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.
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.
Wood harvested from carefully managed forests or reclaimed from old buildings or furniture. A number of programs can ‘certify’ wood as sustainability – the most well known internationally is the FSC.
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.
Formaldehyde is known to have a number of negative health effects, including immune-system toxicity, respiratory irritation and cancer in humans. However, it still turns up in baby bath soap, nail polish, eyelash adhesive and hair dyes as a contaminant or break-down product.
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.
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.
Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) are organisms whose genetic materials have been altered using genetic engineering. Many health professionals around the world have sounded the alarm on GMOs claiming environmental concerns such as increased cancer risk, allergens, toxins, and contamination.
FSC is an independent, non-governmental, not for profit organization established to promote the responsible management of the world’s forests.
The GREENGUARD Environmental Institute (GEI) is an industry-independent, non-profit organization that oversees the GREENGUARD Certification Program. As an ANSI Authorized Standards Developer, GEI establishes acceptable indoor air standards for indoor products, environments, and buildings. GEI’s mission is to improve public health and quality of life through programs that improve indoor air.