Organic Baby Products Soon !

A new line of Organic Baby products are coming soon !

They are :

Cots sheets, pillow cases, comforters, clothes, wraps, blankets, bags, curtains

We are GOTS certified

What is the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS)?

The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) is a comprehensive Standard that covers all aspects of the production of all natural fibers including processing, manufacturing, packaging, labeling, exportation, importation and distribution. The final products may include, but are not limited to fiber products, yarns, fabrics and apparel.

The original goal of the GOTS was “to define world-wide recognised requirements that ensure organic status of textiles, from harvesting of the raw materials, through environmentally and socially responsible manufacturing up to labelling in order to provide a credible assurance to the end consumer”. By creating an international, uniform Standard, the GOTS working group sought to enable organic textile manufacturers and marketers to export their goods anywhere in the world with one universally-accepted organic certification.

In order for a textile product to be labeled as “organic” or “organic – in conversion” under GOTS, it must contain at least 95% (excluding non-textile accessories) certified organic fibers OR “in conversion” fibers (GOTS defines “in conversion” fibers as “A product from an operation or portion thereof, which has completed at least 12 months under organic management and is under the supervision of a certification body.”). The remaining 5% may contain non-organic fibers, natural or synthetic (from a GOTS approved list of synthetic fibers), but may not contain any conventional fibers of the same material that is used in organic quality as the rest of the product (for example, a manufacturer may not use 95% organic cotton and 5% conventional cotton, but 95% organic cotton and 5% hemp would be acceptable).

In order for a textile product to be labeled as “made with x% organic materials” or “made with x% organic – in conversion materials” under GOTS, it must contain 70%-95% (excluding non-textile accessories) certified organic fibers OR “in conversion” fibers. Up to 10% of the remaining 30% of the fibers may be regenerated/recycled or synthetic fibers (from a GOTS approved list of synthetic fibers), but none of the 30% may be from conventional fibers of the same material that is used in organic quality as the rest of the product.

Also of note are the GOTS restrictions/prohibitions on a variety of chemicals of concern, including formaldehyde (prohibited), GMOs (prohibited), phenols like PCP and TCP (prohibited), heavy metals (prohibited with a general exception for iron and specific limits on allowable amounts of copper in dyes), and chlorine bleaches (prohibited).

About Ecovivre

Having been always involved in Design and in Humanitarian work for many years now, I have always  wanted to realise a project where I could use my skills to help those I could reach, however in a  small humble way.What better way than bringing changes to our lifestyles and daily things we use in the home in an environmentally sustainable way ?

Growing up in a home where crisp white bed linen was always present, I enjoyed the sheer comforting feel of them. My passion for textiles  was passed on from my mother who  infused me with the knowledge as I grew up. I could tell about a fabric’s make by touching it and smelling it. This used to amuse my friends and I could never explain  it. I decided to go on a trail of disappearing vintage embroidery across Europe after collecting pieces in auctions and vintage shops. This led to a wonderful journey of which ‘Cotton Blanc’ was created.

We had a successful collection of uniquely crafted pieces which sold overnight ! Next, came the decision of continuing doing the same thing or innovate on the way. We continued with a second collection with a wider Spanish and French flavour for their historically rich past. It yielded into a wonderful collection we called ‘ Fleurs des Pres’ which means flowers from the meadows. In fact, all our designs embodied delicate blooms of the shy meadow flowers as they exist in their natural habitat. Doing exclusively white embroidery on white cotton and linen, this time we brought a blush of pastel colours to give a little frivolity to the collection. Again, we were lucky and thankful to our customers for their wonderful response.

We did not use any marketing but gentle word by mouth whispers …

Colbert stitches born in Burano, Italy

We had to think differently for the next line of products. And we went for the simplest one. Going back to the roots. ‘Cotton Blanc’ decided to go green, thus giving a different dimension to its hard researched products while being eco-friendly.

Thus ‘Ecovivre’ was born.

Ecovivre is an offshoot of ‘Cotton Blanc’ which made exclusive Vintage heirloom embroidery for bed linen. All the pieces were unique. The designs were researched from ancient French, Italian and Spanish rare and disappearing embroidery stitches and carefully executed by craftsmen in different parts of Europe and Asia. They graced the clothes of noble families and church officials in ancient times but we saw to it that they were available to everyone.

Spanish Shadow embroidery and French knots

burano lace

Ecovivre offers fine quality bed linen and home accessories in 100% certified Organic cotton. We make sure that all our production follow strict ethical guidelines and no harm is done to either human, animal or the environment. We operate on a small and medium scale thus ensuring high quality and finish to all of our products with meticulous attention to details.

Why are we different ?

Our bed linen is in superior 100% combed certified organic cotton high thread count percale for maximum comfort, luxury and durability.

We use only premium cotton from certified organic plants plants grown in India, the birth place of cotton. We make sure that there are no issues with chemicals, pesticides, or industrial chemicals and toxins getting into your sheets. Absolutely no heavy metals or harsh chemicals are used in the production of our organic bed linen.

Sustainable Development

Chapter 8 of Agenda 21 calls on countries to adopt national strategies for sustainable development (NSDS) that should build upon and harmonize the various sectoral economic, social and environmental policies and plans that are operating in the country.

In addition, integrating the principles of sustainable development into country policies and programmes is one of the targets contained in the United Nations Millennium Declaration to reach the goal of environmental sustainability.

With this goal in mind, we are striving to support poor communities in the developing world and carry out capacity building initiatives which are yielding to positive results. Our first line of this Summer’s collection were made by women from Lucknow in Uttar Pradesh, India. They decendents of a long lineage of court embroiderers which have perfected their craft over the last centuries. The embroidery used dates back from as far as the 3rd century.

How do we achieve such purity in our products ?

True purity and sustainability are our core beliefs.

And we offer the natural color of cotton in its raw washed state, which we call Naturel, in addition to the traditional white (we use mild hydrogen peroxide and lemon juice to whiten our sheets instead of harmful chlorine-based bleach). Naturel is rare and unique to us, as most manufacturers chemically bleach their linen sheets to a very white color. We ensure a eco-clean product delivered to you for a safe and healthy home.

What is Eco-friendly ?

Environmentally friendly (eco-friendly and nature friendly) are synonyms used to refer to goods and services considered to inflict minimal or no harm on the environment.

Who Protects the environment ?

• European Environment Agency (EEA)
• Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)
• UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme)
• Earth System Governance Project

There are also environmental Intergovernmental Organizations that group governments at the regional and local level, as distinguishable from the national level. Examples are the network of regional governments for sustainable development , the ICLEI-Local governments for sustainability  and the Partnerships in Environmental Management for the Seas of East Asia (PEMSEA). These organizations use the method of open coordination to share policy best practice and provide assistance and counsel to partners on issues related to environmental development following the UN Millennium Agenda. These networks can be seen as international organisations and have observer status in the different UN environmental organizations.

Blog Action Day. Climate change – think global ,act local.

Blog Action Day

Climate change still seems too big an issue to get your head around.

First there is the agreement/disagreement over whether climates are really changing or are we in yet another  natural cycle covering thousands of years. I must admit the evidence seems quite overwhelming, even if we are still not 100% sure of the causes we are definitely feeling the effects, from drowning South Pacific islands to disappearing glaciers, the evidence is there.

The second issue surrounds the action that we can take to reduce our damaging impact on the planet. As individuals it is difficult to comprehend the idea that our small contributions can really make a difference, but in fact it is the only thing that will make a difference -just like this blog action day, individual responses linked communally, which these days mean internationally, will have an enduring impact.

We can first try to understand something more about the problem, before considering the variety of interventions that can prove powerful actions. Look above to see   how our everyday life affects the production of greenhouse gases.

Probably the most effective actions we can take,particularly at home,is reducing our energy use and our dependence on fossil fuels (oil,gas,coal etc)

Just reducing our own energy use, apart from saving us money,has a considerable effect on ‘greenhouse gas’ production. According to Home Energy research results standby losses account for 23% of total TV energy use, and more than 50% of VCR energy use. What’s more, only 5% of VCR energy is used to perform its intended function: to play or record videos.TVs are often left on standby overnight, it does not take much to switch them off.

Some electricity companies can sell you ‘green’ energy at competitive prices.

Using energy saving light bulbs is another small local action can really have an   effect globally. Countries like Vietnam have made huge strides in getting the population to use energy saving light bulbs as well as other measures.

Reducing the use of more toxic chemicals around the house,and using more bio degradable ones, will not only reduce our impact on the planet but also will leave our homes healthier and safer .

Taking small action steps, not only have a cumulative effect, but if each ‘action taker ‘can influence one more person to be more aware and then take their own action, the effect is doubly productive.

Can your vote count? In Germany the Greens started out as an insignificant spot on the political landscape -now they can achieve 10% of the vote -this will influence the laws in Germany in terms of ‘pro environment‘ and may also have effects Europe wide.

Ensure local councilors and members of parliament are fully aware of the issues and provide good arguments why you should vote for their policies.

At this point you’ve probably heard of “carbon footprints” and you might have even used an online calculator to figure out what yours is (and thus what your impact is on climate change). The problem is that there are just so many calculators out there now it can be hard to figure out which one to use. Thankfully you can learn about your options from MNN’s 15 Best Carbon Calulators survey.

On the other side of the coin, you might want to be a little more optimistic and review the science behind “10 Solutions for Climate Change” which details what we can actually do to solve these problems personally and as a larger society.

At ecovivrehome we are trying to do our bit by  using only  100% organic cotton for our bedding. This has health benefits for the family as well as reducing our impact on the environment.

Cotton uses approximately 25% of the world’s insecticides and more than 10% of the pesticides (including herbicides, insecticides, and defoliants).

Increased environmental concerns worldwide have not escaped the notice of the fashion industry, which has been fast incorporating organic materials into its designs. Materials like hemp and bamboo are coming on strong, but organic cotton is by far the fabric of choice for most green clothing designers.

By using local artisans,using non toxic vegetable dyes,  with reduced energy/transport  costs our ecovivre hand embroidery also reduces the impact on the earth.

Changing the Present – starts with small steps

Our passion for life and respect for all living things spurs our mind to small actions which we believe can make a difference.

Protecting the environment also means nurturing our planet with conservation for its wildlife. To start with, we have a long list of endangered species which need your immediate support.

One of them is the Tiger. Save them Now !

Help us by donating for the Ranthambhore Foundation to save the Tiger.

Adopt A Tiger

Stop illegal poaching

Defenders of Wildlife

Problem

Despite international actions to ban most trade in tiger skins and parts, poaching of these majestic felines for their hides continues. Recently, hundreds of Tibetans were seen wearing skins bought within the last two years from Indian poachers. Some people even want to resume trade in tiger bone for use in traditional Chinese medicines. Illegal logging is also destroying vital forest habitat that tigers and cubs need to survive.

The Gift

Your gift to Adopt A Tiger today will help to battle the many threats — including illegal logging and poaching — to tigers and other endangered wildlife around the world.