From nearly 125 products selected for NY NOW’s SustainAbility: design for a  better world exhibit, 30 have been named finalists in the 10th semi-annual Eco Choice Awards (voting in three Award categories runs through July 25 and four companies selected for the display have achieved NY NOW’s highest “Degrees of SustainAbility” status.

“NY NOW’s SustainAbility rankings highlight the most exceptional companies in terms of eco-friendly product design and socially-responsible business practices,” said Christian Falkenberg, NY NOW director and senior vice president. “The Eco Choice Awards allows retailers to select their favorite ‘green’ products that will be showcased at NY NOW this August.”

Degrees of SustainAbility

From nearly 75 companies and 125 products accepted for the summer 2014 SustainAbility: design for a better world exhibit, only four have been designated as achieving NY NOW’s SustainAbility3, the top-ranking level for eco-friendly and socially-responsible products, production processes and business practices.

NY NOW’s “Degrees of SustainAbility” initiative outlines industry-specific criteria for identification of green products and producers, with a three-tiered rating – SustainAbility1 through SustainAbility3 –indicating the extent to which a product/producer complies with these standards. Ilene Shaw of Shaw+Co! curates the exhibit and designates each participant’s ranking.

The four companies designated with the highest SustainAbility3 ranking, and their corresponding products, for August 2014 include: Anointment Natural Skin Care for its certified organic skin and body care products; Ecojot for its “app ready” notebooks made of 100% recycled paper and board; 80 Acres of McEvoy Ranch for its Cedar Olive Oil collection featuring soap, salt scrub, and body balm made with organic essential oils; and Marianne’s Solmate Socks for its adult and children’s lines of socks made from recycled cotton yarns.

These SustainAbility3 designated products will be identified by special signage in the display at NY NOW.

NY NOW