By Charlie Laughtland
BDA blog editor

Eco was everywhere at the summer edition of the Seattle Gift Show earlier this month.

Event organizers delivered a significantly expanded selection of green, sustainable, organic and recycled goods.

“The Pacific Northwest region has long been a leader in the green movement and the Seattle Gift Show is committed to meeting area retailers’ need for earth-friendly options in product and design,” said Doug Miller, president of Urban Expositions, the group that produces the show. “We’re putting the focus on our expanded green and eco-friendly resources with special promotions, product listings and displays.”

Here’s a few eco-cool items BDA spotted:

• KeepCup – The first barista standard reusable espresso cup. Available in 4, 8, 12, 16 oz. sizes and tons of colors. Lightweight, dishwasher and microwave safe and splashproof. BPA free and non toxic. Fits into most car cup holders and many bicycle bottle holders. Customizable silicone band.

• Shainware – Made of recycled and recyclable materials, these accessories encourage and empower people to make their own statements—and change them whenever they want. Colorful notebooks, bracelets, necklaces, pet collars, key chains and more are a backdrop for interchangeable icons and letters.

• The Story of Burlap – Biodegradable market-size totes lined and accented with salvage fabrics. Formerly the bag of choice for potatoes and produce, these handmade burlap bags offer a one-of-a-kind feel and can be screenprinted with text and graphics.

“It was great to see a very eco-friendly vibe to the show,” said Kristin Johnson, BDA product developer. “We learned about the latest in fair trade goods, repurposed materials and natural elements, like sea salt, wood and organic fibers. Handcrafted goods were also in high supply, from greeting cards to custom jewelry and woodcarving.”