Organic Linens, Air Purifiers, Natural Home Products

Eco Efforts

Co-op of America

To recognize our commitments and accomplishments as a green business, Co-op America has presented us with their Business Seal of Approval. This seal signals that we have passed Co-op America's Screen process and have been admitted as an approved green business.

About Green Nest

We are an ecommerce website dedicated to providing research, products and education in creating healthy, organic, non-toxic and natural homes and offices that enhance both the health of the occupant and the earth. Green Nest believes in giving back to the community through outreach, education and sponsorship. The minimum environmental criteria for choosing any product is that it does not cause harm to the producer/user/consumer or the recipient. Although there are many times several choices available, we strive to offer the product(s) with the LOWEST environmental and health impacts (if any). The Green Nest cleaners are 100% biodegradable completely breaking down in 27 days. We avoid scented candles and go with unscented due to the unnecessary chemicals found in many candles. We look for certified organic fabrics & materials. We request MSDS on all products and post these online for consumers to view themselves. All building products are safe for the user/occupant and designed for those with chemical sensitivities in mind while reducing off gassing . The air purifiers not only clean the air, but are energy efficient models reducing electricity and associated costs. All of the materials including clothing, toys and bedding are 100% organic. Carpeting is biodegradable & non-toxic.

Earth Efforts

Environmental considerations reflected in Green Nest's daily operation include:

•	We recycle bottles, cans, glass and all paper products
•	We use recycled paper in office
•	We purchase carbon offsets for both renewable energy for our offices and vehicles
•	We incorporate green standards into our remodeling office efforts

Certifications

In addition to providing MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheets) whenever possible, the following products have received the below certifications and approvals:

	Products	Certifications/Approvals/Recognitions
1	Linens (certain)	UN 2nd Annual Fashion Industry Award for Environmental Excellence IFOAM/SKAL
3	Bedding & linens (certain)	OEKO-TEX standards / KRAV of Sweden
4	Air Purifiers	UL
5	Shower Filters	NSF certified
6	Baby clothes (most)	ECOCERT by COFRAC & SKAL - only support Fair Trade - suppliers and producers, in underdeveloped regions who abide by western standards regarding fair and decent worker's compensation, positive working conditions and using no child labor. Coop America member
7	Baby bottles	BPA, Phthlate & PVC free
8	Baby toys (most)	Certified Organic - OTA (organic trade association)
10	Candles	Certified organic soy wax
11	Building supplies	Scientific Certification's Indoor Air Quality Gold Certification
15	Furniture	FSC Certified (www.fsc.org)

In the cotton from India, we use 100% certified organic cotton. For example, our Coyuchi line has been recognized for its role in bolstering the production of organic cotton. They received the United Nations Second Annual Fashion Industry Award for Environmental Excellence. In Canada, the cotton meets the OEKO-TEX standards. 2002 marks the 10th anniversary of the Oeko-Tex Standard 100 launch. The application of the Standard over the last 10 years has contributed to screening for harmful substances becoming an expectation within the textile and clothing industries. These tests are now applied worldwide throughout the textile supply chain. Thanks to the Oeko-Tex Standard 100, consumer protection and product security for the manufacturer has been improved in the long-term. With its specific parameters, the Oeko-Tex Standard 100 has drawn attention to the question of harmful substances within the textile supply chain. As markets are developing quicker, the time frames between product concept, order placement and delivery are becoming ever shorter. This places companies under increasing economic pressure, which combined with the fact that customers are becoming more demanding in terms of the properties and quality expected from a product, means that it is becoming increasingly important to check the materials used in production. The test institutes support the companies throughout the production process, by testing manufactured articles and thus ensuring safety in terms of human ecology. In other words, they ensure that the customer should not come into contact with any substances which would pose a risk to their health. Every fiber of cotton used is produced in accordance with the standards set forth by the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM). Individual organizations handle the actual certification of cotton fiber produced in different regions: SKAL, a Netherlands-based certifier, oversees the cotton grown for Coyuchi in India. What standards must we meet in order for our cotton to be certified as organic? At the top of the list outlined by IFOAM in its Growing and Processing Standards are the following: seeds must be non-genetically engineered; insects should be controlled by methods that simulate what occurs in the natural environment, where "good" bugs eat "bad" bugs. There must also be an emphasis on keeping plants healthy- healthy plants are more resistant to infestation-fields are usually weeded by hand. Organic farms are not allowed to use any chemical fertilizers or chemical inputs, such as herbicides or other pesticides. All our organic cotton is grown in India by family farmers organized in cooperatives. We willingly pay premium prices to these small-scale growers for their organic cotton fiber because this encourages organic practices that protect not only the environment, but the farmers, their families, and their communities from exposure to toxic agricultural chemicals. Also, by purchasing their cotton at a better price per kilo, we help support local and economically sustainable production. Coyuchi's organic cotton is produced by three growing projects in India, two located in Madhya Pradesh and one in Gujarat. The first was initiated in 1992, the second and third in 1996. Since then they have expanded to include over 2,500 family farmers, collectively producing over 400,000 pounds annually. Also, in Canada sourcing, OEKO-TEX standards (see above).

In addition to the Oeko-Tex 100, the bedding meets the KRAV Stamp of Approval. Europe's oldest and most prestigious certification agency, KRAV of Sweden(www.krav.se/sprak/english.htm), has certified the organic cotton. Their stamp of approval not only a guarantee of organic standards, but also that the social rights of cotton producers are respected. Also, as mentioned prior, many of the other linens adhere to the IFOAM produced in accordance with the standards set forth by the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM). Individual organizations handle the actual certification of cotton fiber produced in different regions: SKAL, a Netherlands-based certifier, oversees the cotton grown for Coyuchi in India. All their organic cotton is grown in India by family farmers organized in cooperatives. They willingly pay premium prices to these small-scale growers for their organic cotton fiber because this encourages organic practices that protect not only the environment, but the farmers, their families, and their communities from exposure to toxic agricultural chemicals. Also, by purchasing their cotton at a better price per kilo, they help support local and economically sustainable production.

The harvesting and production of the natural rubber, the rubber is harvested by tapping the milk (sap) of Hevea brasiliensis (the common rubber tree). The trees grow in North Malaysian plantations. No herbicides are used in these operations, because sheep graze the plantations and control growth. The manufacturer also arranges for the Hevea milk to be processed close to the plantations, because the raw product destabilizes when kept too long. Other manufacturers avoid the problem by adding chemicals. A pledge to bring the purest products possible means that the rubber milk harvested in the morning is molded into sheets by mid-afternoon and is soon shipped to the mattress plant. By having the rubber manufactured where the trees' milk is harvested, we also help to sustain the local economy. Jobs are created without depleting the natural resources of the country. In re: to the process, an injection system produces the purest natural product--for mattress cores that will keep their shape. Only air, natural soap, and natural vulcanization agents are used. At the end of the mattress life cycle, the rubber breaks down, because it is a natural, biodegradable substance.

Product Sourcing

We source from the US whenever possible. We look for the most pure ingredients as possible. Occasionally however, the cotton/wool and latex are sourced from Canada or India due to the limited us resources available at this time. We try to support local companies and smaller companies where the sourcing can be tracked more effectively. We promote fair trade products & farming in our linens and organic cotton choices. Any low wage/child labor would never be considered as a supplier.

**All products are sourced in the United States unless specified below:

1	Some linens	India
2	EMF	Germany
3	Some bedding	Canada
6	Some baby clothes	India
7	Baby bottles	Israel
8	Some Plush Baby toys	Shanghai

Giving Back

Green Nest Contributes to community organizations on an ongoing basis. Some examples of financial contributions and donations include: Greenpeace, Environmental Working Group, Healthy Child Healthy World, Institute for Baubiologie & Ecology, Beyond Pesticides, Wings of Eagle Healthy Living, Harvard environmental, Oceana, PETA, PSN (Progressive Services Network; a non-profit which builds better lives for individuals with special needs), Irvine Public Schools, CASA (Center for Prevention of Abuse & Violence), The Children's Nature Institute, Go Veggie, Team Kids (Irvine, CA)

Community Outreach

Green Nest educates the community through social justice and environmental commitments which include regular book signings (ie: Barnes & Nobel, Borders, Storyopolis). We also contribute time to community organizations such as churches, presentations to local groups including Rotary club, West Coast Green Residential expo, schools, businesses etc. to educate parents & families on creating healthy indoor environments.

Green Nest

Creating Healthy Homes