eBar Organic

eBar's are bite-sized organic energy snacks made with exotic Brazilian fruits. This healthy treat's open face window box allows for easy viewing and the uncoated cardboard packaging makes the recycling process much easier. eBars parent company, BioBrazilProducts, has created a name for themselves on the global marketplace by offering only organics goods and ebar's are one of their main brand ventures in the states. 

Taza Chocolate

Taza Chocolate "is the only maker of 100% stone ground chocolate in the United States."

I first saw Taza Chocolate at Urban Rustic, an organic grocery store in Brooklyn which features many local and independent merchants. With so many interesting and original products, Urban Rustic keeps customers in the know with descriptive signs and images that explain many of their unique items. I was looking at a color diagram hanging above Taza Chocolate and then came across the round bar. I had never seen a round chocolate bar before and that alone was enough to get me interested. Later, thanks to their website, I found out that the shape of the bar is made to mimic the circular shape of the grinding stone used in producing the sweet treat. This circular packaging, (made from post consumer recycled materials) as well as it's distinctive shape, allows the chocolate bar to step "outside the box."

Taza's informative explanation of their round chocolate bar, featured at Urban Rustic.

2008 Pratt Show

  In the Spring 2008 issue of Pratt's magazine Prattfolio, Debera Johnson the academic director of sustainability writes, "In September 2007, Pratt was awarded a 3-year, $475,000 grant from the U.S. government's Fund to Improve Post-Secondary Education (FIPSE). [They] were the only institution to receive a grant to "green" its academic programs and only three percent of the applicants received funding." This Green Grant is helping Pratt to teach its students about understanding environmental sustainability in relation to the student's chosen profession. 

At this year's 2008 Pratt show in Manhattan, it was clear that the "green" sustainable teaching was underway. Biodegradable, organic and recyclable materials were the main trends I saw in the student's Packaging Design work. It is great to know that these future designers will have the skills needed to work in our chaotic ever-changing world. Check out some of the Packaging Design I saw at this year's Pratt Show.

 

 

  

sustainable nyc

Exploring the East Village on the weekend I came upon sustainable nyc, A shop full of eco friendly products and packaging. Additionally the store offers EcoWorkshops, creative classes breathing second life into packaging.

Sustainable NYC
147 Ave A (9th St)
(212)254.5400

Allow Tea to Elevate Your Spirit

T Salon located in the Chelsea Market serves up a wide variety of loose teas, organic foods and an inspiring green global campaign. T Salon is committed to helping the planet in any way they can. All of their packaging is made from recycled paper and uses non-toxic soy ink. When ordering food to-go or an iced tea at T Salon, it comes in a 100% biodegradable corn made plastics cup. They say on there website, "Corn plastics are better then traditional petroleum-based plastics because when they are formed, they do not release toxic chemicals into our vulnerable atmosphere." Miriam Novalle is the founder and CEO of T Salon. She is a New York native and has been dubbed the "Tea Guru". T Salon brings you the best of all worlds, the healing power of tea, it's delicious tastes and fragrances, earth friendly packaging, and a company dedicated to helping our ever changing global environment. Check out there morning yoga classes and their afternoon tea parties. 

Compostable Corn Cups @ Ella Cafe

Ella Cafe serves delicious organic foods and fresh squeezed juices. I went to brunch at Ella this past weekend and before I left, I ordered a water to-go. It arrived at my table in a cup that read, "This cup is made from corn and is 100% Compostable." Ella Cafe is an environmentally conscious hipster hangout located on Bedford Ave. in Williamsburg. 

skinnyskinny at Earth Day NY 2008

Over the weekend I discovered skinnyskinny, a NY based company that makes organic soaps and body products.

They had a booth at Earth Day NY and was very impressed with their organic product line, use of recycled and reclaimed materials, biodegradable packaging, business ethics and the eye catching graphics. Their gift sets packaging is a great idea!