Do you speak green?
Eco-jargon can confuse more than it clarifies. We decode six common terms describing green fabrics and certifications.
Grows like a weed and can be made into rayon. No third-party certification exists to ensure that farming it doesn't pollute or require deforestation.
This European standard certifies a material or process as eco-friendly, taking into account every factor in its creation, including air and water emissions, workers' health, and resource management. Patagonia, Mountain Equipment Co-op, and Schoeller all use some Bluesign processes.
A product of discarded coconut shells that's converted into a wicking, anti-odor, UV-blocking agent and infused into cotton and synthetic fabrics. The jury is still out on performance.
This three-part environmental management protocol evaluates and reports on a company's greenhouse emissions.
This stringent certification is awarded to companies that show leadership in energy and environmental design. LEED Gold-certified buildings have features such as passive ventilation and low-impact materials like recycled wood.
This acronym is shorthand for polyethlyne terephthalate. It's a polyester whose properties allow it to be recycled; a popular version is made from used soda bottles.