How they affect indoor air quality

Remember when atmospheric contaminants were romantically called stardust? VOC’s (Volatile Organic Compounds) are there too – but they don’t sparkle in the sunshine, and they’re even more dangerous.

When people talk about off-gassing, they’re referring to VOC’s – carbon-based molecules that vaporize and enter the environment where they combine with other airborne compounds. You bring them into your home through cleaners, synthetic foams, adhesives used in furniture, wood veneers, varnishes and sealants (to name a few).

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates VOC’s are 1,000 times more intense indoors than out, which can lead to chronic and acute health problems.

Improving your indoor air quality and reducing health risks from VOC’s is easier than you may think though. Buy green. It’s that simple.

Green manufacturing reduces the amount of chemicals your purchases come into contact with before entering your home. Buying green, natural and organic reduces the amount of synthetic materials overall in your home.

Before your next purchase, ask if the product is made with:

• Water-based glues, adhesives and finishes
• Manufactured with natural instead of synthetic components (like BiOH in our mattresses and pillows)
• Recycled materials where natural are not available
• Low or no-VOC paint
• Can be washed instead of dry cleaned

And don’t forget to ask what third party certifications back up the company’s claims.

Natura is committed to improving your quality of life through healthy sleep. Our certifications demonstrate our allegiance your wellbeing and to reducing our carbon footprint through green manufacturing. The following list of organizations have either directly certified Natura and our products or have certified the materials we use, guaranteeing their purity from the root source.

GreenGuard
The GreenGuard Environmental Institute provides third-party certification for low-emitting interior products and building materials. All certified products undergo quarterly indoor air quality performance testing according to stringent environmental chamber testing protocols and meet current indoor air quality standards.”

Organic Trade Association
Organic Trade Association (OTA) is a membership-based business association that focuses on the organic business community in North America.  OTA’s mission is to promote and protect the growth of organic trade to benefit the environment, farmers, the public and the economy.

Sustainable Furnishings Council
The SFC is the #1 organization in green furnishings, a non-profit balanced coalition of suppliers, manufacturers, retailers, and designers formed to promote sustainable practices with the best networking and education in our industry.

Rainforest Alliance
The Rainforest Alliance works to conserve biodiversity and ensure sustainable livelihoods by transforming land-use practices, business practices and consumer behavior.

CentriPUR
This voluntary testing, analysis and certification program was developed by members of the global foam industry in response to an increase in substandard imported foams.

Organic Crop Improvement Association
OCIA International is one of the world’s oldest, largest and most trusted leaders in the organic certification industry. A nonprofit, member-owned, agricultural organization, OCIA is dedicated to providing the highest quality organic certification services and access to global organic markets.

Eco Institute
Since 1988, the Eco Institute has offered third party product examinations and quality assurance. Membership offers current quality assurance and ensures the observance of standards and laws within the European and international range.

Bio Grow New Zealand
BioGro is New Zealand’s leading organic certification agency. Established in 1983, BioGro now certifies over 900 operations across New Zealand’s primary production, processing, farm input supply, export, and retail sectors. BioGro trademarks more than $100 million worth of product every year.

Forestry Stewardship Council
FSC is an international certification and labeling system that guarantees that the forest products you purchase come from responsibly managed forests and verified recycled sources.

Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association
Dedicated to promoting and informing consumers, the industry and our membership about the safe use of juvenile products, industry issues and the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association.

iParenting
iParenting Media’s Award Program provides a credible and objective method of determining the best products and recognizes those products that outperform expectations.