1. Eco Labels: How to Distinguish
the Green from the Greenwash
EcoPlum
Spring 2012
2. What makes a product “green”?
Materials Used
Manufacturing Process
Worker Conditions
Energy Efficiency
Distribution
Packaging
Waste/Pollution
Disposal
3. What is an Eco-Label?
A “seal of approval” that is given by
a government agency, a non-profit
or an independent third party when
a product or company meets certain
predetermined environmental
standards.
4. Eco-Labels
EPA Energy Star and USDA Organic
are two of the better known
government Eco-labels
5. Eco-Labels
There are over 400 Eco-Labels in
the market. Regulation/oversight of
eco-labels is minimal. Which ones
are reputable?
Government vs. NGO vs. Private
Company wide vs. Product Level
General vs. Industry Specific
6. How does one differentiate the green
from the greenwash?
PRODUCT A:“WE PRODUCT B:
ARE GREEN!” Certified by
“Earth Friendly” Government
“Eco” Agency, third party
“Natural” Disclosure and
Transparency
Standards
Independent
Verification
7. Which one would you buy?
Product A Product B
Earth
Friendly
8. Government vs. NGO vs. Private
Energy Star (EPA, DOE) EPEAT Cradle to Cradle
US EPA USGBC UL Environment
Green Vehicle Guide LEED
Design for Environment GREEN SEAL
WaterSense EWG
USDA Skin Deep/Campaign
USDA Organic
USDA BioPreferred
Green America
Canada Fair Trade USA
EcoLogo
9. Company Wide vs. Product Specific
Green America
B-Corp
Green Seal (2010)
Fair Trade Certified
Green Seal
Cradle to Cradle
Energy Star
Dfe
USDA BioPreferred
USDA Organic
LEED
EPEAT
More..
10. General vs. Industry Specific
(with hyperlinks to websites!)
General Clothing
Cradle to Cradle GOTS
Green Seal Buildings
Green America USGBC/LEED
EcoLogo Restaurants
ULE Green Restaurant Association
B-Corp Cars
Cleaning Products EPA Green Vehicle Guide
GreenSeal
USDA BioPreferred
Agriculture/Food
EPA Design for Environment
USDA Organic
Marine Stewardship Council
Personal Care Products American Humane Certified
EWG Skin Deep/Compact for Safe Cosmetics USDA Naturally Raised
Appliances/Electronics Fair Trade Certified (Coffee, Tea...)
Energy Star Carpets/Flooring
EPEAT (Computers) Green Label
Wood/Paper Products FloorScore
FSC
Rainforest Alliance
Home Products
WaterSense
There are many different factors that go into determining the environmental impact of a product. What is the product made of? Are the sources renewable? Are they recycled, pre or post consumer? Upcycled? Made of reclaimed materials? How is it made? How much energy and water are used to produce it? How much waste/pollution is created during the manufacturing process? How energy efficient is the product (appliances, electronics)? How far does the product need to travel to be distributed? By what means? How is it packaged? Is the packaging excessive? Can the packaging be reused? Recycled? Does the use of the product create waste/pollution? How will the product be ultimately disposed of? Landfill? Recycled? Reused? How long will the product last? Will the disposal of the product create a new environmental challenge?
An Eco Label gives some assurances that the product has been through some kind of screening process. What makes a product “green”? Materials Used Manufacturing Process Worker Conditions Energy Efficiency Distribution Packaging Waste/Pollution Disposal There are many different factors that go into determining the environmental impact of a product. What is the product made of? Are the sources renewable? Are they recycled, pre or post consumer? Upcycled? Made of reclaimed materials? How is it made? How much energy and water are used to produce it? How much waste/pollution is created during the manufacturing process? How energy efficient is the product (appliances, electronics)? How far does the product need to travel to be distributed? By what means? How is it packaged? Is the packaging excessive? Can the packaging be reused? Recycled? Does the use of the product create waste/pollution? How will the product be ultimately disposed of? Landfill? Recycled? Reused? How long will the product last? Will the disposal of the product create a new environmental challenge?
Some are more stringent than others. Some are more reputable. Many different types of Eco-Labels. Some of the things to look for in eco-labels: Self assessment vs. third party assessment? Credibility of organization granting certification/approval What are the fees? What does the organization do with this information? Can break down into these categories: Government vs. NGO vs. Private Company wide vs. Product Level General vs. Industry Specific
Many products claim to be “earth friendly”, “eco,” and “natural.” These terms are not regulated (other than FTC Guidelines – go into this?) How do you know if the claim is real or just “greenwashing?’ Tell story about doggie waste bags and Poland Spring Eco-Bottle Would you be more likely to buy a product that has a picture of the earth on it, or one that has the Green Seal logo?