Sleep & Beyond FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions - page 7
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2. Then, they are washed thoroughly because of its strong smell.
3. After, feathers are normally dried in large commercial tumble dryers.
4. Most of the feathers are then hand sorted which must be quite a laborious and time consuming process.
Sorting begins by separating each piece into categories of down, down fiber, down feathers, etc…
5. Dust is removed continually throughout many of these processes. It must be done thoroughly otherwise
an unsatisfactory amount of dust will be left in the final process.
6. Finally, the different qualities of downs are blended to get the desired final products.
40. How much down and feathers can be plucked from one bird?
Uup to 5 ounces of feathers and down are pulled from each bird every few weeks from the time that they are
10 weeks old until they are up to 4 years old.
41. What is Foie Gras?
Foie Gras (translated literally from French as "fatty liver") is a food product made of the liver of a duck or
goose that has been specially fattened. Foie Gras is produced by cruel and inhumane farming practices. At
just a few months old, ducks are confined inside dark sheds and force-fed enormous amounts of food several
times a day. A farm worker grabs each duck and, one by one, thrusts a metal pipe down their throats so that a
mixture of corn can be forced directly into their gullets. In just a matter of weeks, the ducks become grossly
overweight and their livers expand up to 10 times their normal size.
42. What is “down alternative” fiber?
Polyester fiberfill is known as a ―down alternative‖ because it mimics the loft and insulation of natural down.
Consumers buy it because it is perceived to reduce allergies, plus it costs less and is easier to clean than
down.
43. What are the differences between organic wool and synthetic fleece?
Organic wool is the logical choice over synthetic fleece since it is Mother Nature’s wonder fiber. It is the
perfect insulator. It is incredibly warm in winter and cool in the summer due to its ability to breathe with the
skin. Wool is the most hydrophilic of all fibers and has the ability to wick away excess moisture. It can actually
absorb and release moisture up to 30% of its weight without feeling clammy or wet. This is unlike synthetic
fleece, which is warm but does not breathe easily. It can resist flame without the chemical treatment involved
in fireproofing. Synthetic fleece is oil based, ignites easily, burns fiercely and melts. If your synthetic fleece is
fire proofed, then you have the toxic fire proofing chemicals next to your skin.
44. Who is the biggest producer of synthetic textiles?
In 2005, approximately 53 billion pounds of polyester were produced worldwide with China being the biggest
producer.
45. What are the damages caused by synthetic textiles?
The synthetic fibers polyester, nylon, and acrylic are made from petrochemicals, which are non-renewable
resources.
The main ingredient in polyester’s manufacture is ethylene glycol, a toxic chemical that can be absorbed into
the body by inhalation and through the skin where it can damage kidneys and the central nervous system.
The use of petrochemicals in bed linens contributes to the environmental hazards associated with petroleum
and coal exploration and processing. These hazards include disruption of land and ocean habitats and
pollution of water supplies.
Polyester production requires high energy consumption, averaging 63% more energy than the production of
cotton.
Dye carriers are used to dye polyester and most of these chemicals are toxic and carcinogenic.
46. What is a famous saying about sheep by Alexander the Great?
Alexander the Great had a good perspective about sheep. He said, ―I am not afraid of an army of lions led by
a sheep; I am afraid of an army of sheep led by a lion.‖
47. What is NOP?
The National Organic Program (NOP) is the federal regulatory framework governing organic production,
processing and its delivery in the United States.
48. What is LOHAS?
LOHAS stands for Lifestyle of Health and Sustainability.