Post-consumer means any material that has been used by a consumer and then recycled for use in a new product. It is not the same as post-industrial waste, which is the reintroduction of manufacturing scraps into the manufacturing process.
Recycling is the reprocessing of old materials into new products, with the aims of preventing the waste of potentially useful materials, reducing the consumption of fresh raw materials, reducing energy usage, reducing air (from incineration) and water (from landfilling) pollution by reducing the need for "conventional" waste disposal, and lowering greenhouse gas emissions as compared to virgin production.
Composting is a process in which solid organic materials are decomposed in the presence of oxygen through the action of bacteria and other microorganisms. This process is done by mixing together leaves, grass clippings, table scraps, and soil, and allowing the mixture to decompose into mulch, which is high in nutrients, and useful to fertilize gardens and flower beds.
Organic cotton is grown using methods and materials that have a reduced impact on the environment. Organic production systems replenish and maintain soil fertility, reduce the use of toxic and persistent pesticides and fertilizers, and build biologically diverse agriculture. Third-party certification organizations verify that organic producers use only methods and materials allowed in organic production.