Having trouble figuring out some of the eco-fabulous words on the Ecoutrement site? Here are definitions to help you out.
Do you see another confusing word on Ecoutrement that is not listed here? Contact customer service with any questions.
Eco
Short for ecology, eco is fairly interchangeable with environment.
Fair Trade
A system which ensures that the producers of each product were treated fairly. All workers who put something into fair trade production get a fair price for their product or service. "Fair trade is an alternative trading system that creates opportunities for farmers and artisans who are most vulnerable and most disadvantaged by conventional trade" (www.coopamerica.org). Aside from fair wages and good working conditions, fair trade also includes the practice of sustainability. Most times fair trade involves the trading of goods from developing to developed countries.
back to topHemp
A strong and sustainable plant fiber that is generally grown without the use of chemicals or pesticides.
OrganicGrown and made without the use of chemicals or harmful pesticides, which can be harmful to both us and our environment. back to topRaffia
Raffia is a sustainable material that is created from dried palm tree leaves. This is a strong and natural fiber that can be woven. It is unique in that it can have the appearance of straw or silk depending on how it is used.
RecycledRefers to the reuse of a product, or the breakdown of components in a product in order to create a new product. Recycling prevents unnecessary waste from being created by making new products out of things that would otherwise be put into our landfills. back to topReclaimed
A synonym for recycled. Can also be used to describe an item that has been refinished to look like new, and can therefore be reused.
back to topRe-purposed
Similar to recycling, re-purposing an item means that you are taking and item and using it for a different purpose than was originally intended. In terms of accessories, this means that the designer has taken a material that was previously used in a different way in order to create their piece. Most of the leather handbags on Ecoutrement have are made from re-purposed leather that was taken from worn out leather jackets.
back to topSustainable
Sustainable materials have the ability to be used at a steady pace without depleting natural resources or causing severe environmental damage. These materials are usually made from plants that grow quickly, and require no chemicals or pesticides during the growing process.
Vintage
Vintage is most times a fancy word for something old or used. The word vintage usually describes pieces that are at least 25 years old. We love vintage because, after all, they don't make them like they used to. The craftsmanship on authentic vintage pieces is impeccable.
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