Eco-mark (eco-label) Comparison

Eco-mark (Eco-label) Comparison

An eco-label is added to a product when the product meets environmental quality assurance standards. Eco-marks are valuable to consumers because they offer validation of a product’s eco-friendly claims. There are a number of textile eco-label companies in existence. Many are non-profit agencies. Here is a look at some of the top textile eco-mark companies.

Bluesign-standard:

Based in Switzerland, Bluesign-standard is another well-known eco-label that can be found on clothing world-wide. Bluesign-standard was started in 2000. With the recent additions of clothing manufacturers such as Schoeller, Vaude-Sport, and the North Face Division of VF Outdoor, Inc. using this eco-mark, Bluesign-standard ensures that consumers world-wide are provided with top-quality, environmentally friendly clothing. The Bluesign-standard focuses on marking textiles that are good for consumer’s health and the environment. More information about the eco-labeling process is available at www.bluesign.com.

GreenSafe Mark:

GreenSafe Mark is a world-famous fabric specialized eco-label . It’s developed by Greensafe Organic Science Laboratory. GreenSafe Mark inspects fabric to ensure that there are no hazardous substances on the material. They also ensure that the manufacturer is using a process that reduces both energy consumption and carbon emissions, resulting in an eco-friendly fabric. Finally, they ensure that the manufacturer uses an environmentally friendly certified processing agent. Those who buy clothing with the GreenSafe Mark can rest assured that they are lessening their environmental footprint by purchasing eco-friendly clothes. GreenSafe Mark is an innovative company poised at the forefront of the movement for eco-friendly fabrics. For more information, visit greensafemark.com.

Carbon Reduction Label:

A carbon reduction label provides consumers with the amount of carbon that was used during the lifecycle of the product. A carbon reduction label is placed voluntarily and allows manufacturers to not only broadcast the amount of carbon being used in the product’s life cycle, but the manufacturers also commit to reducing that amount of carbon within two years. A carbon reduction label identifies not only those who currently follow organic practices, but also those who are committed to building a company that follows eco-friendly standards. These are companies who are actively seeking a better world and are making positive changes to achieve that goal.

Certified Humane Raised and Handled:

This eco-mark is used in the textile market to certify that the organic wool that you buy was purchased from farmers who treat their animals humanely. In existence since 2003, and based in the U.S, their methods are verified by an outside source, unlike other eco-label companies who verify their own practices in-house. Whenever you are buying wool, look for the Certified Humane Raised and Handled label.

While it may seem confusing at first glance, because there are many different eco-label companies verifying organic products, the fact is, the environment will only benefit from the attention that is being paid to eco-labeling. If consumers raise the demand for eco-labeled products, then manufacturers will change their ways to adapt to the emerging eco-friendly marketplace. The innovative companies listed above realize that truth and they are actively seeking to change the world via the marketplace. With manufacturers aware of the rewards that eco-friendly practices have, the world stands on the threshold of healthier and environmentally friendly fabrics.

Free Energy – Bang Pop

Music video by Free Energy performing Bang Pop.

Eco Sofas

Here are a couple of facts for you: felling rainforests is estimated to emit 20% of all climate-crisis gases and the UK is the largest importer of illegal timber in the EU.  If you find these facts shocking you might be wondering what you can do to help combat the illegal timber trade. One way is persuading manufacturers to stop using illegal timber, and choosing to invest in an eco sofa for your eco home is a good place to start.

Eco sofas are just as attractive, durable and comfortable as conventional sofas, but are far less damaging to the planet in how they’re built.

When shopping for an eco sofa for your eco house there are a variety of characteristics you should check to ensure they’re ecologically constructed, and not contributing to the illegal timber trade:

Made from FSC certified timber – Eco sofas should be made from hardwood timber that has been ecologically sourced. This means it has been cut from a sustainably managed forest and will be marked as FSC (Forestry Stewardship Council) certified.

Constructed with water based adhesives, paints and stains – Most glues and varnishes used to assemble and decorate sofas contain chemicals that emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air. Water based glues, however, are far healthier for both the planet and your family’s health. They contain a low amount of VOCs or none at all, which means they’re less damaging to breathe and don’t pollute the air in your eco home. Water based adhesives are also biodegradable, and can be easily disposed of without contaminating the ground.

Upholstery made from eco textiles – Conventional sofa upholstery is usually made from synthetic materials, such as nylon or polyester. These are derived from petroleum and are very polluting to manufacture. Eco textiles, on the other hand, are made from natural plant fibres which can be sustainably harvested and are less polluting to convert into cloth. Popular eco-textiles are hemp, organic cotton, silk and wool, and are much greener textiles for upholstering your <a rel=”nofollow” onclick=”javascript:_gaq.push(['_trackPageview', '/outgoing/article_exit_link']);” href=http://www.drdecor.co.uk/>Eco Sofa</a>.

Cushions made from natural materials – Natural latex is made from rubber trees and is a greener, more ecologically sound alternative to polyurethane foam, which is made from petroleum. An eco sofa’s cushions should also be stuffed with a natural material, such as soybean oil, to reinforce its green credentials.

So when purchasing an eco sofa, and doing your bit to combat the illegal timber trade, make sure it ticks most of the boxes above.

You should also consider how you can best dispose of your old sofa. Rather than dump it in a landfill site, consider offloading it on eBay, donating it to a charity or giving it to an eco furniture shop. Many <a rel=”nofollow” onclick=”javascript:_gaq.push(['_trackPageview', '/outgoing/article_exit_link']);” href=http://www.eco-designer.co.uk/>Eco Furniture</a>manufacturers will refurbish old sofas so they can still get plenty of use in someone else’s eco home.

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