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Some Helpful Information on Green
Terms
With so many terms being used with
eco-friendly items, here is some information
and some definitions we thought would
be helpful to you.
ENERGY STAR Certification
ENERGY STAR is a joint program of
the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency and the U.S. Department of
Energy helping us all save money and
protect the environment through energy
efficient products and practices.
Products that earn the ENERGY STAR
prevent greenhouse gas emissions by
meeting strict energy efficiency guidelines
set by the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency and the U.S. Department of
Energy. ENERGY STAR makes it easy
for you to choose products that not
only save you money, but help the
environment by preventing greenhouse
gases associated with global warming--all
this without sacrificing the quality
that you expect from these products.
Bamboo
Bamboo is an environmentally friendly
alternative to wood and paper products.
It is one of the fastest growing plants
on earth and grows without fertilizers
or pesticides. Playing a vital role
in the reduction of timber consumption,
bamboo's own compost fertilizes the
next generation and has a growth cycle
of three to five years. Bamboo Fiber
is made by using pulp from the bamboo
plant, and is soft, absorbent, and
said to have antibacterial properties.
Recycled Materials
Many home and garden products are
now made from recycled materials,
which limits the amount of waste we
contribute to our environment. Products
include tableware made from recycled
glass, and pet products made from
recycled cardboard. In addition, many
companies are now using packaging
made of recycled materials.
Organic Cotton
Organic Cotton is cotton that is
grown without the use of harmful pesticides.
Organic cotton is also grown using
plants that have not been genetically
modified. The growth of conventional
cotton uses more pesticides than any
other crop and accounts for a large
percentage of the world’s pesticide
use. The use of organic cotton reduces
the amount of these chemicals entering
the watershed.
Chemical-Free Dyes
Chemical-Free Dyes are often used
in organic clothing. These dyes are
made from vegetables and minerals
with a water base. These natural elements
are used in place of their synthetic
chemical counterparts to give color
to fabrics.
Soy Fiber
Soy Fiber is a by-product of the
production of soybeans for consumption.
This is an example of turning something
that was once a “waste” product into
something that can be used, worn,
and then will be more friendly to
the environment as it biodegrades.
Hemp
Hemp is one of nature's most durable
fibers. Hemp is unique among other
crops, in that every part of the plant
has utility and potential market value.
Hemp’s oilseed makes high-grade food
and beauty products. The stalks produce
fiber and cellulose for everything
from automotive parts and fine clothing
to building products and fuel. Hemp
is several times stronger than cotton.
It's more resistant to abrasion and
tears. It's more resistant to mildew,
soiling, shrinkage and the deteriorating
effects of the sun.
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