in developing communities worldwide, or donation of percentage of product sales to not-for-profit organizations.
As a result of this screening process, 85 companies have been accepted to date, and a wide array of tableware, glassware, jewelry, personal care, accessories and furnishings will be featured. A full participant list, including detailed product descriptions, will be posted online at www.nyifg.com after June 1.
A three-part seminar program, addressing sustainable sourcing and product development, global sustainability efforts and activities and authentication and verification of sustainability, will be presented for retailers, manufacturers and designers. All sessions will be held on Monday, Aug. 18, at the Javits Convention Center. Seminars cost $20 in advance and $25 onsite, and advance registration and a complete schedule are available online at www.nyigf.com/programs. The show runs Aug. 16-21.
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