Parabens are a group of chemicals that can be found in shampoos, commercial moisturizers, shaving gels, cleansing gels, personal lubricants, topical/parenteral pharmaceuticals, spray tanning solution, toothpaste and are also used as food additives. Parabens have been a source of controversy as studies have shown they can mimic the hormone estrogen, which is known to play a role in the development of breast cancers and can inhibit development of the male reproductive system.
Organic production is based on a system of farming that maintains and replenishes soil fertility without the use of toxic and persistent pesticides and fertilizers.
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.
Though this term has been subject to considerable debate, for our purposes, organic food and fibers are produced without using most pesticides and fertilizers made with synthetic ingredients or sewage sludge.
Materials that are harvested in a way that reduces the environmental impact and ensures a replenishing supply of the material.
Bisphenol-A (BPA) is a hormone-disrupting chemical considered to be potentially harmful to human health and the environment. It has been found that scratched and worn polycarbonate baby bottles can leach this chemical into liquids.
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.
Jute is a long, soft, shiny vegetable fiber that can be spun into coarse, strong threads. It is produced from plants in the genus Corchorus, family Tiliaceae. It is one of the cheapest natural fibers and is second only to cotton in amount produced and variety of uses. Jute fiber is 100% biodegradable and recyclable and thus environmentally friendly.
Processed chlorine free (PCF) refers to recycled paper in which the recycled content is unbleached or bleached without chlorine or chlorine derivatives. Dioxins and other toxins and pollutants created by chlorine and its derivatives are often referred to as chlorinated organic compounds. The dioxins have been associated with adverse affects on the immune and reproductive systems of human as well as those of fish and wildlife species.
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.