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Sustainable Materials Glossary

Below is a non-exhaustive glossary of sustainability-related materials and attributes that you may encounter in AltroScambio listings.

Ethically Sourced Gemstones

Ethically sourced gemstones, including diamonds, are obtained in accordance with high standards of social and environmental responsibility that go beyond being merely Conflict Free™. These standards are intended to promote responsible sourcing practices throughout the supply chain.

Hemp

The product is made entirely from hemp fiber, with the possible exception of thread, fasteners, or other minor components.

Hemp generally requires less water to cultivate than conventional alternatives such as cotton. It is naturally resistant to many pests, reducing the need for pesticides, and its cultivation has been shown to contribute positively to certain aspects of soil health.

Leaping Bunny Certified

The product is offered by a seller certified under the Corporate Standard of Compassion for Animals, commonly known as the Leaping Bunny Standard.

This certification verifies that all products manufactured by the seller are guaranteed to be free from new animal testing.

Linen

The product is made entirely from linen fiber derived from the flax plant, with the possible exception of thread or fastening components.

Flax is a fast-growing crop that typically requires less water than common alternatives such as cotton. Linen is also known for its durability and biodegradability.

Organic Cotton

The cotton used in the product has been cultivated without the use of synthetic chemicals, including pesticides, fertilizers, and plant growth regulators.

At least 50% of the total material inputs used in the product consist of certified organic cotton.

Organic Ingredients

This designation applies to ingredients contained in food, household, or personal care products that have been grown without synthetic chemicals.

These include, but are not limited to:

• Pesticides

• Fertilizers

• Plant Growth Regulators (PGRs)

• Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)

To qualify, at least 70% of the ingredients must be certified organic, and organic ingredients must account for a minimum of 20% of the product's total volume, including water.

Reusable

Products identified as reusable are designed to be used repeatedly rather than discarded after a single use.

While reusable products are not necessarily made from more sustainable materials, they can contribute to a lower-impact lifestyle by replacing disposable alternatives.

This designation is applied only to products that are commonly intended for single-use applications.

Upcycled

An upcycled product has been transformed from its original form into something new or of greater value.

Choosing upcycled products helps extend the useful life of materials and reduces the amount of waste sent for disposal.

Vegan

The product contains no animal-derived ingredients or animal by-products.

Currently, the vegan designation is primarily used for consumer goods such as candles, food products, cleaning products, cosmetics, and similar items that often contain ingredients of animal origin.

For many consumers, vegan products represent an ethical choice and may also contribute to reducing the environmental impact associated with industrial animal agriculture.

Vintage

The item is at least 20 years old.

Purchasing vintage products extends the lifespan of existing items and helps reduce the demand for newly manufactured products and the resources required to produce them.

Vintage Gemstones

All gemstones contained within the item, including diamonds, are at least 20 years old.

Like vintage products, vintage gemstones remain in circulation for longer periods, encouraging the continued use of valuable existing materials rather than the extraction of new resources.

Recycled Content

A product designated as containing recycled content incorporates materials that have been recovered or diverted from the waste stream during manufacturing processes or after consumer use.

For any recycled-content claim, sellers must ensure that the product contains at least 50% recycled material.

Contains Recycled Glass

The glass used in the product is 100% recycled and represents at least half of the product's overall composition.

Contains Recycled Metal

The metal used in the product is 100% recycled and represents at least half of the product's overall composition.

Contains Recycled Plastic

The plastic used in the product is 100% recycled and represents at least half of the product's overall composition.

Contains Recycled Paper

The paper used in the product consists entirely of recycled material, of which at least 30% is post-consumer recycled (PCR) content.

Contains Recycled Polyester

At least half of the product consists of 100% post-consumer recycled polyethylene terephthalate (RPET).

For blended fabrics, the material contains at least 50% post-consumer recycled polyester, and the recycled polyester still constitutes a minimum of half of the overall product composition.

Contains Recycled Cotton

Recycled cotton blends contain at least 50% recycled cotton, whether derived from pre-consumer or post-consumer sources.

Environmental and sustainability-related descriptions displayed on AltroScambio are based exclusively on information provided by the seller of the listing. Any sustainability badges, labels, or related terminology represent only specific attributes of a product and should not be interpreted as a comprehensive assessment of its overall environmental impact. AltroScambio may expand existing definitions or introduce additional sustainability-related attributes in the future and will communicate such updates to the AltroScambio community accordingly.

If you have specific questions about a product, including any sustainability certifications or environmental claims that may apply, please contact the seller directly using the [Ask a Question] option available on the product page. The seller will be able to provide additional information regarding the product and its characteristics.