Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Nandina Towels - luxurious, practical, environmentally-conscious

What happens when you blend certified organic cotton and plantation grown wild bamboo? The result is an exciting fiber called Nandina® that is the first of its kind to meet the strictest standards for organic textiles. This new yarn has tremendous appeal because of its softness, durability, and easy-care qualities.

Cypriana is proud to carry a full line of bath linens made with Nandina® FutureFibers® that take advantage of this special combination of cotton and bamboo, resulting in towels that are luxurious, practical and environmentally conscious.

Luxurious
Made from bamboo, a naturally disease and pest-resistant plant, and organically grown cotton, these towels are ultra-soft and beautifully crafted.

Practical
Nandina ® fibers are highly absorbent and anti-microbial even after numerous washings. Made of all natural materials, Nandina® towels are breathable, hypoallergenic, wrinkle resistant, and can be laundered in cool water.



Environmentally-conscious
Growing up to a foot per day, bamboo can reach full maturity in three years when it can be harvested and further propagated without replanting. Bamboo crops are also maintained pesticide-free, reducing toxic chemical spillage into our environment and able to absorb atmospheric carbon dioxide at a rate five times greater than a comparable stand of timber. In addition, because of their all-natural bamboo and cotton composition, Nandina® fibers readily retain organic and natural dyes and do not require fabric softeners during laundering, further reducing the use of toxic chemicals in your household.

Cypriana is delighted to introduce you to Nandina®, the fiber of the future!

Cypriana ~ the natural home store

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Bamboo as a natural alternative

Typically thought of as the foodstuff of panda bears or a lovely addition to ornamental gardens or home décor, bamboo has been making a mainstream appearance in many fabrics. Derived from the pulp of the bamboo plant, bamboo is able to form long, strong fibers which are soft and durable, making bamboo the perfect natural fabric for your home.

In addition, the cultivation of bamboo is eco-friendly due to unique characteristics of the plant, including its natural anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties, as well as a dramatic growth rate, yielding a sustainable crop that replenishes the harvested plant material immediately.



Health Benefits of Bamboo

- Naturally anti-microbial
- Acts as a natural barrier against the sun’s UV rays
-
Bamboo is Eco-Friendly

- Grows up to one foot per day without the use of fertilizers
- Pest-resistant, preventing chemical use during cultivation
- Absorbs fives time as much carbon dioxide and releases 35% more oxygen compared to equivalent
- Upon harvest, the remaining plant continues to grow without replanting.

Bamboo Fabric

Bamboo fabrics drape like silk, but are machine washable and resist wrinkling naturally. The fibers are porous allowing them to absorb moisture better than traditional fabrics (see our Nandina® towels, which contain a unique blend of bamboo and cotton). The soft, smooth texture is a luxurious material suitable for bedding - feel our DreamSacks® sheets.

Cypriana ~ the natural home store

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Five Ways to "Go Green" at Home

If “going green” is one of your New Year’s resolutions, consider eco-friendly home furnishings and décor. Cypriana has a selection of products that fit the organic, natural, and chemical-free criteria you are seeking!

We suggest:

1. Custom slipcovers and embroidered pillows can be custom tailored from organic fabrics to match your décor.

2. DreamSacks® bedding (sheets, pillowcases, comforters, duvet covers and more) make going green effortless and oh-so-soft.

3. Nandina® towels are made of an exclusive blend of pesticide-free bamboo and organic cotton and are a lavish, eco-friendly indulgence.

4. Running Wild Spirit soaps and lotions, handmade in Washington, reduce the carbon footprint of your gift and support the local economy.

5. Ecobaby bedding and mattresses are chemical-free, organic and natural alternatives to traditional mattresses.

Cypriana makes it is easy to go green!

Cypriana ~ the natural home store

Thursday, January 8, 2009

Seven Green Gifts for Baby

The birth of a newborn is a time of excitement and celebration. As you celebrate a child’s birth, christening, baptism or birthday, choose a gift that best represents the ideals you most want to bestow: a healthy environment and a greener Earth!

Cypriana recommends these green gifts for baby:

1. Mother-ease Diapering system – Made from 100% organic U.S. cotton terry, this leak-free, natural cloth diaper system is designed to grow with your baby.

2. Ecobaby Mattresses – 100% organic, chemical-free mattresses.

3. Ecobaby Bedding – soft, 100% organic cotton crib bumpers, sheets, blankets, mattress covers and more.

4. Under the Nile babywear – beautiful layette items, bibs and burp cloths made from hand-picked, organically-cultivated Egyptian cotton and obtained via fair-trade agreements.

5. Nandina® Towels – ultra-soft and beautifully crafted, pesticide-free bamboo and organically grown cotton towels, perfect for bathing your boy or girl.

6. LeBlanc Laundry Soap – this mild detergent formula contains no bleach or caustics, has a neutral pH and is biodegradable, making it safe, green option for washing baby clothes and bedding.

7. Cypriana gift card – give the gift of green shopping!

Cypriana makes it is easy to give green!


Cypriana ~ the natural home store

Friday, January 2, 2009

More people are going green

The October 2008 issue of body+soul magazine reports that 36% of adults regularly buy green products. This percentage is up 12%, according to a 16-month survey conducted in 2007 by the research firm Mintel. During that time, the number of people who didn't shop green dropped to 10%. I'd be willing to bet the percentage of "green buyers" in the Seattle area is a bit higher!

Cypriana ~ the natural home store