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April 2015

Green Issue

Safety and Sustainability: Products That "Green" the Environment

This year marks the 45th annual "Earth Day", which was begun in 1970 to highlight environmental concerns. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), great strides have been made in the area of air quality. Whether you are comparing 1980 to 2013 or 2000 to 2013, all measures have improved. This table shows some examples of the reductions in concentrations of common pollutants:

% Change in
air quality
1980 vs. 2013
Carbon Monoxide (CO) -84
Ozone (O3) -33
Lead (Pb) -92
Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) -58
Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) -81
(Click to see complete chart)

Events such as Earth Day raise awareness of the need to conserve and repurpose, while moving away from production methods which are harmful. In our annual "Green Issue" we highlight manufacturers who are consciously using environmentally friendly materials and processes in producing their products.

One toymaker with an eye to safe and environmentally friendly materials is Atlanta-based Jack Rabbit Creations.

Jack Rabbit Creations toys are made from safe, renewable materialsThe company's heirloom quality toys are made from wood, paper, and cotton and painted with non-toxic paints. All products are also tested to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards so they are safe.

According to Calypso Studios, "Cork is the new leather!"

New Cork Tote by Calypso Studios The company has introduced a new Cork Collection, which has as its signature piece a 14.5-in by 13" tote ($14 wholesale, $35 MSRP). It is light-weight, water-resistant and very durable. All of Calypso's bags are fully lined with zippered enclosures and come in nine styles and shapes.

An artist creates a product from 
sustainable Acacia wood for Acacia Creations, represented by Goods 4 U Global. Goods 4 U Global Group represents over 20 eco-friendly, handmade and Sustainable brands on one easy website, Goods4UGlobal.com.

They have found and showcase some of the best Fair Trade products available.

Some products from Acacia Creations, one of 13 fair trade brands, are made of sustainable Acacia wood from the Philippines. And Walton Wood Farm, one of the newest brands, uses recycled glass milk bottles to make a unique presentation for their products.

DecoBreeze Fans Provide an Alternative to Air Conditioning Deco Breeze has ideas for a greener and more cost effective way to cool your home, office and store. The company says their decorative fans make the room feel up to 10 degrees cooler while using a fraction of the electricity of an air conditioner — 45 watts vs. 3,500 watts. All Deco Breeze fans are certified for UL Standard 507 and use copper spun, long-lasting motors.

Typical models include "Mosaic Fern", inspired by the iconic Tiffany Style Lamps, featuring both a fan and a lamp.

The "Classic Metal" fan features brushed stainless steel and rustic copper finishes. A more whimsical model is the "Frog Fan", a charming decorative statue that is also a working table top fan.

Other manufacturers with environmentally conscious products and processes include: Fiddlers Elbow, Gently Spoken, Gina B. Designs, Kiss Me in the Garden and Under Stellas Umbrella.


Quick Industry News

NEW WHOLESALE WEBSITES

Spiker Home Page Spiker Brands just opened their CAMEO EZ© website. Spiker Brands is the creator and wholesale distributor of the Spiker Lifestyle Holder, the original made-in-America holder for all your items at the beach, river, lake, lawn and more. Sand Spikes, Beach Spikers, Cup Holders, Beach Beverage Holder, American Made, Made in USA.


Cameo GlassAnother wholesale website that opened recently is Cameo Glass. These products transform your cherished photos into stunning translucent Glass Prints. Freestanding and visible from both sides, Cameo Glass makes unique gifts and awards that captures life’s special moments.

CAMEO EZ© is the B2B e-commerce system developed by OmegaNet Inc., publisher of this newsletter, for use by retailers in ordering inventory for their stores. A partial list of CAMEO EZ sites can be found at the company's portals such as www.giftswholesale.com, www.accessorieswholesale.com, www.apparelwholesale.biz, www.decorwholesale.com, www.usmadewholesale.com, www.toyswholesale.com and www.usmadewholesale.com. A complete list of sites is available in the "Directory" on www.CAMEOEZ.com.