Born from its founder’s effort to help his mother eat independently after a stroke, Jan-Stix LLC makes ergonomic, reusable chopsticks designed to be easier to hold and control than conventional pairs. The hinged utensils are molded and assembled in the USA, with a spring-loaded design that helps diners with limited dexterity—and anyone who wants a steadier way to handle everything from noodles to everyday meals. Jan-Stix holds U.S. utility patent No. 8,870,254.
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GRIPZGRIPZ grew from Sherwood’s effort to help Lynn continue painting despite hand osteoarthritis. The Silver Spring company now makes Sher-Hold grip attachments for people whose hand discomfort makes everyday activities or creative work difficult.SILVER SPRING, MD
MugLugger by Mfg Tool Sales, LtdMugLugger is Mike Gorman’s Piqua, Ohio venture, born from his family’s experience with disability and reshaped during his own rehabilitation after a serious 2014 illness. He makes a securely attached cup holder for people using mobility aids, with production and packaging carried out entirely in the USA.PIQUA, OH
DuebestBorn from a pair of chopsticks pulled out over egg noodles in lower Manhattan, Duebest creates reusable products for lower-waste meals and everyday living. Founded by best friends Daphne Sculac and BobbiJo McCauley, the brand’s signature teak cutlery is handmade by Fair Trade artisans in Bali and designed to travel in a compact case. Duebest also develops practical kitchen reusables, including silicone stretch lids and glass straw sets, with the goal of helping people move away from single-use plastics.
OXOOXO designs and makes everyday household tools that simplify tasks, from its kitchenware and coffee equipment to cleaning, organization, baby and pet products. Founded when Sam Farber created an ergonomic peeler to help his wife Betsey cook with arthritis, OXO has spent 30 years applying Universal Design to comfortable, durable products backed by a lifetime guarantee. The company also donates 1% of annual sales to environmental nonprofits and has given more than $2.5 million to Cookies for Kids’ Cancer since 2011.NEW YORK, NY