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Housewares Show Green with Eco-chic Products

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written by Amy Le on Wednesday, March 19, 8:56AM

Amy Le
Amy Le
On my lunch break yesterday, I stopped in at the 2008 International Home & Housewares Show to see if there were any new
Ecosource biodegradeable garden pots.
Ecosource biodegradeable garden pots.
gadgets or home accessories worth writing home about. One booth that caught my attention was green-friendly home and garden design company Ecosource. The Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.-based company first left their imprint on the houseware scene two years ago when they debuted their biodegradable garden pots. At this year’s show in Chicago, the environmentally innovative company is moving the industry forward in the “green” revolution with the launch of their new Grēnware table-top line.

When I first noticed Ecosurce’s beautifully rounded bowls and sleek dinner plates atop the white square display tables, I instantly fell in love with the simplicity of the design and the dark earthy colors, which gave the product a very contemporary and elegant look. Grēnware’s slogan on their brochure reads: “Who says you can’t have style and still save the planet?”

The Grēnware table-top line, which includes dinner and appetizer
Ecosource debuted their new Grēnware table-top line at the 2008 Houseware Show.
Ecosource debuted their new Grēnware table-top line at the 2008 Houseware Show.
plates and bowls, are made with renewable plant fiber from coconut, bamboo, straw and rice hulls. Without using any chemical dyes, the products rich colors come from its natural plant cellulose, such as the dark brown from the coconut shell. The products contain no petroleum or plastic, making it both food safe and also completely eco-friendly.

Chad Callihan, co-founder of Ecosource, said the grēnware products have a shelf-life of up to five years, and when it comes time to dispose, they are completely biodegradable. “In today’s market, consumers are spending more time educating themselves on environmental issues, and they aren’t afraid to spend more money on green-friendly products,” Callihan says.

Ecosource’s products won’t burn a hole in your pocket book. Their new Grēnware table-top products retail for $9 to $15 per piece and their flower pots range from $5 to $20. To find a Grēnware retailer near you, check out Ecosourceonline.com list of directories. And if you just want to educate yourself more on environmentally friendly companies, I recommend checking out Co-op America.


Got hot local housing tips or a story you want to share? Contact Amy Le at openingdoorsblog@homescape.com.


Comments

Comment from Not Buying Into the Green Housewares, a Consumer:


So, I barely buy into the whole green thing as it is.  But, if I did, I'm a-okay with energy efficient cars, homes etc...  But housewares such as plates and knick nacks???  Seriously, is the green movement yet another attempt at capitalism in a unsaturated market?
Comment from Chuck (with ecosource), a Consumer:


I totally understand where the writer of the last comment is coming from.  With all the "green-washing" going on out there, every buyer SHOULD beware. 

But there are some, like us, who believe that we can make it easier for consumers to make better choices for the planet.  It isn't about being perfect...we just want shoppers to THINK when they buy and know that there are products out there that are beautiful and affordable...but even better...use no scarce or harmful ingredients and won't fill up the landfills when they're tossed out. 

Like it or not, we've faced that we live in a society that is about consuming...so we want to leverage commerce to raise consciousness.  Americans understand shopping and we believe that they WANT to do better.  So we simply want to find products to make them available.  Our whole business model is based on the premise that if there is a better choice that doesn;t require sacrafice, then American consumers will do the right thing.  If we're able to make a buck while raising awareness, all the better...nobody gets hurt and nothing gets polluted.

 Some people will get it.  Some people just aren't ready.  But the tide is turning...and we want to be a part of helping it.

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