EWG, RTS… WTF? Your Guide to Sustainability & Ethics Certifications

Oct 27

In today's world, sustainability is more than just a buzzword; it's a way of life. At Ánimo, we understand the importance of making sustainable and ethical choices when shopping. We want to help you support brands that align with your values, so we’ve written this article for you to use as a tool to make informed and responsible buying decisions.

Understanding Textile Certifications

Let's begin by unraveling the mystery behind textile certifications and why they matter:

GOTS – Organic Textile Certification: This label signifies that the fabric is made from organic materials, reducing the use of harmful chemicals in production. It matters because it's not just about what you wear; it's about the environmental impact of your choices.
OEKO-TEX – Label for Non-Toxic Textile: OEKO-TEX-certified products are free from harmful substances, ensuring your well-being and the planet's health. Your skin deserves the best, and so does our world.
RWS – The Responsible Wool Standard: For wool lovers, this certification ensures the humane treatment of sheep and responsible sourcing of wool. Fashion should never come at the expense of animal welfare.
Better Cotton Initiative: Supporting this label encourages responsible cotton production, reducing the environmental footprint of cotton farming.
WRAP - Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production: This globally recognized program verifies manufacturers' adherence to labor, ethical, and legal standards. It ensures that production facilities meet strict criteria as a part of WRAP’s 12 principles.
GRS and RCS – Labels for Recycled Materials: These certifications promote a circular economy by highlighting the use of recycled materials.
BASC - Business Alliance for Secure Commerce Certification: BASC is a program that focuses on enhancing security in international supply chains, ensuring companies demonstrate their commitment to safeguarding their products and the integrity of their supply chain.
ISO 9000 Certification: ISO 9000 is a set of international standards that define requirements for quality management systems, ensuring companies are dedicated to maintaining high-quality products and services while continuously optimizing their processes.

Prioritizing Chemical Safety and Animal Welfare

Now, let's talk about certifications that prioritize chemical safety and animal welfare:

EWG: The Non-Toxic Certification: When you see this label, it assures that the product is safe for both you and the environment.
Vegan Certified: This seal guarantees that no animal or animal-derived products were used in the making of the product.

Promoting Ethical and Environmental Practices

Lastly, consider these certifications that promote ethical and environmentally friendly practices:

B Corporation: When you choose a B Corp brand, you're supporting social and environmental responsibility; your purchases can be a force for good.
Forest Stewardship Council: This label supports sustainable forest management, ensuring a healthier planet. There are 3 different types of FSC labels: FSC 100%, FSC Recycled, FSC Mix.
1% For The Planet: Brands certified under this program give back to environmental causes. This group’s members commit to donating at least 1% of annual sales directly to environmental organizations.
Climate Neutral: Brands with this certification are actively reducing their greenhouse gas emissions.

Your Path to Sustainable Shopping

We're not just about certifications; we're about a sustainable lifestyle. At Ánimo, we're proud to partner with manufacturers who hold Fair Trade, GOTS, WRAP, BASC, OEKO-TEX, and ISO 9000 certifications, ensuring that every product we create meets the highest ethical and environmental standards. Our upcoming sweat set launches this winter - Sign up for the drop here! Inventory is extremely limited.

But it doesn't stop there. Our fine used furniture product line, Casa Ánimo, is dedicated to reducing the demand for new materials. We source high-quality, used furniture designed to stand the test of time, giving them a second chance to shine in a new home. And, our pieces are typically unique with very limited quantities existing in the world!

So, when you explore Ánimo, you're not just supporting a brand; you're joining a movement toward a greener and more ethical world. Browse our current furniture products to see what we have in store.