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Environment Green Living Miscellaneous Organic Apparel & Textiles Organic Clothing Press Releases

Project Earth Day: Fashion Trashion Runway Show

As manufacturers of natural latex mattresses and organic bedding, CozyPure has a year-round dedication to earth-friendly practices.  Not only do we manufacture GREEN bedding using only renewable and sustainable materials, we are eco-conscious in all of our operating procedures right down to the light bulbs we use in our showroom and workshop.  Although we like to think of everyday as a day to celebrate Earth and her renewable resources, we join the rest of Earth’s inhabitants to celebrate “Earth Day” on April 22 each year.  CozyPure typically has a sale each year to celebrate Earth Day and of course that is well received!  This year we will be doing something new and exciting (in addition to a sale):  A fashion show in which contestants will be challenged to use their creativity to design a wearable fashion using only local business scraps and waste, otherwise headed to the landfill.

On April 22, 2016, The Venue on 35th in the Park Place District of Norfolk will host Project Earth Day: Fashion Trashion Runway Show. Sponsored by CozyPure, Virginia Fashion Week and The Venue, this fashion competition is open to all ages and levels of experience.  project-earthday-poster

This community event seeks to showcase Hampton Roads’ creative talent while participating in environmental stewardship through the demonstration of upcycling – also known as creative reuse, is the process of transforming by-products, waste materials, useless and/or unwanted products into new materials or products of better quality or for better environmental value.

Attendees of the event will enjoy a runway show featuring the designs, as well as Earth Day-themed live performances by area talent presented in interims throughout the show.

All interested contestants are encouraged to register at http://www.cozypure.com/projectearthday. Spots are limited, first come first serve.

The general public is welcome to attend the event on Earth Day, April 22nd at the Venue on 35th located at 631 W 35th Street in Norfolk. Doors open at 6pm. Runway show starts at 7pm. Refreshments will be available for purchase through a local non-profit organization. Contact CozyPure Organic Mattresses and Bedding for more information, 757-480-8500.

Categories
Eco-Tips Environment Green Living Miscellaneous

Every Day is Earth Day

We like to be mindful of our environment every day around here. But some things just can’t be avoided. As green as we are in our company practices we’re still occasionally confronted with some challenges that are very “un-green” while running the business. The difference, however, is how we choose to deal with those things. First a little background.

If you’re not familiar with our company, we started out back in 1990 as one of America’s first green-living stores originally under the name Tomorrow’s World. We offered everything from compact fluorescent light bulbs to shower heads and even low-flow toilets!

catalogs
Archived catalogs

Our mail order catalogs featured clothing and bedding made from organic, sustainable fibers such as hemp and organic cotton… in fact we were one of the first retailers in the country to ship mattresses and bedding direct to the consumer.

Early 1990’s. We sold mattresses with organic materials in our catalog way before the internet

In 2011, we invested in a solar system that generates 89,400 kWh of electricity yearly.

solar
Just a portion of our solar array system

 

CozyPure® is proud to be an EPA Green-Power-Partner

http://www.cozypure.com/images/homepage/epa-green-power-partner.jpg

The lighting in our recently renovated space features 4w LED bulbs throughout the offices and showroom. The entire area of 5,000 SF uses a total equivalent of having eight lamps with 75watt light bulbs. WOOP!

showroom
We have SIXTY dimmable LED bulbs in our showroom – the equivalent of four 60 watt light bulbs

 

We upgraded all the workshop bulbs from T12 to T2. Not only are they energy efficient, they also provide a beautiful bright light that looks very similar to the natural daylight we get from the skylights in our historic early 1900 building.

t2-lights
We converted sixty fixtures from T12 bulbs (75 watts each)   to T2 bulbs (11 watts each). YOWSA!

 

In our parking lot the recycling dumpster is 3x bigger than the trash dumpster. We encourage a no-waste policy and reuse or recycle mostly everything. Paper copies are converted for note-taking (no post-its here). We collect our raw material scraps and offer to crafters at an affordable price.

batting
Why waste scraps of beautiful organic batting when someone else can use them?

 

We’ve always had plants to not only provide aesthetics in our surroundings, but to also naturally filter the air around us. Our first plant, Aggie, has been with us now for over 20 years. OK so maybe she’s really a tree (over 7 feet with yearly clippings)

office-plants
No it’s not a greenhouse or nursery, we just love plants. Oh and BTW those cool glass-wood partition walls were demoed and upcycled from their original use circa 1930 – just part of the history in our beloved 1909 building that we wanted to preserve – so yup we did that too 🙂

 

Of course, ALL of our products are made from sustainable, renewable materials such as organic rubber, organic cotton, wool, buckwheat and kapok and made in the USA. We DO NOT make CozyPure bedding from non-renewable petroleum foams or synthetics – the most common materials in conventional bedding (yup – you probably have that yucky stuff in your pillows, blankets and mattress – sorry).

organic-bedding
Wool comforters – the kind great-grandma had, you know, the kind that lasted

 

Our warehouse shelving and workshop tables are custom-made and handcrafted from FSC-certified wood.

work-tables
Oh it’s our lovely ladies who tuft, they’re pretty awesome

 

Our kitchenette was upgraded with an on-demand hot water heater. Our fridge is Euro-designed highly energy efficient. We have two antique buffets getting restored with quartz-recycled glass counter-top from Absolute Kitchen & Bath (a local kitchen contractor).  We had our floors restored to their natural finish by Hapax Concrete (another local yocal). You’ll also find temperature-control curtains we installed throughout our warehouse which retain heat and/or coolness, in addition to ceiling and exhaust fans. Heck, even our bathrooms have organic castile soap for washing our hands.

organic-soap
Soap made with certified organic oils makes hand-washing fun!

 

We don’t just say we’re green, we are green. After all actions speak much louder than words.

One of the biggest challenges we faced was waste from plastic. Many of our raw materials arrive wrapped in large plastic bags, for protection during shipping. We couldn’t recycle this type of plastic in our container, and we couldn’t find any practical way to reuse such a massive quantity of bags. Thankfully, Mr. John came to our rescue two years ago.

john-plastic
Studly Mr John gets a work out hauling all that plastic and we gals look forward to the eye candy when he comes to collect :)~

 

John volunteers his time to collect plastic bags for a local school. The bags are then recycled into plastic lumber for an assortment of furniture and decking. The school that collects the most tonnage wins and ever since we’ve been doing this “our” school (the smallest one in Norfolk) wins the contest and we suspect our contribution of plastic helps greatly, as well as Mr. John’s efforts 🙂

This Earth Day think about ways you can change your daily habits. Try small changes like taking your own bags to the market or using a refillable water bottle. You’ll be surprised how quickly it becomes a part of your daily lifestyle, not just something you do on Earth Day, after all…

GOOD PLANETS ARE HARD TO FIND

Happy Earth Day!

Are you ready to dispose of your chemical-laden, plastic-based bedding?

CozyPure offers a nice selection of everything from mattresses and toppers to comforters and linens all made from renewable, sustainable, natural and organic materials. And the annual Earth Day sale is going on through April 30th.
BE GREEN. SLEEP GREEN. SAVE GREEN.

cozypure_1

Categories
Eco-Tips Environment Green Living Healthy Lifestyles Natural Fibers Organic Comfort Organic Mattress & Bedding

Is Your Bedding Sustainable?

Earth Day is fast approaching and it’s the perfect time to evaluate how green you really are. Earth Day is the time that everyone thinks about the basic ways to conserve like recycling, buying local and using less energy. Why not consider changing what you rest your head on every night, your mattress?

Most conventional mattresses available today are made from synthetic materials derived from petrochemicals and a host of proprietary unregulated chemicals. Producing these materials contribute to generating more pollution in our environment, plus creates a dependency on our supply of nonrenewable resources. In addition  manufacturers use toxic chemicals like polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE), a class of synthetic chemicals as flame retardants. Disturbing concentrations of this chemical has been found in human blood and breast milk – a major human health concern.

All of these factors contribute to our health and that of our environment. The materials we choose for use in our CozyPure bedding and mattress components are made from earth-friendly renewable resources that are better for you and better for our environment.

tufting-comforter
CozyPure Wool Comforter Hand Tufted in Norfolk, Virginia

Making useful green products from sustainable materials that will last for years is a great representation of what Earth Day is all about; investing in something that’s not designed to break down and get replaced is not only smart for your wallet, it’s smart for our planet.

Start thinking about your purchases. Do you need it? Is it practical? Will it last? What’s it made from? Where was it made? Are you buying something simply because it’s cheap? You’ll find that when you start asking these questions chances are pretty good that in many cases you’ll put the product back on the shelf.


If you looking to “sleep green”, visit www.cozypure.com for a full collection of organic bedding and mattresses.

Categories
Eco-Tips Environment Green Living

Earth Day Eco-Tips

Happy Earth Day! This is the time to think about what ways we can help keep our planet clean. Here are 100 ways you can be Eco friendly on Earth Day.

  • Set your dishwasher to the energy saving mode and no dry heat modes to save even more.
  • Buy certified carpeting, furniture, and other household goods. FSC, SFI, GreenGuard, GreenSeal and more, all certify products produced with less harmful chemicals and sustainable manufacturing processes.
  • Buy certified organic food or locally grown. Less chemicals, less impact from transportation and delivery, respectively.

certified-organic

  • Buy consumer goods that are produced in a more environmentally sustainable manner and with less packaging.
  • Change the air filters on your heating and cooling system regularly.
  • Check with your local electric utility about purchasing green power. Many consumers have this option now.
  • Check with your state about subsidizing  energy savings and alternative power.
  • Check with your utility about any energy saving incentives it may offer.
  • Choose your fish carefully. Some are better for you than others.
  • Combine car trips. Instead of several smaller trips, make one larger trips and run all your errands at once. Or join forces with a neighbor or two!

errands2

 

  • Create a compost heap and enrich your garden. You can compost most food waste and yard waste.
  • Don’t choose between paper and plastic — shop with reusable bags.
  • Don’t flush your medications down the drain. Follow safe disposal practices.
  • Don’t use antibacterial soaps or other cleaners. They don’t work any  better than regular soap and water and may cause health problems.
  • Don’t use artificial air cleaners or plug-ins. They’ve recently been found to emit harmful chemicals.
  • Donate used items rather than trashing them. Most places will even take worn clothes for rags. Or Freecycle them.

freecyclecartoon-M12136

 

  • Eat less meat, which causes the most environmental harm than any other type of food production.
  • Eat lower on the food chain. The higher up you go, the greater the environmental impact. That means more grains and produce. Besides, it’s better for you anyway.
  • Filter your shower water. You can purchase a filter that attaches to the head for about $50.
  • Filter your water rather than using bottled. Not only is it cheaper, but you reduce the bottles in circulation.

stop-buying-bottled-water-and-save-2000-for-a-family-of-four

 

  • Fix leaky faucets and toilets.
  • Flat-screen monitors or laptops are far more energy-efficient than CRTs.
  • For business travel, try to combine trips and take direct flights to reduce your impact.
  • Get an energy audit for your home or a green office audit for your work.
  • Get your coffee cup refilled rather than getting a disposable cup each time.
  • Green your cosmetics.
  • Heat your home to 68 degrees F, cool to 72 degrees F. Reduce both at night. For each two degrees, save 6%.
  • House plants can help clear the air. Peace plants and philodendron are particularly well suited to eliminating many common air pollutants.
  • If green power is not available in your area, purchase green tags or RECs to offset.
  • In public bathrooms, install motion sensor faucets and hand towel dispensers.
  • In the office and at home, regularly maintain HVAC systems.
  • Install a programmable thermostat to save up to $100 in energy costs per year.
  • Install a solar-powered attic fan to draw out hot air in the winter.
  • Install aerators on your faucets to use less water.
  • Insulate your attic and basement to save as much as 20% on your heating and cooling costs.
  • Invest in green. There are many good mutual funds and stocks available.
  • Keep insulating shades and curtains on southern facing windows drawn in summer and open in winter.
  • Keep your freezer full for optimal power use.
  • Making smart paper choices has become easier. Use certified or unbleached paper, or both.
  • Never let your car idle. If you’re not driving or stopped at a light, shut the engine.
  • Offices are often over-lit. Reduce overhead lighting by removing overhead bulbs. Replace with task lighting.

task_lighting

 

  • Opt-out of junk mail.
  • Patronize companies that are making efforts to become more environmentally sustainable. From consumer products to services, your dollar can make a difference.
  • Pick a green dry cleaner that doesn’t use perchloroethylene, a known carcinogen. Or better yet, don’t buy clothes that need to be dry cleaned.
  • Plant native plant species, which are better suited to your climate and will require fewer chemicals and water.
  • Plant trees to buffer homes from wind and to help shade air conditioning units and windows that get a lot of sun.

tree shade

 

  • Print double-sided both at home and at work.
  • Recycle everything possible. Glass, metal, plastic, paper, cardboard (don’t forget junk mail!) and more. And participate in special item recycling days, such as for paints or electronics.
  • Recycle those printer cartridges.
  • Recycle your electronics and computer equipment.
  • Reduce consumption. Do you really need that new shirt? Clothing is the top contributor to environmental impacts of consumer product purchases.
  • Reduce your grass exposure. Plant shrubberies and other ground cover to replace this high-demand monoculture.
  • Regular maintenance on your current vehicle can save on gas. Replacing filters and keeping tires properly inflated are particularly important.
  • Replace at least 5 of your most-used bulbs with compact fluorescent.
  • Replace older toilets with newer, low-flow models.
  • Replace traditional exit signs with LED signs.
  • Run a full dishwasher rather than cleaning dishes by hand. Yes, it actually uses less water.
  • Safely dispose of hazardous materials, like batteries, CFLs, and chemicals. Check locally or online for resources.
  • Same goes for other personal care products. Safe use and disposal will help keep them out of our water.
  • Seal cracks using expanding foam and caulk. Look anywhere that pipes or wires come into the house, doors, windows. Experts estimate that if you added up all the cracks in the average home, you would have a 2-foot square hole.
  • Seal leaky heating and cooling ductwork. Use mastic rather that duct tape, which doesn’t offer enough sealing.
  • Select low VOC paint for your next remodeling job. And look for low-emissions products for any sealing work.
  • Shut all lights when leaving a room, saving about 5% on energy bills annually.
  • Shut down your computers and monitors every night.
  • Take 5-minutes showers and skip the bath. Any longer than 5-minutes and you’re wasting water.
  • Try carpooling to work one day a week. If it works for you, add more.
  • Try using a web conference to replace in-person meetings that require air travel whenever possible.
  • Turn off the tap. While brushing, while shaving, while washing dishes.
  • Upgrade appliances and electronics with Energy Star certified equipment. Both at home and at work, including copiers, printers, computers and accessories.
  • Upgrade your heating and cooling equipment. This along with hot water, accounts for 30% of homeowner energy use.
  • Upgrade your water heater. A solar system can meet 2/3 of a household needs. Or go with a tankless model. If neither works for you, go for an EnergyStar version.
  • Use an environmentally responsible bank. Many banks are working to address global warming.
  • Use ceiling fans to cool down rooms in summer and push down hot air in winter.
  • Use cold water for your laundry. Today’s soaps are designed for cold water washing.
  • Use doormats at all doors to keep particulates, dirt, and pollutants out of your home.
  • Use front-loading washers and dryers. Look to replace your old set with these newer models when it’s time.
  • Use green cleaning methods. Vinegar, lemon juice, baking soda, Borax, and regular dish soap are all you really need for the majority of your household cleaning. Don’t want to mix it yourself? There are plenty of green alternatives.
  • Use Integrated Pest Management for bugs or vermin. There are companies that specialize in this.
  • Use motion sensor lights in offices and other areas if infrequent occupancy, like office restrooms.
  • Use natural lawn care. And when using any chemicals or fertilizers, carefully follow recommended application rates.
  • Use post-consumer, recycled content products, such as paper, napkins, toilet paper, tissues, and more.
    recycle
  • Use power-saving settings on your computer. Set them to power down after 2-3 minutes of inactivity.
  • Use public transportation whenever possible. Or just try to commit to one day per week in your commute.
  • Use rechargeable and reusable office products, like batteries, pens, storage devices.
  • Use reusable plates, cups and utensils. And no styrofoam. Encourage others to do the same.
  • Use safer alternatives whenever possible. Read labels and learn more about what you’re using. Just because they’re selling it doesn’t guarantee that it’s safe.
  • Use smart plugs to shut off power to appliances and unplug chargers and other stand-alone appliances. The U.S. spends about $4 billion annually on stand-by energy alone.
  • Use the microwave whenever practical. It is far more efficient than the stove or oven.
  • Use timers for indoor and outdoor lights.
  • Vacuum your refrigerator coils, which helps it operate more efficiently.
  • Water your lawn less frequently and more deeply and at night in most areas, to avoid evaporation.
  • Weatherstrip doors and windows.
  • When available purchase organic cotton products. Cotton is one of the most pollution-producing crops in the U.S.
  • When on the go, use a reusable water bottle. Metal, #2HDPE, #4LDPE, or #5PP are safest. Avoid those with phthalates or BPA.
  • When purchasing a new car, look for the most energy efficient model you can. Hybrids are great, but may not work for everyone.
  • Whenever practical, walk or ride your bike. For trips less than 2 miles, it actually takes less time to bike it.
  • Work from home! See if your employer might be willing to allow work at home days for employees.
  • Wrap your hot water pipes with pre-formed, pre-fit insulating tubes.
  • Wrap your water heater with an insulation blanket. About $20 at Lowe’s.
  • Wash your laundry in cold water.  About 90% of the washing machine’s energy goes into heating.
  • And of course sleep green with sustainable renewable organic bedding materials that are better for the plabet and better for you!
    mattress-comforter-sleepwear-ohmy

 

Categories
Environment Green Living Natural Fibers

For Earth Day – Sleep on this

Here’s a press release from 2008 that’s worth repeating as we head towards Earth Day in just ten more days…


Earth Day is April 22nd and it’s the perfect time to rethink our everyday routine and the footprints we’re leaving on the environment. The car we drive, our household cleaners, the fertilizers we use on our lawn, even the mattress we sleep on; the products we choose to use can have a huge environmental impact on our planet.

The new adage of the 3-Rs: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, can help guide us towards a more eco-friendly lifestyle of making greener choices every day, and every night too.

Believe it or not, your mattress has a giant impact on the environment, but don’t lose too much sleep over it because now there are alternatives for you to become a greener dreamer.

REUSE: Renewables Rule
Most conventional mattresses are made with chemical foam components produced from petroleum and natural gas – both of which are very nonrenewable resources. The continuing use of these fossil fuels pollutes our environment and relies on a vast amount of harmful chemicals in the production process. In contrast, an organic mattress made from natural materials is made from the milk of the Hevea Brasiliensis rubber tree, pure wool, organically grown cotton, and sometimes even corn. These components are derived from nature’s own renewable resources so we can use them over and over again without harming the environment.

Rubber-Tree-Sap

REDUCE: Longevity is King
Did you know that Americans dispose of an estimated 38,000,000 mattresses every year? Most foam mattress components begin to lose resiliency and support sooner than expected, so they’re sent to landfills where they consume valuable space.

matt-landfill

A mattress should not be a disposable product doomed for eternity at the landfill. The raw materials used in an organic mattress will last longer than its synthetic chemical counterpart. Investing in a quality eco-smart mattress will pay for itself over its lifetime while reducing your need to replace it. This concept doesn’t usually agree with big-business profit forecasting, but a product that lasts longer is definitely better for our environment, not to mention our budget.

RECYCLE: Ashes to Ashes
Natural materials are biodegradable, and sometimes even compostable, through proper recycling programs. They won’t decompose while in use, but they have the ability to naturally breakdown and safely re-enter our environment without harmful effects. Although foam can be recycled into other products, unfortunately there aren’t many programs in place for this to be a reality. Hopefully today’s little green jeans will be tomorrow’s green geniuses with full-throttle mattress recycling programs that will ease our landfill burdens and solve the dilemma of disposing the chemical soup so many people call their bed.

Cheryl Hahn, President of the Organic Comfort Zone located in Norfolk, Virginia, has over twenty years experience offering environmentally-friendly products and ecosmart organic comfort. Based on her knowledge and expertise, Hahn developed her exclusive collection of CozyPure® mattresses and bedding made from certified organic cotton, chemical-free pure wool, and creamy white natural latex derived from the sap of the rubber tree.

college_organic_bedding

The components used are third-party certified for safety, tested for quality, and stamped with her seal of approval. “We’ve searched the world for the finest materials, backed by authentic environmental and organic certifications.” says Hahn.

In addition to using ONLY renewable, sustainable, natural materials, perhaps the best feature about the CozyPure® collection is it’s made in Virginia- USA by the only organic bedding manufacturer who also produces 100% of their own energy using solar panels and wind.

clean-energy-banner

Tonight sleep on this: Our mattresses shouldn’t be killing us softly. The next time you need to revamp your bedroom, do the world a favor and choose natural and renewable materials. Green choices in the home can reap the benefits of safer indoor spaces, without leaving behind any dirty footprints. That’s something every mother loves to hear, especially Mother Earth.

Categories
Press Releases

Earth Day News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Jamar Diggs • (757) 480-8500 • jdiggs@cozypure.com

April 9, 2013

Awarding Green Business in Hampton Roads 

Norfolk, Va. – CozyPure®, pioneers in the green living movement for 22 years are celebrating Earth Day by recognizing business peers in Hampton Roads as leaders for their commitment to offer only green living products or services.

Originally known as Tomorrow’s World, one of the first eco stores in America, CozyPure® would like to extend gratitude while raising awareness of Earth Day and green living.

Specializing exclusively in eco-friendly consumer products and services requires a high level of commitment, and green businesses provide a valuable asset to our communities in their efforts of environmental practices and selectivity. Too often they are not recognized for their contributions in helping our environment with their uncompromising stance to offer only products and services which are more beneficial to both people and planet.

“I know first hand the level of commitment necessary when you decide to offer only sustainable products. First the extensive research involved to find or produce those products, followed by educating the consumer about the benefits. We take the role of teacher in sharing our knowledge about how and why a green product choice is more beneficial than the conventional product.” explains owner Cheryl Hahn. “Lastly the commitment to stay strong in your mission, and not waver. As a business owner, the temptation to stray outside the ‘green’ set of standards is always there, so it takes passion and dedication to stay true to your mission statement. I understand the many challenges facing authentic green businesses, especially with green-washing being so prevalent, and that’s why this year for Earth Day we decided to recognize our business peers.”

Businesses selected for the Green Commitment Award will be presented with a Certificate of Appreciation, as well as an exclusive “Green Business Leader” throw pillow, made by CozyPure®, to reward and recognize their commitment as a green business leader in Hampton Roads.

Awardees will be announced on Earth Day, April 22nd. If you know of a green business in Hampton Roads that should be considered for this award, please contact CozyPure® at 757.480.8500.

# # #

CozyPure® is one of the first eco stores in America. Manufactured in Norfolk, Va. CozyPure® has developed some of the most trusted brands in the organic and the home furnishings industry. CozyPure® is one of the nation’s leading organic mattress and bedding companies by maintaining quality, comfort, durability and aesthetics while using textiles made from renewable, sustainable resources for products actually made to last decades.


ORGANIC COMFORT ZONE
201 W. Ocean View Avenue
Norfolk, VA 23503