BAMBOO – Bamboo grows exceptionally fast and can be grown without pesticides and with virtually no impact on the surrounding environment. Each plant regenerates on its own with no replanting needed and can reach full maturity in four years. Some species of bamboo can grow 47 inches in a day and only needs a few raindrops of water to do so. Bamboo protects the air we breathe. It releases 35% more oxygen than equivalent stands of trees.

BAMBOO CHARCOAL -Fast growing bamboo is harvested, dried and heated at high temperatures, until it becomes bamboo charcoal. After being broken down into extremely fine particles, the bamboo charcoal is then infused throughout the fabric.

BIODEGRADABLE – The ability of a substance to break down in the environment into harmless compounds.

CARBON FOOTPRINT -A measure of the amount of carbon dioxide an individual or household produces through car emissions, electricity use, and fuel consumption. The bigger the footprint, the greater the contribution to global warming.

COMPOSTABLE – A product that is made of materials that will break down over time in a landfill.

CORN PLASTIC– Derived from corn and is, in principle compostable, meaning that it will break down under certain conditions into harmless natural compounds.

COTTON - ORGANIC–Organic cotton is grown using methods and materials that have a low 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. Organic cotton is grown without the use of toxic and persistent pesticides and synthetic fertilizers. In addition, federal regulations prohibit the use of genetically engineered seed for organic farming. All cotton sold as organic in the United States must meet strict federal regulations covering how the cotton is grown..

PET – (Polyethylene Terapthelate) invented in 1993 by Patagonia® founder Yvonne Chounard; as their Synchilla® fabric. Plastic bottles are made into recycled polyester, the bottles are separated by color, sterilized and then crushed, chopped, and melted. The melted plastic is extruded through a shower-head type device, producing fibrous polyester strands. Those strands are woven into eco P.E.T. tech-fleece, along with many other products, even in place of plastics.

POLYPROPYLENE and NON-WOVEN POLYPROPYLENE– Polypropylene is made up from carbon and hydrogen, and is manufactured without any dangerous emissions. Polypropylene can be recycled, incinerated, or land filled without any harm to the environment. When burnt, polypropylene will only give off water vapor and carbon dioxide, which is converted by photosynthesis. Polypropylene is sometimes known as “pp”.

POST-CONSUMER – Term used to describe material that is being reused/recycled after it has been in the consumer’s hand (i.e. soda bottles, yogurt containers). Material or product used by the consumer for its original purpose and then discarded.

POST-INDUSTRIAL – Term used to described scrap or excess material that a manufacturer reuses or recycles throughout the manufacturing process.

RECYCLABLE – Materials that can be reused.

RECYCLED – A term used to describe material that has been separated from the waste stream, reprocessed into a new product and then brought back to the consumer as a new item.

RECYCLED CONTENT – The amount of pre-and post-consumer recovered material introduced in a material production process, usually expressed as a percentage.

RECYCLE SYMBOLS Let the arrows be your guide...

Variations of this world recognized recycling symbol can provide important information at a glance.
The chasing arrow logo with the white outlined arrows means that the package may be recycled where appropriate recycling programs exist. The solid version is a variation of the theme and is often shown in green or other colors.

Additional recycling logo variations:
Arrows within a circle designate that the content is made from recycled materials. This recycling logo should not be used on printed material unless the paper contains a minimum of 30% post consumer waste.

Solid or white arrows in a black circle also indicate that the product contains recycled content. Often it will be accompanied by the symbol and a qualifying statement, for example, "Contains 50% Post Consumer Fiber." When the solid black symbol with white arrows is used alone, it means that the product is 100% recycled.

Since the first recycling symbol was designed, and plastic resin codes were introduced, certain industries have developed unique symbols specific to their industry. For example, industry associations for glass, paperboard, and corrugated materials have all developed, and in some cases trademarked, unique recycling symbols. On plastics, it is used along with a numbering system (1-7) to help designate plastic resins used in the product.

RE-USE -To find a new function for an item that has outgrown its original use in an effort to reduce waste.

RENEWABLE RESOURCES- A natural resource qualifies as renewable if it is naturally replenished at least as fast as it is consumed. They can become non-renewable, however, if used faster than the environment can replenish them.
SAFE PLASTIC – Truly biodegradable in landfills & composting, environmentally safe, no toxic effects, can be recycled.

SOY/SOYA BEAN – Soy/soya bean products are 100% biodegradable & non-toxic.

SUSTAINABILITY -To use a resource without depleting or permanently damaging it, allowing it to meet the needs of the present without compromising the needs of future generations.

TREE-FREE – Paper products that are not made from bleached wood pulp, but from recycled, post-consumer waste (like previously used paper) combined with substances such as industrial hemp or organic cotton.