2014 INTERNATIONAL HOME + HOUSEWARES ‘BEST IN SHOW’ GREEN PRODUCTS
Chicago’s International Home + Housewares Show concluded last week with a wide variety of clever and innovative eco-friendly products. After mom and kid testing, k.o. kidz picked the following as our ‘Best in Show’ green products:
Acme Inventions
FreshTape
Initially, I did not see the potential for this product — until I started using it! This USA-made product is the replacement for bread ties, chip clips, rubber bands, and any variety of other junk you use to keep a plastic food bag closed.
FreshTape is stylishly designed, reusable, resealable, and recyclable, FDA-compliant, BPA and phthalate-free tape. It can also be used in the freezer to help protect food from freezer burn and going stale. It’s easy to use for those with arthritis as well as kids – makes clean up a breeze with no more lost clips. Packaging is made from 100% recycled craft paper assembled by adults with disabilities. Love that! So many uses, I wish they sold it on a roll like conventional tape! ($9.99/18 pack)
www.getfreshtape.com
Bedol International Group Inc.
Water Clock
A clock that runs on water?! No batteries or electricity necessary, just ordinary tap water. The patented design features two zinc metal plates that dissolve in tap water to create the “power”.
The zinc metal oxidizing and dissolving into the water is what generates the tiny amount of electric current needed to run the clock. It’s important to note that once the zinc strips are used up, the clock will stop working and replacements are not available. You can extend the life of the clock by cleaning the metal plates with a scour pad like the Skrubby Cloths highlighted below. ($19-$89 desk and wall options available)
www.bedol.com
Blue Avocado
(eco) hip pod & (re) zips
There are lots of collapsible bags out there but I’ve yet to find one that tops the hip pod! Its design is super comfortable and hip as a messenger style (i.e. cross body) bag. It holds up to 20 lbs, is partially made from recycled bottles (PVC, BPA, and lead free of course) AND 1% of profits are donated to ocean research & conservation. ($9.99 size 16.5”x16”h)
We also liked the (re) zips Reusable Storage Bags coming out in June 2014. These bags are made of transparent, food-safe, FDA-grade durable PEVA material and are leak-proof for repeated use. *k.o. kidz will provide a review once available along with other popular reusable storage, snack, and sandwich bags currently on the market. (MSRP $7.99 snack & lunch – 2 pack)
www.blueavocado.com
Living Innovative
Skrubby Cloths
These scouring pads are made from recycled cotton textiles and coated with nylon. Using recycled cotton helps reduce the harsh dyes, pesticides and herbicides of conventional cotton and the energy, water, and human labor required for conventionally and organically grown cotton.
Durable and flexible with brightly colored stripes to match any kitchen decor, skrubby cloths make a chore more enjoyable. ($5.95/3 pack)
www.livinginnovative.com
Recircle Brands
BagUps
The clever BagUps Dispensing System will make you say, “Why didn’t I think of this?” The patented design with certified biodegradable bags allows you to leave the compact box with bags in the bottom of your trash can for easy bag replacement — dispenses like a tissue box! Bags biodegrade in about 2 years versus 1,000+ years for conventional garbage bags.
We also love that BagUps are 100% USA made by veterans and people with disabilities. Both box and bags are eco-friendly so resist the temptation to throw the box in the garbage bag when empty – please recycle or compost to keep it green! ($4.99-$11.99 13, 30, & 40 gallon 17, 15, & 100/box)
www.recirclebrands.com
A complete list of the 2014 “going green” products from the International Home + Housewares Show can be found at: www.housewares.org/show/goinggreen.aspx
*Hey, let’s work together in fighting for a greener planet! Sign up at www.koecolife.com and receive valuable coupons, tips, & product updates. Be sure to follow us on Facebook @K.O.KIDZ for our latest news and events too.
