Always on the lookout for new contemporary and sustainable designs I visit NYIGF (New York International Gift Fair) twice a year. That’s how I discovered the modern and colorful eco-designs by California based Wabisabi Green. What caught my eye were the bold designs and beautiful colors of the home decor line. It’s no surprise that the owner started out as a graphic designer. The company has solid green principles that include the use of eco-friendly materials such as recycled polyester and organic cotton to minimize their impact on the environment. Using recycled polyester keeps plastic out of landfills and in the process reduces the impact of toxins in our water, soil and air. The choice of organic cotton over traditional cotton supports organic farming which doesn’t use insecticides and pesticides. Both materials are not only better for our eco-system but also humans who produce and use them.
Wabisabi Green was founded in 2008 with the collection of Eco Art Throw Pillows and the Art To Table linen line. The pillows make great accents in modern eco-homes with their shore and botanicals inspired motifs such as sand dollars, jellyfish, or dahlia. I’m always attracted to design that brings the outdoor inside. They come in Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certified organic cotton or recycled polyester-organic cotton blend fabric. The pillow insert is a 100% hypoallergenic eco fiber made from recycled plastic bottles.
At NYIGF the designer Jolee Pink introduced her eco-friendly table runners made from recycled polyester-organic cotton fabric that are hand printed with water-based ink. They come in seven different designs that coordinate with her existing napkin and placemats. Everything is designed and produced in America. Jolee mentioned to me at the tradeshow that her next project is a book about coastal tabletop design and sustainable food dishes. I can’t wait to see it all come together. It’s always great to meet someone with a contagious passion for sustainability and design.