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.
Materials that are harvested in a way that reduces the environmental impact and ensures a replenishing supply of the material.
Bamboo is one of the fastest growing plants on the planet and therefore highly sustainable. It is an incredibly versatile plant used for many everyday applications from flooring and wall paneling to paper and fabrics. Some of the processes through which Bamboo is turned from its raw form into usable products can have a negative environmental impact.
FSC is an independent, non-governmental, not for profit organization established to promote the responsible management of the world’s forests.