OK, this was fun… after coming out from our ten-year local underground, we had a community catwalk in Virginia Beach featuring our ecosmart organic fashions and organic bedding. Sorry we forgot to post this earlier, but we finally uploaded the video to youtube today. Better late than never, right? It’s 10 minutes… so pretty long, but features clips of the active-military models (they were GREAT) and some of our in-house images from catalog photoshoots. Just a fun video to chill out naturally®
It was a gorgeous day at Mt Trashmore Sunday! The weather was wonderful which is so important for outdoor events. The models had fun strutting their stuff to our Chill Out Naturally® song (15 minute rock version), and they looked great. Here’s some pics of them wearing our EcoAveUsa organic cotton sleepwear and hugging the CozyPure® organic pillows. This is what they wore for the finale’ when they all came out on stage together and had a pillow fight.
We had to modify our Chill Out Naturally® jingle into a 15 minute version, so we changed it up a bit and added a more rock beat. If you want to listen, here it is (it’s LONG):
WE LOVE WOOL: Ohhh… what a wonderful natural fiber! We’ve been using wool in our natural mattresses for over 15 years. It wicks away moisture keeping the body at an ideal temperature during sleep. It’s also breathable and resistant to molds, mildews and dust mites. Because of it’s ability to self-extinguish it’s often used as a natural flame barrier for mattresses.We’ve found that thermal bonding offers the most consistent, high quality loft in bedding applications. The problem with thermal bonding is it usually requires the wool to have a small amount of glue as a resin to gently adhere the wool fibers. Since we knew that was not an option for us, we started to work with plant-pla, commonly known as ingeo(tm). Plant-pla is derived from plant starch — mostly corn — and since it comes from a natural resource, it’s not only environmentally-smart and renewable, it’s also breathable just like a natural fiber! In fact, plant-pla is also moisture regulating, antibacterial and naturally flame resistant. We found that using a very very small amount of this awesome fiber, allowed us to get the wonderful end-results of thermal bonded wool batting, using a natural resin that actually enhanced the properties of our wool. Amaizing Wool is used exclusively in the production of CozyPure® natural mattresses, as well as bedding accessories such as comforters and pillows.
FAQ’s
Will using corn starch or sugars make the wool inside the products “sticky”?
That’s a good question. When you read about plant-based-pla, one would almost assume the “raw sugar” is melted to bond the wool. However, just like most natural fibers, it goes through a process to get towards it’s end result. The sugar proteins are extracted from the corn (or other starchy plant), then fermented in a process similar to making yogurt. After fermentation, the desired fiber is made into the finished form depending on use, for a variety of applications. Once this happens, there is no sugar residue, or stickiness, in the end-product. In fact, plant-pla is now very popular in apparel for it’s wonderful silky feel and breathability against the skin.
Does this process interfere with the feel of the wool, or the benefits of the wool?
Not one bit. In fact, after months of research, we strongly believe that plant-pla actually enhances our wool. Using this to gently bond our wool, we always have a very consistant wool batting that has a beautiful, soft loft and fantastic durability. In addition, the natural properties of plant-pla only complement our wool because they both offer many of the same benefits.
Is plant-pla environmentally safe?
Absolutely. It’s actually one of the most environmentally friendly manufacturing procedures in the industry. From start to finish it really does come full circle. First, it starts with an abundant supply from a natural resource. The production of plant-pla requires less greenhouse gases… a chief contributor to global warming. It’s also rated 100% composting, but don’t worry it won’t biodegrade during it’s usage! It must first be recycled back through the chain (similar to recyling your newspapers), only then will composting occur.
Will this harm our supply of corn as a food source? Does it contain GMO’s?
No, our plant-pla does not contain any GMO’s, and the entire fiber industry’s use of corn-pla is less than point-one percent (-0.1%) of the overall corn production. Of that .1%, we only use a tiny sprinkling to adhere the wool fibers. It’s such an extremely small amount overall, it isn’t even on the radar. The production of plant-pla doesn’t interfere with our food supply at all… so you can continue to enjoy eating corn!
Is your wool organic?
Yes!
Why would I want wool in my bedding? Isn’t wool scratchy and uncomfortably hot?
This is a common misconception. But here are some facts you may not have known: Because it absorbs moisture, wool provides superior comfort in both hot and cold weather. In cold weather, even a little moisture on the skin becomes cold, quickly reducing body temperature. However, by absorbing body moisture, a dry layer of air is left next to the skin and this helps to hold in body heat. In addition, the crimp in the wool fibers makes them stand apart from each other. As a result, little pockets of still air are trapped between the fibers. This lining of air trapped inside the fabric acts as an insulator. Still air is one of the best insulators found in nature. The absorption/evaporation process works in hot weather to help keep the body cooler. Evaporation of perspiration is the body’s natural cooling device. Wool helps this process along, as its thirsty cells absorb moisture and help reduce skin temperature. In addition, much of the outdoor heat is blocked out because of wool’s insulating barrier of air pockets. This means that the body is kept at an even temperature.
For more information about our natural mattresses and bedding, please call the Organic Comfort Zone at 1.800.229.7571 Monday-Friday 9am-5pm EST, or visit the the Organic Comfort Zone at Tomorrow’s World for photos and product information.
Tomorrow we’ll have a demo crew on-site to tear down walls and expand our cut & sew department. We’re taking out the full size kitchen since no one uses it anyway. It’s funny because originally we were so excited to have this huge kitchen, complete with oven, wrap-around counters and cabinets, etc. Heck, we cook at home so it’s the last thing we want to do at work. The only thing we do use is our energy-efficient Vestfrost refrigerator, which we’ll move to the main office area.
So, today we pack and wrap everything tight, then hang heavy plastic drapes to keep the demo area isolated. We’ll be getting some new sewing machines in next week too, and we’re all excited. It’s great to have our own local cut & sews, both on-site and a few off-site, so we can continue to offer our “Made in the USA” organic comfort zone products. The expansion will serve us well for textile storage, but more importantly it will allow for a larger cutting table, which will be SO helpful when producing our organic bedding items.
Thank you all for your continued support of both organic textiles and made in the USA products.
If Oprah says it… it must be true! Funny how folks always listen to the media voices. We’ve offered reusable canvas shopping bags for 15 years, and they’ve always been popular…. but when Oprah had a special “green” show and encouraged people to take their own bags to the market, the orders for our bags hit an all time high. Of course, it was also synchronicity at its best because our year-at-a-glance calendar features buy 3 bags and get one free for the month of April (which we mailed out in January – way before we knew about Oprah’s show). So it seems we’ll be giving away lots of FREE bags this month… and saving lots of plastic bags from the landfill. It’s great that the American people are taking Oprah’s advice and choosing to be active in little things that do make a big difference.
WHY choose reusable canvas bags? Well first, with proper care these chumpies will last a lifetime. Secondly, they’re very strong so you can really load up on the groceries without the worry about the bag splitting apart. Third, the handles are more comfortable and won’t dig into your skin. Fourth, they conserve our resources, and also keep plastic bags from hitting the landfills or littering the streets. And lastly, they’re the easiest smart choice for anyone seeking to maintain the health of our earthly home.
Our special runs through the end of April in celebration of Earthday. If you’re ready to make the smart choice, visit Tomorrow’s World and get a free bag when you buy three or more. Happy Earth Day and may there be many more!
Well… Our new organic cotton undies for women are a big hit. For years, we carried a label out of Canada which began the demise in service and quality, so we called our partnership quits with them last year. We started sampling prototypes of our own line a few months ago – yes made in the USA – and they are proving to be a big winner. Our customers absolutely love them! AND some other retailers across the country have expressed an interest to carry them as well… which is great because folks can get them more easily. They’re made from a wonderfully soft and stretchy organic cotton ringspun knit with covered elastic and NO spandex. The sizing is true women’s sizes… not junior teenage stuff (no offense lil’ ones). The point is, they are not skin tight and you don’t have to order a size Large when you are really a Small. We have ALWAYS said that it makes sense to wear organic cotton where it counts the MOST. We ladies know how important it is to wear cotton panties… and organic cotton makes it even better since there are no heavy chemical residues hanging out in your personal rainforest. Keep your space eco-green and nice & clean… wear organic undies.
We recently received a web order for 24 organic cotton waffle weave bath towels and my first thought was this must be a “typo”, I emailed the customer to verify the amount and sure enough he needed 24 and has since ordered more. He said they would be used as props in the upcoming movie “Leatherheads” starring George Clooney, “A romantic comedy set in the world of 1920s football, where the owner (Clooney) of a professional team drafts a straight-laced college sensation (Krasinski), only to watch his new coach fall for his fiancée (Zellweger).” It is pure speculation on my part but I am guessing that the towels will be used in a locker room scene which brings this thought to mind….”we’ve got Clooneys butt covered, we can cover yours too!
There is probably nothing that compares to the beauty of natural fibers: Flax Linen, Hemp, Bamboo, Tencel, Wool, Cotton… of course, organic cotton is even better given a choice. It can actually be quite difficult to find clothing and bedding made from 100% natural fibers. These days, most items are produced using synthetic materials, or at the very least, a synthetic blend. Since natural fibers have the ability to breathe, they tend to be more comfortable. Synthetic materials are derived from petrochemicals, such as coal, and often leave you feeling clammy and uncomfortable (not to mention the static cling). Since our family wears mostly natural fibers, I don’t have the need for those static cling sheets anymore! Fabrics made from synthetic material also trap sweat which make a perfect breeding ground for bacteria, such as body odor. Speaking of bacteria, it’s very important to wear cotton underwear, and if you can, upgrade to organic cotton which has no chemical residues or finishing agents. Just as important as underwear, our bedrooms should not be overlooked. Choose natural fibers for this room, whenever possible. This is the retreat we go to every night to refuel and energize our bodies for the day ahead. It should be an oasis of comfort and health, and once again natural fibers reign supreme. We loose a pint of moisture every night and a conventional mattress made of foam and dacron will absorb that moisture like a sponge (which is great if you like dust mites). Natural fibers such as organic cotton ticking and wool batting will allow the bed to breathe, so moisture is evaporated. They’re also healthier since they don’t outgas dangerous chemicals like formaldehyde or PBDE’s. There is a wonderful peace-of-mind knowing your bedroom is clean, safe and healthy. That thought alone makes it easier to drift into a restful night’s sleep.
There was an interesting article in “Ms.” Magazine about breast cancer targeted to geographical areas. Apparently certain parts of the country are at higher risk because of the surrounding environment (and the chemicals).
Of specific interest: “Some researchers maintain… that it reflects the advent of many new synthetic chemicals after World War II, including petrochemicals and plastics. These chemicals’ presence in the environment has leapt from 350-fold in the last five decades, according to the book “A Scientific Detective Story” (Dutton Books, 1996). They argue that since many of these chemicals are hormone-disrupting, they may well contribute to the rise in reproductive cancers and other chronic diseases.”
Just another good reason to go organic! There are NO petrochemicals in our organic bedding or apparel, so it’s an easy way to eliminate that crap out of your life. In fact, switching to organics is probably the easiest way to improve your health and lifestyle, without going to the gym or going on a diet (not that they are bad things – but they can sometimes be hard – LOL). So organics are definitely something every coach potato should embrace!
Organic Cotton has come a long way, and we think this is wonderful. The fact that there are now famous celebrities joining the cause, and getting the word out, helps tremendously. Choosing organic cotton makes a lot of sense. It’s a premium fiber that feels soft against your skin, but more than that, it’s a fiber that also delivers the things we need. No chemicals to touch your skin, and none that harm the farm workers. And least we forget, no toxins leaching into our environment. It’s a mind-set that some people get, and some people don’t. The folks that “get it” have helped this industry gain strong steps in awareness. The folks that don’t understand, are usually just unaware of the great benefits and how it all comes full-circle. With ongoing support from customers that know they really make a difference, and with retailers like Tomorrow’s World who sacrifice over-the-top profits for integrity… perseverance shall prevail, and we shall overcome (hey, I heard that somewhere before). We said it over a decade ago: You DO make a difference. Every person, every where. Look how far we’ve come in just the past ten years! We envision a world where organic is the norm, and the preferred choice for everyone. Together, we can make it happen. Choose organic ~ it’s our future.