Shopping for eco-friendly products can be frustrating. There are so many labels that claim a product is good for the environment but how do you know which ones to trust? Below, we have listed a few of the common labels you may see on products and what exactly they mean. Some of the labels are for authentic achievement while others indicate that a product has good intentions.
Green America Business Seal of Approval
These products are certified by Green America which is a nonprofit membership organization dedicated to harnessing the economic power of consumers, investors and businesses to promote social justice and environmental sustainability. Products that have this seal include clothing, health products, toys, etc. To receive the Green America Business Seal of Approval, companies must demonstrate that they:
- Focus on using business as a tool for positive social change.
- Are “values-driven,” as well as profit-driven.
- Are socially and environmentally responsible in the way they source, manufacture, and market their products and run their offices and factories.
- Are committed to and employ extraordinary and innovative practices that benefit: 1) workers, 2) communities, 3) customers, and 4) the environment.
Companies that have this seal include Green Earth Bamboo, Greenheart, Grounds For Change, and earthsake.
Green Seal
These brands are certified by a nonprofit environmental certification organization that provides science-based environmental certification standards. The products that have this seal include paint, cleaning products, paper products, hotels, and other services. Product and services are evaluated using a life-cycle approach to ensure that all significant environmental impacts are considered in the development of a standard from raw materials extraction through manufacturing to use and disposal. The seals come in three levels: bronze, silver, and gold. Bronze means progress towards meeting standards while gold means that standards have been met. You will see this seal on Staples products and at the Great Wolf Lodge water park resorts.
Design for the Environment
Items with this label are certified by The Environmental Protection Agency. Certified products include detergents, window cleaners, degreasers, and car washing products. Products that receive this seal are made with chemicals that are deemed the safest for humans and the environment. The standards for this seal are very strict – only 15% of those who apply receive the seal on their first try. Consumers will see this seal on Bissell cleaning supplies, Palmolive dishwashing liquids, and Scrubbing Bubbles cleanser.
Cradle to Cradle
This seal is certified by the consulting firm McDonough Braungart Design Chemistry. It includes products like cosmetics, personal care products, diapers, and shipping supplies. The firm measures a product’s all around sustainability from manufacturing to recycling and reuse. The program rates products from basic to platinum. Basic shows a company’s intent to abide by the standard whereas platinum shows achievement of the standard. You will see this seal on products like Aveda, gDiapers, and Method cleaning products.
In this day and age, it is hard to tell which products are truly as eco-friendly as they say they are. Hopefully, these seals will help you determine which products you should purchase and from which companies you should purchase from!
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It must be noted that a number of times companies pay for memberships with these organizations and display their seals on their websites in a way as to suggest endorsements from them. Trust your conviction. http://www.greennbrown.com
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