Why Leather Chairs Come With an Organic Label
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Alexis Idone is so committed to buying organic that she recently went to three different stores in search of an elusive item: organic cotton balls. With organic food surging in popularity, retailers are now taking the concept beyond the grocery aisle. A flurry of companies are pitching organic furniture, linens, cosmetics — even so-called organic leather. But organic nonfood products aren’t as tightly regulated as food. And even if something is made with organic material, some industry experts say, that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s 100% environmentally friendly. |
Consumer sales of organic fiber for things like clothes and linens totaled $160 million in 2005, up 44% from the previous year, according to the Organic Trade Association, an industry group based in Greenfield, Mass. Demand is being driven by retailers all over the country who are introducing or expanding lines of “green” or “eco-friendly” products. Williams-Sonoma Inc.’s Pottery Barn is rolling out a new line of duvets, sheets and towels made with organic cotton this spring. Furniture and textile designer Q Collection will soon introduce a line of organic bedding for children. Retailer Gaiam has even added organic cotton shower curtains to its product line. The industry is catering to people like Ms. Idone, a 42-year-old creative director from New York. Besides the organic cotton balls, Ms. Idone also has her eye out for an organic sweater for her dog. “I don’t want chemicals going into my body or the environment,” she says.
