Posts Tagged ‘Adria Vasil’

More on understanding eco-labeling

Friday, February 20th, 2009

Kaitlyn Ryan writes:

I recently was in Shoppers Drug Mart and noticed a few new products claiming to be "bio-degradable, not tested on animals, and naturally derived." The two brand names claiming this are Method and Bio Life. I was wondering if you had any information regarding these products? They are not stamped by government or anything official, but I did check the website for Method and they make their claims very strongly.

Lindsay responds:

You’re becoming a great label watcher! I honestly have moved away from analyzing store brand labels ever since I began making my own cleaners .

About the "not tested on animals" labeling, the only label that is regulated and truly doesn’t test on animals are products with the Leaping Bunny logo. You can check out their website to see the names of brands who comply. If it’s any other critter or just written in text, it’s not official.

Biodegradability is a term or claim that isn’t regulated in Canada. Basically, you have to do your own research and phone the company, ask them under what conditions their product biodegrades and what tests they’ve done.

Here’s an article by Ecoholic’s Adria Vasil that answers your question about products like Method. I think a good rule of thumb when buying store bought products is:

•    Do they carry the Leaping Bunny logo (not tested on animals)?

•    Do they disclose the ingredients (nobody has to and many "green" products don’t)?

•    Watch out for fragrance!

Finally, consider making your own products and have a read of our Green Cleaning issue where we give you ingredients to avoid. You may also like to buy the Cancer Smart Guide 3.0 which lists products or have a look at website for the more long-standing eco-brands like Seventh Generation, Ecover, Nature Clean and Simply Clean. When you see what they disclose, you’ll realize who’s truly "green" and who’s in the green washing market!

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Posted in Consumer Issues, Green Living, Green Parenting, Human Health, Lindsay, cosmetics | No Comments »

Enviro-friendly furniture

Wednesday, November 5th, 2008

H.C. from South Surrey/White Rock writes:

I want a couch that is made with wool/latex stuffing and environmentally-friendly fabric but can’t seem to find anyone other than Upholstery Arts in Vancouver that makes anything like that. Can you direct me to any other furniture makers, particularly in the lower mainland? I’m not interested in IKEA sofas. What questions should I be asking furniture stores to ensure I am getting a more environmentally-friendly product?

Lindsay responds:

So you’re looking for furniture without VOC’s (volatile organic compounds), sustainably harvested wood, flame retardants and toxic resins? I too have been in local furniture stores asking this very question, and this indeed is a challenge no matter where you live in Canada.

You are correct about Upholstery Arts. They have sustainable products with organic cotton fabric and FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) wood. I’m not familiar with other companies and here at the Foundation we can’t recommend brand or companies, so we haven’t done the research to make a list.

I think you’ll have to do some "Google" searching and see what you can find. I know from my own research that IKEA banned flame retardants in their products back in 2002, plus they tend to use lumber from tree farms and not ancient, old growth forests. BC Wood Products is another source of cool designs on Granville Island.

If you head into any bookstore, you’ll find a large selection of "green" books. The problem is trying to find one with Canadian-based information and resources. Adria Vasil, author of Ecoholic (an excellent resource for just this type of information) suggests that there are many on-line sources, although they will cost you. I highly recommend her book (see page 165)!

Basic tips include:

- avoid polyurethane foam fill, especially if it’s treated with flame retardants (PBDE’s)

- solid wood is best, avoid particle board and the like because of the resins, glues, waxes and paints

- when buying wood, look for the FSC symbol (Forest Stewardship Council)

Best of luck with your search! If we all keep demanding better products, the stores should figure it out sooner than later!

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Posted in Consumer Issues, Green Living, Human Health, Lindsay, forests and wild Lands | 4 Comments »