By Sarah Burns on March 21, 2010 in
Personally, I consider myself an eco-friendly kind of gal. I recycle and conserve when I can -- which is why I was incredibly pleased to see the latest wares at this year's International Home & Housewares Show. Claiming to be the largest home show in world, the event boasted over 3,000 exhibitors from over 35 countries. So, what was the hottest home trend? This year, it's all about going green.
That's right, many major brands are launching more products to help you planet-proof your home. A few highlights:
- In a quest to reduce the amount of vacuums currently housed in landfills, Electrolux is set on creating greener cleaners. In fact, their sleek-looking UltraSilencer Green canister vacuum won a design award at the show this year. This unit, which consists of 55-percent recycled plastic, uses only nine amps of power to suck up dirt at a reduced noise level. Having seen it in action, I can personally attest to its quietness. And stay tuned, because Electrolux will soon launch its Ergospace Green, a more compact green canister vac.
- Not to outdone, Green Pan, an internationally-acclaimed eco-conscious cookware manufacturer, (its pans omit PTFE and PFOA, two questionable nonstick chemicals) will roll out a range of new products later this year, including a new wok and hot pot line for soup and stir-fry fans. Green Apple Cooking and Ecolution, two other green cookware companies, also plan to expand their lines, so keep an eye out for those offerings later this year.
- You may not have the cash to re-do your countertops, but slicing and dicing on a more sustainable surface like bamboo can help you save some trees. Companies like Totally Bamboo, Full Circle and Tru Bamboo now offer sturdy cutting boards (made of both recycled plastic and bamboo) as well as greener kitchen accessories.
- Tired of chucking soda bottles and cans? Consumers can now create their own fizzy fixes with the SodaStream Jet Fountain drink maker. This electricity-free appliance, now available at Crate & Barrel and Kohls, brews up bubbly drinks in reusable bottles.
- * Last but certainly not least, Simple Green, long known for its non-toxic, all-natural cleanser, will soon be expanding its product line to include a solid number of eco-friendly carpet, floor, glass and multi-surface cleaners.
Wondering about the other innovations introduced at the show? Stay tuned into the blog in the coming weeks to learn more.