NY Gift Fair Looking for Sustainable Ways Forward

Trade shows are often places where you realize there is tons of man-made stuff that exists that begs the question why? The NY Gift Fair is no different. Wandering the two giant exhibition halls, there is no shortage of manufactured plastic stuff, and things imported from far away places. Which is a bit of a problem in terms of sustainability.

Now in its third year SustainAbility: Design for a Better World is an exhibition hosted by the Fair showcasing 175 environmentally-conscious and socially-responsible products. Selection is based upon “green” products manufactured or constructed with only recycled, recyclable and/or sustainable materials; environmentally-friendly production processes, or the use of alternative sources of energy in production; and socially-responsible business practices.

We were drawn to some of the smaller items like the jewelry by Claudia Garzesi of the Recycled Planet Store. Her bracelets shown were made of recycled newspaper and nontoxic glue by artisans in developing areas of Brazil.