How to Tell if Companies Are Committed to Sustainable Innovation

Hey, readers! Today, we have some super exciting news to share with you all. Drumroll please…

Naturepedic has just been awarded the 2021 Sustainable Innovation Award by Good Housekeeping!

We’ll try to (slightly) refrain our excitement, but it’s hard, because since 2003, we’ve been on a mission to protect the lives of families through safer, healthier organic-based products that have a positive impact on the environment. So, to be recognized for our “Caring for the Environment Inside Out” program, by an esteemed organization like Good Housekeeping, plus external sustainability professionals, we couldn’t be prouder!

At Naturepedic, we understand, “inside and out,” that there’s a lot of not-so-good chemicals and materials in our environment and everyday products (especially mattresses). That’s why we’re committed to spreading awareness, information and resources to you, our trusty reader.

We also hope to provide you with realistic, actionable solutions, and to help you identify ways to check out if a brand is truly sustainable (hint: keep reading!)

This is a tricky one. Nowadays, it can seem like every company is quick to announce their environmental commitments. So, while this is great and needed for progress, it’s important to understand some telltale ways you can back up their claims.

Some questions to ask include:

If a company is truly committed to protecting the environment and consumer health, then they will likely have strong involvements in environmental organizations and advocacy groups. Check for engagement in popular groups like:

• American Sustainable Business Council
• One Percent for the Planet
• EPA Green Power Partner
• Toxic Free Future
• Organic Trade Association
• The Organic Center
• Environmental Working Group

Naturepedic is a proud member and supporter of the organizations listed above, along with many others. Over the past year, Naturepedic has donated over $200,000 to approved nonprofits dedicated to environmental causes through One Percent For the Planet. We’ve also been working on chemical policy reform and lobbying efforts, alongside NGOs like the American Sustainable Business Council and Cancer Free Economy, to bring the connection between chemicals and childhood cancer to light. 

Typically, this is an easy one to find out! Search for the “sustainability” section on company websites to read up on their commitments and to see if they release annual progress reports. You can check out our latest 2020-21 Sustainability Report here.

Reputable third-party certifications are very important pieces of the puzzle. If brands can meet these high standards, it certainly offers peace of mind knowing that what they are creating is safer and/or more sustainable.

Some certifications to look out for include:

• Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS)
• MADE SAFE
• GREENGUARD GOLD
• Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS)
• UL Formaldehyde-Free Standard
• Forest Stewardship Council / Rainforest Alliance
• Organic Content Standard – OCS100 Certification

Also, be sure to check for industry reports, like The Healthy Pregnancy Guide and Peeling Back the Green Façade.  Often, these will contain compelling research and information on brands, gathered by third-party sources.

At Naturepedic, we’re proud to meet and exceed the most stringent third-party certifications on the market. Recently, we:

• Placed #1 in transparency and material safety tests in the investigative The Mattress Still Matters Report
• Were named leaders in safer chemical alternatives in Clean Production Action's Chemical Footprint Report
• Became the first certified non-food organic product to complete the Organic Fraud Prevention Plan for the Organic Trade Association

Deciphering whether a brand is providing trustworthy, sustainable products, or just making greenwashing claims, can be the hardest task of them all. Luckily, searching for third-party certifications and reports, as listed above, can go a long way in clearing this up.

Be wary of claims like “natural,” “naturally derived,” and “eco-friendly.” Check to see if products include questionable chemicals and materials like:

• Vinyl
• Phthalates
• PFCs/ PFAS
• Polyurethane Foam
• Flame Retardant Chemicals and Chemical Flame Barriers
• Formaldehyde
• GMOs
• Glues / Adhesives

Learn more about our Breathe Safe^TM crib mattresses for babies, along with our range of kids and adult products.

Thanks for being part of our journey toward sustainable excellence! You can read more about Good Housekeeping’s 2021 Sustainable Innovation Awards here.