A Guide to Eco-Friendly Furniture - Part 3
Welcome!
I’m Johanna and I help homeowners design their homes in eco-friendly ways. With my architectural & design background, I guide folks to “green” design solutions so that their space aligns with their eco-conscious values. Learn more here!
This post is part of a 4 week series where we’ll be taking a deep dive into the various “green” certifications that are assigned to home furnishings. Last week, I talked about “Sustainably Sourced” furnishings and what certification you should look for when sourcing for your home. You can read all about that here!
Interested in the rest of the series? Links below!
Part 1: Sourcing “Non-Toxic” Furnishings
Intro: Understanding Greenwashing
Today’s topic: Organic
There are a lot of products that are dubbed “organic” in our life. I think when most hear the term they start thinking about food. But there are a lot of home furnishings (think curtains, bedding, towels, bath mats) that are designated as “organic.”
Typically, Organic refers to the cotton used in a product, and it means it was grown without the use of toxic and persistent pesticides or synthetic fertilizers, which is much safer for the environment.
However, not all cotton labeled as “organic” has met stringent guidelines - which brings us to the certification you should be looking for when it comes to “organic” home decor.
Global Organic Textile Standard
What is it?
The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) is the worldwide textile processing standard for organic fibers. It includes ecological and social criteria, backed up by independent certification of the entire textile supply chain.
The aim of the standard is to define requirements that ensure organic status of textiles, from harvesting of the raw materials, through environmentally and socially responsible manufacturing up to labeling. Textile processors and manufacturers are enabled to export their organic fabrics and garments with one certification accepted in all major markets.
Why is it important?
The consumption of water & energy are the most important aspects when it comes to sustainable considerations with textiles. GOTS ensures that entities with this certification monitor the energy & water consumption.
How to search for products:
When retailers designate an item as “Organic” read the detailed description or specs and make sure you look for “Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS).” If the description is unclear, it is OK to ask for more info on a product!
Just as we discussed in the weeks prior, major retailers such as Williams & Sonoma Brands are including information like this in their descriptions of products. So it is becoming easier to find products that meet this standard!
Up Next: More ways to search & Webinar Announcement!
On Friday, I will be sharing the LAST post of our 4 part series: A Guide to Eco-Friendly Furniture! We’ll review some final ways to search for eco-friendly furnishings.
Then on Thursday, October 8th, 2020, I will be hosting a LIVE webinar! We will talk about navigating the complex world of sustainable furniture & I’ll be answering your specific questions!