The Pottery Barn Teen Green Glossary

Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)

This nonprofit promotes conservation of forests, protection of biodiversity and commitment to social responsibility and is the gold standard around the world for sustainable forest management.

Organic Cotton Standard 100 (OCS 100)

This certification assures that products are made with 100% organic fiber.

Global Organic Textiles Standard (GOTS)

This standard includes organic fiber requirements, social responsibility standards and restricted chemicals in finished goods and is the gold standard for textile certifications.

Oeko-Tex 100 class I

This certification for children's products requires that textiles intended for kids three years old and younger be tested to ensure they do not contain harmful chemicals.

Oeko-Tex 100 class II

This certification for adult products that touch the skin requires that apparel, bedding and towels be tested to ensure they do not contain harmful chemicals.

Oeko-Tex 100 class III

This certification for adult products that indirectly touch the skin requires that outerwear and upholstery be tested to ensure they do not contain harmful chemicals.

Better Cotton Initiative (BCI)

This nonprofit assures that cotton fiber is grown following six environmental management principles, including efficient water use, conservation of natural habitats, concern for soil quality, preservation of fiber quality, minimal environmental impact of crop protection methods and promotion of decent work. BCI cotton is traceable from the farm to the gin, but may be blended with other fibers at the spinner.

GREENGUARD

This certification assures that products designed for indoor spaces meet strict chemical emissions limits for cleaner air.

Recycled (Post-Consumer Content)

This term refers to products made from 70% or more materials derived from preexisting products that would otherwise end up in a landfill.

Recycled (Pre-Consumer Content)

This term refers to products made from 70% or more materials derived from industrial processes, which do not reach consumers and would otherwise end up in a landfill. Excluded materials include those that are generated and reutilized in the same manufacturing process, such as glass.

Nontoxic

Ther term refers to products and manufacturing processes that will not harm human health immediately or in the long term. To qualify as nontoxic, products must meet Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) standards, which are defined by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA).

Water-Based Finish

These finishes use fewer harsh solvents and emit fewer volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which improves indoor air quality in factories and homes.

Water Efficient

This term refers to products manufactured using processes such as waterless dyeing, finishing and printing.

Reclaimed/Found

These terms refer to products made from 70% or more materials that have been collected from preexisting products, building or structures, and then converted into something brand new. This includes wood collected from nonforest sources such as driftwood and fruit and nut trees, and found objects that are minimally, partially or wholly processed.

Fair Trade USA

This certification is for products that are made using Fair Trade USA-certified materials and/or manufactured in a Fair Trade USA-certified factory. The nonprofit gives farmers, workers and communities in developing nations the tools they need to leverage the free market and live fair, healthy and sustainable lives.