Organic Lifestyle

Buy Smart when Going Green

2009-11-05T17:15:00.003-05:00

Buying Smart when Going Green - How can you be sure an environmental product is all it claims to be?

For consumers attempting to make the switch to environmentally friendly products, the alternatives can be confusing and daunting. Many products claim to be organic, hypoallergenic, or natural – but what exactly do these terms mean? More and more dry cleaners claim to be “organic” and almost every business claims to be going green: for instance, Walmart was recently named Canada’s largest purchaser of green power. While there are many fantastic environmental alternatives on the market, others seem to be using environmental marketing to capitalize on their success. How can a concerned consumer make the distinction between environmental friend and foe?

Our goal is to provide the consumer with some food for thought and encourage you to investigate a little deeper …

Lets start with:
The ingredients: reading the ingredients is always a tip-off as to how green a product really is.
Sometimes no ingredients are listed, as is the case for many cleaning products. You can always visit the company’s website, and many list a toll-free customer service number where you can make product inquiries.
If the ingredients are listed, be sure to examine the order in which they appear. The first ingredient has the highest concentration and the last ingredient has the lowest. Secondly, examine what types of chemicals are in the product. The Environmental Health Foundation recently put out a publication citing the top four chemical groups we should avoid:

• pesticides,
• toxic gases (such as chlorine and ammonia),
• heavy metals (such as lead and mercury), and
• volatile organic compounds (such as formaldehyde and solvents).

Why?
According to the Canadian Cancer Society, some of these commonly occurring chemicals, such as polybrominated diphenyl ethers (flame retardants) and phthalates, are capable of causing birth defects, developmental retardation in children, and cancer.

The buzzwords: many products claiming to be green often label their products as ‘organic’, ‘natural’, ‘biodegradable’, or ‘non-toxic’. What do these terms mean?
It is important to know that these terms are poorly defined, unverified, and are not required to meet governmental standards.

Natural: Did you know that a product with synthetic ingredients, such as high-fructose syrup or artificial chemicals, can still be labeled as natural according to FDA guidelines? For instance, both artificial and natural flavours are made in a laboratory by using ‘natural’ or synthetic chemicals.

Organic: When used without the logo of an accredited organic certifier, the term organic does not meet rigorous standards and may be meaningless. In fact, products using the ‘organic’ label without a certification will contain 95% organic ingredients or less – meaning that at least one (or possibly only one) ingredient must be certified as organic under USDA rules.

Biodegradable: defined as “a degradation caused by biological activity, especially by enzymatic action, leading to a significant change in the chemical structure of the material”. However, this label can also be used when referring to products that take centuries to break down or those that break down into dangerous chemicals. So be mindful!

Non-Toxic: Toxicity is defined as "the inherent potential or capacity of a material to cause adverse effects in a living organism". However, no standards for toxic chemicals are used.
Unfortunately, if the product does not carry certification by an independent party, they do not carry a lot of weight.

Third-party certification is a scientific process by which a product, process or service is reviewed by a reputable and unbiased third party to verify that a set of criteria, claims or standards are being met. To make certain that third-party certification is credible, it is critical that the third-party be a recognized and reputable independent testing laboratory and not an extension or subsidiary of the company requesting the certification. Reputable third-party certifiers will have the capability, independence, and controls to conduct sound and unbiased reviews. For a full list of buzzwords debunked, check out National Geographic’s Green Guide.

What can you do?
Products that are legitimately green often carry independent certifications or ‘eco-labels’. These certifiers hold the products to rigorous production standards that are closely monitored.

Eco-labels: An ecolabel is awarded to a product that meets specified environmental performance criteria or standards, and is awarded by an independent, third-party organization. There are numerous ecolabels for almost every category of product, and they can recognize environmental excellence in the manufacturing, consumer or disposal process. Many of these ecolabels are relatively new but are quickly achieving success and recognition. Below you will find several ecolabels that you have a high chance of encountering.

Fair Trade Certified: TransFair Canada is Canada’s only independent, not for profit certification body for fair trade products sold in Canada. Created in 1997, it is building a market for fair trade products through certification and education. They aim to ensure that farmers and farm workers in developing nations receive a fair price for their product; that is, a price that has been agreed to through dialogue and participation that covers the costs of production and also enables production which is socially just and environmentally sound. TransFair receives money from grants, license fees, and contributions and membership fees. To bear the label, products must be grown by small-scale producers that are democratically organized, and products must be grown in a sustainable manner.

GOTS: The aim of Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) is to define world-wide recognized requirements that ensure organic status of textiles, from harvesting of the raw materials, through environmentally and socially responsible manufacturing up to labelling in order to provide a credible assurance to the end consumer". It was formed as an initiative to unify the various existing standards (Germany's IVN, UK's Soil Association, USA's OTA, Japan's JOCA). Approved certifiers include but not limited to Control Union (SKAL, KRAV), Ecocert, Soil Association.
What this means for you: One label that covers the certification of production and manufacturing process.

Demeter: often given to cotton products, it indicates that they were produced without the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, and without animal by-products. They prohibit the use of genetic engineering.

SKAL: is an independent inspection body for organic production in the Netherlands that works in accordance with the public law, based on EU regulation. SKAL strives to ensure that organic products truly originate from an organic production process by means of inspection and certification. SKAL is the legal holder of the EKO quality symbol, which stands for organic production certified by SKAL that meets the requirements of the EU-regulation for organic production.

KRAV: a Swedish ecolabel, is authorized by the Swedish National Board of Agriculture and the Swedish National Food Administration to carry out inspection of organic production in Sweden. KRAV develops organic standards that meet International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements Basic Standards, and they inspect and certify organic farmers, food processors, trade, and consumer groups.

Oeko-Tex: The International Oeko-Tex Association comprises textile representatives from Europe and Japan that create standards and is responsible for the independent tests for harmful substances. The Oeko-Tex criteria catalogue provides a uniform, scientifically founded evaluation standard for the human ecological safety of textiles. Raw materials, intermediate and end products at all stages of processing throughout the manufacturing chain are tested and certified.

eco-INSTITUT: Founded in 1988, eco-INSTITUT has grown to become one of the prominent providers of product examinations and quality assurance. Their service helps manufacturers select their materials and optimise their products. eco-INSTITUT service provides continuous quality assurance and warrants compliance with norms and laws in Europe and worldwide. Their self-concept goes beyond the merely analytical laboratory services. They serve as independent problem solvers and advisers for their clients and help achieve better product quality and safety.

Environmental Choice (EcoLogo): products certified by this program have less of an impact on the environment because of how they are manufactured, consumed or disposed of. Certification is based strict environmental criteria that are established in consultation with industry, environmental groups, and independent experts and are based on research into the life-cycle impacts of a product or service.

Organic Exchange: is a charitable organization committed to expanding organic agriculture with a specific focus on increasing the production and use of organically grown fibres. They bring key stakeholders together to learn about the social and environmental benefits of organic farming, and they help develop new business models that support the use of organic inputs.

ECOCERT: is an organic certification organization, founded in France in 1991. It is based in Europe but conducts inspections in over 80 countries, making it one of the largest organic certification organizations in the world. ECOCERT primarily certifies food and food products, but also certifies cosmetics, detergents, perfumes, and textiles.

Eco Flower: the European Union Eco Flower is a Europe-wide program that certifies products with a reduced environmental impact. In order to receive the label, a company must apply to a body that reviews all required certification and necessary documents. Each product group has specific criteria to meet. Reasons for receiving the Flower appear on the product packaging.

Nordic Swan: the official Nordic eco-label of Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland and Iceland. Only products that satisfy strict environmental standards are allowed to display the environmental product label. Companies applying for a license to use the Swan label must provide results from independent testing to prove that criteria are met.

For a comprehensive list of eco-labels, please visit The Global Ecolabelling Network.

Organic Lifestyle makes every effort to ensure that the products we carry are certified organic – our organic cotton is certified by certifying bodies like SKAL, KRAV or Demeter. The manufacturing process of transforming the source material into fiber is certified by ISO 14000 and 9000 as well as Oko-tek. We ensure that the dyes used are low impact / fibre reactive which have been determined to be safe for the environment. Finally, labour used to produce and manufacture the items are fair trade certified.

http://www.organiclifestyle.com/2008111399/articles/buy-smart-when-going-green/menu-id-62.html

How to care for organic cotton

2009-08-25T20:00:00.002-04:00

How do I wash organic cotton?
Don't worry about shrinkage. Order your correct size- there is no need to "buy big!"
That being said, do not overheat your garments. Drying with high heat can cause more than 4% shrinkage. Be very careful how you dry organic cotton apparel. Conventional cotton apparel is generally treated with chemicals to reduce the shrinkage effects of heat. Organic cotton is not treated, so in high heat it is possible for the cotton to shrink more than 10%. Shrinkage is worse for the lengths of the garments and is less noticeable for widths.

Will the colours fade?
Eco-friendly dyes are just as long lasting as the harmful dyes used on conventional products. They will fade if powerful detergents or bleaching agents are used.
Because we do not use chemical color fixatives, please do not mix dark colors with light ones for the first few washes due to dye bleed. For the first wash, add ¼ cup of vinegar to the final rinse, this will help to set the color and resist fading or bleeding.
Tip! - when washing prints, be sure to turn them inside out during the first few washes. This will help lock in the colour for years.

How durable is organic cotton?
Organic cotton is not exposed to the weakening, harsh chemicals that commercially grown cotton is, therefore organic cotton will last many years, with proper care.

Can I use bleach?
Do not use chlorine bleach on the natural color cotton products. This bleach will fade the cotton from its natural color and weaken the garment's fiber strength.

Why shouldn't I use Tide?
Tide and other powerful detergents are full of abrasive chemicals that are hard on delicate inks and dyes, not to mention the environment and you. Even having residual Tide from a previous washing in your machine can adversely affect the condition of your item. If you regularly use Tide or similar detergents, please rinse your machine before washing your organic cotton products with Woolite or a similarly mild detergent

http://www.organiclifestyle.com/2008111166/organic-cotton/washing-instructions-organic-cotton/menu-id-212.html

2009-08-22T19:04:00.006-04:00

Hi
So is it summer yet? :)
We had a great turn out for our clothing sale at both Ecoexistence (St.Clair/Bathurst) and at Liloo (Riverside). It was great seeing familiar faces and making new friends. There was a definite strong sense of community at both locations and we'd like to try and organize more events like movie screenings, seminars in the near future. Suggestions are always welcome.

Organic Lifestyle is looking forward to being a part of HGTV's Pure Design with Samantha Pynn. Shooting for the episode took place last month and we're excited to see our linens on TV (again :) Stay tuned for episode details.

We're gearing up for Back to School. Read Environmental Defence's PVC free Back to School Guide

Consider re-useables instead of single use items - eg., replace one-use plastic straws with a child friendly glass one. Use stainless steel lunch containers or biodegradable utensils. For the next dinner party, consider our jute wine bags.

RIVERSIDE
As we continue to work with other like minded businesses, we'd like to encourage you to drop by our Retail Partner, Liloo, for their Blowout sale on fair trade, contemporary Indian style linens. Sapna Alim, co-owner of Liloo, is definitely being recognized for her sense of "East meets West" style... and we're really happy to be working with her. Then, stroll around Riverside - great places for brunch, dessert (try LPK's) and pear martinis (Comrade). Coffee at Dark Horse is mandatory (ok, strongly suggested if you love coffee...)
Starting Aug 15th, come see what all the fuss is about!

In other news....
Organic Lifestyle has a third location in Toronto - we've been looking for space for our eco-chic organic clothing collection AND we're offering it at introductory pricing to start. Where?

Our partner, Talking Book World has been kind enough to extend 1 month FREE Audiobook membership. Please drop by or call their Willowdale location to take advantage before Aug 31st 2009. I listen to audiobooks during my daily commute and this is a great opportunity for you to give it a try if you've been considering it.
We look forward to seeing you soon.

-Organic Lifestyle

How Organic cotton helps farmers trade their way out of poverty

2009-07-28T22:28:00.005-04:00

WHY CONVENTIONAL COTTON IS SUCH A KILLER

Conventional cotton represents 10% of world agriculture and uses 25% of the world's pesticides. 100 million conventional cotton farmers, from Russia to South Africa, are living in conditions of abject poverty and near starvation.

Conventional cotton subsidies funded by American taxpayers are causing poverty in the developing world as they lower the world price for cotton. (Americans are the only ones that can change this by writing to their Congress people and telling them they insist on organic cotton clothing.)
20,000 people die every year from accidental pesticide poisoning in conventional cotton agriculture (World Health Organisation). Death by starvation is alarmingly prevalent and 200,000 cotton farmers commit suicide annually due to spiralling debts incurred from buying pesticides. A further 1,000,000 people a year suffer from long-term pesticide poisoning (Pesticide Action Network).

However, if farmers grow cotton organically and can sell it as such, this dire situation is reversed.
By growing organically, farmers get a 50% increase in their income - due to a 40% reduction in costs - and the 20% premium they receive for producing organic cotton allows them to feed, clothes, educate and provide healthcare for their children.
Organic cotton helps farmers trade their way out of poverty. It's the only formula for survival in the cotton sector in the developing world.

http://www.organiclifestyle.com/2008111294/organic-cotton/how-organic-cotton-helps-farmers-trade-their-way-out-of-poverty/menu-id-261.html

ORGANIC CLOTHING/LINENS - SUMMER BLOWOUT SALE!

2009-07-18T14:41:00.004-04:00

Who says Organic clothing is expensive?

Get upto 50% off on everyday clothing, linens, comforters & towels*

Organic Lifestyle is planning on a huge blowout sale on organic clothing (women's, men's, baby/kids), linens, comforters & towels - upto 50% off next week for 3 days only! Don't miss it!

For 2 days on Wed July 22nd to Thurs July 23rd 2009
Where: Liloo at 734 Queen St E (Toronto East)
from 1:00-7:00pm

For 1 day on Fri July 24th 2009
Where: Ecoexistence at 21 Vaughan Rd (Toronto West)
from 11:00-7:00pm

It's the perfect opportunity to reduce your exposure to pesticides AND save money!

Kind Regards,
Kym, Patti, Sapna, Amanda, Dihan, Rebecca & Jessie.416.921.7317 (Toronto) OR 1.800.864.5690

Organic Lifestyle - Empowering You To Change Your World

2009-07-18T14:37:00.004-04:00

Who are we and what's special about living an organic lifestyle?

Our mission is to help reduce your exposure to common toxic chemicals in the home by carrying products that are organic - made with little/no chemical exposure - i.e. no pesticides or toxic dyes.

Shop online or visit our Partner Retail Locations

http://www.organiclifestyle.com/store-operations/toronto-based-organic-lifestyle-retail-locations/menu-id-265.html

There are numerous businesses that try to offer similar choices. So why should you choose to do business with us?

We directly source from organizations we've met personally and believe they are

ethical and socially responsible.

Since 2004, we've worked with customers such as yourself to provide solutions to help reduce your exposure to pervasive toxic chemicals. We have in-depth knowledge about the issues and our product line is proven.

We believe in our philosophy and live an organic lifestyle as much as possible - its not always easy. Thus, we source exclusive everyday essentials and do our utmost to provide exceptional quality at fair prices.

Able to buy online with Free Shipping option, pickup from local retail stores and/or over the phone.

We go the extra mile - for instance, with mattress residential deliveries, we offer full service - ie., we bring it inside the house (where service is offered) as opposed to curb side delivery.

As a small business, our primary means of marketing is word of mouth. Based on your feedback, we continue to grow our product line and always welcome suggestions.

Our vision is well supported within the Media.

We stand by our products and offer 30 day Return Policy for products sold over the internet.
*Organic Lifestyle - a better way to live.*