FAQ

What are organic, eco, and sustainable fabrics? Why should I buy them?

Buying products made of organic and sustainable fibers is a choice that is not only better for your health, but also helps us all move towards a clean, pristine environment free of man made chemicals, the way nature intended it to be. Environmentally sound fabrics allow us to retain our modern lifestyle, in a more harmonious way with the earth we live on. Our environment supports our very life and breath, let's support it too! The following list highlights the fabrics we carry:

Do you carry any items containing Lycra, Spandex, Polyester, or other synthetic fibers?

Sit back and relax-you don’t have to rummage through items looking for the 100% natural fibers-we’ve done that for you! Here at the Öko Box we want to provide a fun, safe, and carefree shopping experience for those who are chemically sensitive, have allergies, and other health concerns. With the exception of an occasional elastic stretch waistband in the garment, only about 2% of our offerings contain synthetic blended fabrics. Items that do contain an elastic waistband and/or blends will be clearly stated in the garment description. (This is not including the Vintage/Re-wear, which is used clothing being recycled/re-used and therefore the fabrics vary greatly).

What types of dyes are used in the fabrics?

Dyes range from clay and natural dyes to low impact dyes. Clay dyes are literally made from clay dug from the earth, while natural dyes come from various natural sources such as bilberries and the indigo plant. Low impact dyes use a process called "fiber-reactive," and although they are far more gentle on the earth, they are chemically derived. During the fiber-reactive process the garment absorbs the majority of the dye, creating less toxic runoff and keeping the environmental impact to a minimum. Items with printed ink are made with no-PVC ink. Various companies use different methods, which we try to include in the garment descriptions. (This is not including the Vintage/Re-wear, which is used clothing being recycled/re-used and therefore the dyes vary.

Do the companies you carry practice fair-trade and fair-wages?

Yes. If you would like to learn more about a particular company’s business practices or anything else, click on their link in our Links section.

Is Vintage & Re-wear clothing eco-friendly, even though they are not organic?

Yes, re-using clothing is completely eco-friendly. Although these garments were not originally made with organic standards, recycling what has already been made is a fantastic eco-savvy choice.(Not recommended for those with allergies or chemical sensativities.)

Do you accept exchanges and returns?

Yes! We want you to be happy with your purchase, please see our exchange/return policy under Ordering Info.

Do you sell wholesale?

No, we are a retail store, and not a wholesale company. If you are interested in our offerings, please visit our Links section for a full list of wholesale companies.

I use AOL and all the product photos seem blurry or distorted – how can I fix this?

Some versions of AOL are set to drastically compress photos. It’s easy to change. Click the "Settings" button on the task bar, and choose "Internet (Web) Options from the menu. The first screen that comes up says is about "AOL Topspeed" and asks if you want to compress graphics. Click "never compress graphics" and you’ve changed the setting. We’ve found it only very minimally affects the processing speed and we leave it at this setting all the time. It will take a while for pictures that you have recently viewed to come up clearer however, because the computer has these pictures in a short-term memory file. Come back in a day or two and they will be clear.

What does "Öko" mean, and how do you pronounce it?

It’s German for "organic" and is pronounced "OH-koh".

For questions about ordering information click on Ordering Info above. For any questions you have that are not listed here email or call.

F.Y.I. "Mall Shopping vs. Eco-shopping"

Have you ever been to the mall and got a headache and fatigue after?

It’s not just all that walking-malls are built with highly toxic chemical construction materials, many of which are deemed dangerous and carcinogenic by the EPA. The clothing and accessories commonly have "finishings" in them, which are formaldehyde and wheat, to keep them looking stiff and new. Conventionally made apparel also uses conventional dyes, which are toxic to the environment and sensitive skin. Most conventional fabrics are made from synthetics (a.k.a. chemical fibers), contain synthetic blends, or contain cotton grown with many pounds of agrochemicals. To turn a larger profit, the conventional apparel Industry has their products made in other countries where they underpay workers and sometimes use child labor. Eco-apparel is a heartfelt choice, that’s healthier for your skin and your planet. The clothing does not contain toxic finishings or highly destructive chemical dyes. The fabrics are 100% natural and workers are always paid fair wages. The Öko Box welcomes you to try this fabulously hypoallergenic and conscious alternative.

Go Öko!