Environmental Significant Labels
by Ruby Hawk on May 06, 2008 with 12 Comments
Consumers are reshaping the market place. 40% of American shoppers are willing to pay more for Earth friendly products. But is the label always accurate? Here are some facts that will help you make better choices.
Some of the labels on “green” products are meaningless, misleading, orcompletely false. Here are the words to look for to be sure you are really buying green products. Marketers are now packaging everything from lipstick to licorice in a way that suggests their product is healthier or more earth friendly. Whether you are shopping at Wal-Mart or Kroger, you are bombarded with such words as “recycled”, “natural”,” biodegradable”, and more. Does it stand for a real environmental benefit? Here are some terms to help you better understand if the label is accurate.
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Organic
What bears this label?
Food, household cleaning supplies, fibers like cotton and wool, cosmetics, personal care products, dry cleaners
Does the word “organic” have environmental significance?
Yes it does. It helps reduces use of synthetic chemicals that harm the environment and possibly create health risks.
Is it worth it?
Absolutely. This label has the most impact on the planet and family.
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2. Nontoxic
What bears this label?
Household cleaning products
What does it mean”?
Ingredients pose no health risk.
Does this have an environmental significance?
Not much since manufactures and consumer health -activists disagree on what is safe.
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DEA Free
What bears this label?
Household cleaning and personal care products
What does it mean?
Does not contain DEA (diethanolamine), a substance linked to cancer in animal studies
Does this claim have environmental significance?
The link to cancer in humans has not been established but you may want to avoid it just in case.
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Biodegradable
What bears this label?
Household cleaners, personal care products, plastics
What does it mean?
After disposal, it can decompose into substances that can safely be absorbed into the soil. Some manufactures use the term loosely.
Does this have an environmental significance?
Yes, reduces the longevity of waste and reduces pollution in soil and water.
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Nonpolluting
What bears this label?
Household cleaning products
What does it mean?
No clear definition
Does this claim have environmental significance?
No, Too vague to be meaningful. Look for organic and biodegradable products instead.
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Natural
What bears this label?
Food, household cleaning products, clothing, cosmetics, personal care products
What does it mean?
For meat and poultry; minimally processed, with no artificial flavor, coloring, or chemical preservatives. For all the rest no clear definition.
Does this claim have an environmental significance?
Yes for meat and poultry. For everything else, the definition is too loose.
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Sustainable
What bears this label?
Wood and paper products
What does it mean?
Made with renewable resources, such as forest harvested using methods to protect the soil, water, plant, and animal life.
Does this claim have environmental significance?
Yes, if you buy more sustainable products it may spur more companies to take better care of our forests. Although sustainable can be misleading. Look for products with an FSC seal, granted by the Forest Stewardship Council.
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Environmentally Safe
What bears this label?
Household cleaning and personal products
What does it mean?
Not harmful to the environment
Does this claim have environmental significance?
No, too vague. Plus even organic products affect the environment because carbon based energy is used to make and transport them.
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Recycled
What bears this label?
Primarily paper and office supplies
What does it mean? Contains some recycled products
Does this claim have environmental significance?
Yes, it contains about 30% or more recycled material.
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No CFCs
What bears this label?
Household cleaning and personal care products
What does it mean? Does not contain CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons), chemicals that damage the Earth’s protective ozone layer.
Does this claim have environmental significance?
No, the EPA banned CFCs decades ago. CFC-free products may, and sometimes do contain other harmful ingredients.
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Published in: Consumer Information
nobert soloria bermosa | May 6, 2008 | Reply
very environmental friendly article
i like it, thanks Ruby, i wish everybody
follows
lanne | May 6, 2008 | Reply
Great article Ruby. Everyone should know these things.
Nick Kenney | May 6, 2008 | Reply
Thanks for posting all of this great info Ruby!
KathySpring | May 7, 2008 | Reply
Thanks for getting me to think…Keep up the good work
KathySpring
IcyCucky | May 7, 2008 | Reply
Wonderful article!
C A Johnson | May 7, 2008 | Reply
This was a very interesting article. I thought it was very informative.
Anne Lyken-Garner | May 8, 2008 | Reply
Original and informative. I will be looking for these from now on.
Ruby Hawk | May 8, 2008 | Reply
Thank you everyone for stopping by and leaving your comments. They are greatly appreciated. Take care.
Lucy Lockett | May 10, 2008 | Reply
Very good guidelines when purchasing products!
Amos | May 10, 2008 | Reply
Ruby, You are a good source of information for saving our resources and false claims made by these manufactures. Thank you for letting us in on it.
Trish | May 14, 2008 | Reply
Thanks for the info. I will read more labels.
Art | May 25, 2008 | Reply
We should read the labels, I confess I don’t always do that.