Our
Environmental Policy
At Gecco Interiors we don’t just sell
environmentally friendly and ethical products, we try to make sure that every
part of our business and lifestyle reflect these values. To achieve this we
make the following pledges
We will:
-
Use renewable energy sources to
power our business
-
Avoid air miles as a business,
as business owners and in product sourcing wherever possible
-
Use only certified recycled
paper in our office and in conjunction with our products. Where this is
absolutely not possible then use we will use FSC certified paper.
-
Use only vegetable ink dyes in
our printing processes wherever possible
-
Minimise packaging in our
products and work with our suppliers to use only recycled and recyclable
packaging materials
-
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and
Redesign for sustainability
-
Use local and co-operative
business partners wherever possible
-
Endeavour to work with
companies who share our ethics and commitment to the environment
-
Constantly review and develop
our policies and processes to make sure that we “walk the walk” as well as
“talk the talk”
Our
Product Selection Policy
In evaluating our suppliers, we have sought
to bring you a selection of products from companies who share our concern for
the environment and sustainability. Where possible, we look to suppliers who
have third party verification for the products they sell. In addition we
ascertain whether the company is committed to the principles of fair trade and
can show a validated chain of custody for their product offering. We strive to bring you the very best in eco friendly products that are also practical and beautiful for your green interior design plans.
As we all know, sustainability and
environmental friendliness is not always a black and white issue. We will
always be honest and upfront with our customers and suppliers about the
eco-credentials of the products we carry and present to you the issues and trade-offs
in selecting a “green” product. In many cases, eco friendly and
sustainable products may be more expensive than alternatives as the avoidance
of pollution, sustainability and fair trade ethics are priced in. Ultimately
the choice is yours but we want to present you with all of the information you
need to make an informed choice. To help with this, we have produced a series
of eco guides below which go into more detail on the issues of each product
area.
Eco Guide to Fabric
Eco Guide to Paint
Eco Guide to Wallpaper
Eco Guide to Lighting
We are constantly trying to improve the
eco-friendliness of our products and information. If you have any suggestion,
please email us
Ecofeedback@geccointeriors.co.uk.
Eco
accreditation and awards
The objective and aims of the AECB is to facilitate environmentally responsible practices within building.
Specifically the AECB aims to:-
* promote the use of products and materials which are safe, healthy and sustainable
* encourage members projects that respect, protect and enhance the environment
* make available comprehensive information and guidance about products, methods and projects
* support the interests and endeavours of members in achieving these aims. |
The Oeko-Tex® Standard 100 was introduced at the beginning of the 1990s as a response to the needs of the general public for textiles which posed no risk to health. "Poison in textiles" and other negative headlines were widespread at this time and indiscriminately branded all chemical across the board used in textile manufacturing as negative and dangerous to health.
Up until the introduction of the Oeko-Tex® Standard 100 there was neither a reliable product label for consumers to asses the human ecological quality of textiles nor a uniform safety standard for companies within the textile and clothing industry which enabled a practical assessment of potential harmful substances in textile products. |
The aim of the standard is to define requirements to 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.
This standard for organic textiles covers the production, processing, manufacturing, packaging, labelling, exportation, importation and distribution of all natural fibres. The final products may include, but are not limited to fibre products, yarns, fabrics and clothes. |
The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is an independent, non-governmental, not-for-profit organization established to promote the responsible management of the world’s forests.
The FSC label provides a credible link between responsible production and consumption, enabling consumers and businesses to make purchasing decisions that benefit people and the environment as well as providing ongoing business value.
FSC provides a certification system with internationally recognized standard-setting, trademark assurance and accreditation services to companies, organizations and communities interested in responsible forestry. |
The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is an independent, non-governmental, not-for-profit organization established to promote the responsible management of the world’s forests.
The FSC Recycled claim and FSC Recycled label apply to products made exclusively from reclaimed materials. "FSC Recycled 100%" and the corresponding FSC label are reserved for products containing 100% post-consumer reclaimed inputs. |
Control Union Certifications (CU) is an independent, internationally operating organization that carries out inspections and issues certificates for sustainable production methods. CU promotes the proper designation of products that have been produced/processed according to sustainable production methods by means of supervising, testing, inspecting, assessing and certifying them.
CU certifies that the products designated have been obtained in accordance with the rules of production and on inspection of the organic production method and sustainable textile production as set out and monitored by the control body (Control Union Certifications).
CU is accredited to carry out inspection and certification services according to the EU organic requirements (EEC Regulation 2092/91) |
The PEFC Council (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification schemes) is an independent, non-profit, non-governmental organisation, founded in 1999 which promotes sustainably managed forests through independent third party certification. The PEFC provides an assurance mechanism to purchasers of wood and paper products that they are promoting the sustainable management of forests.
PEFC is a global umbrella organisation for the assessment of and mutual recognition of national forest certification schemes developed in a multi-stakeholder process. These national schemes build upon the inter-governmental processes for the promotion of sustainable forest management, a series of on-going mechanisms supported by 149 governments in the world covering 85% of the world's forest area. |
Fairtrade is a strategy for poverty alleviation and sustainable development. Its purpose is to create opportunities for producers and workers who have been economically disadvantaged or marginalized by the conventional trading system. If fair access to markets under better trade conditions would help them to overcome barriers to development, they can join Fairtrade.
For a product to display the FAIRTRADE Mark it must meet international Fairtrade standards which are set by the international certification body Fairtrade Labelling Organisations International(FLO). These standards are agreed through a process of research and consultation with key participants in the Fairtrade scheme, including producers themselves, traders, NGOs, academic institutions and labelling organisations such as the Fairtrade Foundation. |
The Soil Association organic symbol is the UK's largest and most recognisable trademark for organic produce. The Soil Association has probably the highest and most comprehensive standards for organic production and processing in the world. Our standards not only meet the UK government's minimum requirements but in many areas are higher. This is particularly true with animal welfare (e.g. pigs and poultry) and the use of pesticides.
We can do this because we are an independent charity and are not motivated by profit - our goal is to promote the highest levels of organic integrity. We have also developed standards for areas not covered by government or EU regulations. These include conservation, fish farming, textiles and health and beauty products. |
Ethical Junction CIC (EJ) believes that change is possible through building momentum. It aims to inspire a new direction of working and living. And it tries to embody Gandhi’s encouragement to ‘be the change you wish to see in the world’. Ethical Junction members must meet our ethical principles.
- EJ is a force for positive change. It exists, primarily, to foster Sustainable Development. Such development is defined as comprising economic and other activities which seek to:
* minimise environmental damage,
* promote equity and
* improve social wellbeing.
- EJ supports businesses, enterprises, community groups and individuals who commit themselves to these goals.
- EJ is impartial, politically and economically.
- EJ defines and promotes high standards of ethical behaviour.
- EJ is inclusive, welcoming and grows through these principles rather than aggressive competition. |
Since 2002, 1% For The Planet has inspired members of the business community to contribute 1% of sales to environmental groups around the world. The non-profit organization was started by the founder of Patagonia, Yves Chauinard, and Craig Matthews. 1% for the Planet exists to build and support an alliance of businesses financially committed to creating a healthy planet. |
69.jpg "Ethical Consumer Best Buy Award")
Ethical Consumer is the UK's leading alternative consumer organisation. We research the social and environmental records of companies. The Best Buy award is given to those companies and products that are top of their class in the Ethiscore. |
This symbol is used for LED lighting and indicates that the product saves 95% of energy usage compared to ordinary lighting. |
Products with this symbol are made with 30% recycled contain helping to reduce the use of raw materials and contribute to the sustainability of the product. |
Products with this symbol are made with 85% recycled contain helping to reduce the use of raw materials and contribute to the sustainability of the product. |
Products with this symbol are recyclable. |
Products with this symbol are are manufactured from sustainable, rennewable sources without the use of harmful chemicals. In addition, the products can be composted or recycled to complete the cradle to cradle loop. |
Products with this symbol are 100% compostable |
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