Glossary

Certified B Corporations meet high standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency.

A fast-growing grass used in textiles, flooring, and products - though processing methods vary widely in their environmental impact.

Bisphenol A - an endocrine-disrupting chemical found in some plastics and can linings that can leach into food and beverages.

California's strict standard limiting formaldehyde emissions from composite wood products like plywood, particleboard, and MDF.

Traditional, durable cookware made from molten iron - naturally non-stick when seasoned and free from synthetic coatings.

Cookware and dinnerware made from clay and minerals - naturally non-toxic, though quality varies and lead-free verification is important.

A certification for polyurethane foam ensuring it meets standards for emissions, content, and durability - though it still certifies synthetic foam.

A holistic certification evaluating products across five categories: material health, circularity, clean air, water stewardship, and social fairness.

Chemicals that can interfere with the body's hormone system - found in some plastics, personal care products, and household items.

Environmental Working Group - a research organization that rates products for safety and offers EWG VERIFIED certification for products meeting strict health standards.

Certification ensuring products are made under fair labor conditions with sustainable practices and fair wages for workers.

Chemicals added to materials to slow or prevent fire spread, many of which have been linked to health concerns including hormone disruption.

A known carcinogen commonly found in pressed wood products, some fabrics, and household items that off-gases into indoor air.

Forest Stewardship Council - certification ensuring wood and paper products come from responsibly managed forests that provide environmental, social, and economic benefits.

Global Organic Latex Standard - certifies that latex is produced with organic raw materials and meets strict environmental and social standards.

Global Organic Textile Standard - the world's leading certification for organic textiles, ensuring environmental and social criteria are met throughout production.

UL's most rigorous certification for low chemical emissions, meeting strict standards for sensitive individuals like children and the elderly.

Misleading marketing that makes products appear more environmentally friendly or non-toxic than they actually are.

The internationally recognized gold standard certification for cruelty-free products, ensuring no animal testing at any production stage.

A durable, breathable natural fabric made from flax plants that requires fewer resources to grow than cotton.

Products manufactured in the United States, often indicating higher labor standards and reduced shipping emissions.

America's first comprehensive human health-focused certification for non-toxic products, screening for known behavioral toxins, carcinogens, and harmful chemicals.

Tiny plastic particles under 5mm that shed from synthetic products and have been found throughout the environment and in human bodies.

Plant or animal-derived materials like cotton, linen, wool, and silk - biodegradable alternatives to synthetic fabrics.

Rubber derived from the sap of rubber trees (Hevea brasiliensis), offering a sustainable, biodegradable alternative to synthetic foam.

Independent testing certification ensuring textiles are free from harmful substances at every stage of production, from raw materials to finished products.

The release of volatile chemicals from products as gases at room temperature, often noticeable as a "new product smell."

Cotton grown without synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, or GMOs, using methods that have lower environmental impact and support soil health.

"Forever chemicals" - synthetic compounds used for water/stain resistance that persist in the environment and accumulate in the body over time.

A group of chemicals used to soften plastics and as solvents in personal care products - known endocrine disruptors found in many everyday items.

The most common plastic, found in everything from food packaging to toys. Generally considered safe but contributes to plastic pollution.

Engineered wood products like plywood, particleboard, and MDF made by binding wood particles with adhesives that traditionally contain formaldehyde.

Polyvinyl chloride - a common plastic that often contains phthalates and releases chlorine compounds during production and disposal.

Furniture made entirely from natural wood, without pressed wood, plywood, or composite materials that may contain formaldehyde.

A durable, non-reactive metal alloy ideal for cookware, food storage, and water bottles - a reliable alternative to plastic and non-stick coatings.

Petroleum-derived foam (styrene-butadiene rubber) used as a less expensive alternative to natural latex in mattresses and furniture.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's certification for products grown and processed according to federal organic standards.

Volatile Organic Compounds - chemicals that easily become gases at room temperature, often found in furniture, paint, and household products.

A natural fiber from sheep that's naturally flame-resistant, temperature-regulating, and moisture-wicking - ideal for bedding and clothing.